Overview of the Los Angeles Rams in the 2025 Season

The 2025 NFL season for the Los Angeles Rams was a mix of triumph and heartbreak. The team finished with a record of 12-5 (or 9.5 wins), securing second place in the NFC West. They advanced to the NFC Championship game, where they fell short against the Seattle Seahawks. Despite this, the Rams ranked second in DVOA, a testament to their overall strength and performance throughout the season.

Matthew Stafford, the quarterback, had what many considered his best season yet. He played at an MVP level, leading the offense to success. However, concerns about his health and longevity were prevalent throughout the offseason. There were trade discussions and even rumors of an “Ammortal Chamber,” which is a fictional concept often used to describe a situation where a player’s future is uncertain. Whether Stafford will return for the 2026 season remains to be seen, especially after coming up short of a Super Bowl run.

Key Developments During the 2025 Season

One of the most significant developments for the Rams was the emergence of a strong running game that led the league in success rate. This was achieved through a shift to 13 personnel midway through the season, allowing the team to control the game both through the air and on the ground with bigger bodies on the field. Head coach Sean McVay demonstrated his ability to adapt and evolve the offense, particularly with the tight end-heavy approach, which proved successful.

On the defensive side, the Rams had one of the best-coordinated units in the league. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s work earned him consideration as a potential head coach candidate around the league. The defense performed exceptionally well, but it was the close loss to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship game that left many wondering if this was the start of the next evolution of the franchise under McVay.

Cap and Cuts Outlook

The Rams have more than $45 million in projected salary-cap space, the eighth-highest among all NFL teams, according to OvertheCap. This provides the team with flexibility in making decisions for the 2026 season. The future of Matthew Stafford is a critical factor here. If the 37-year-old quarterback retires, the Rams would gain an additional $6.4 million in cap space. However, they would likely need to use a chunk of their cap to find a new quarterback, as the team appears to be out of range for a rookie in what might be a one-quarterback draft.

Another potential cap casualty is Darious Williams, whose release would create $7.5 million in cap space. Additionally, if Davante Adams retires, the team would free up $14 million in space.

Key Pending Free Agents

Several key players are set to become free agents, including:

• S Kam Curl: A bargain signing two years ago, Curl has been integral to the Rams’ defense.
• OL Rob Havenstein: A big piece of the offensive line, but Warren McClendon Jr. has shown promise as a cheaper alternative.
• TE Tyler Higbee: A valuable tight end who has contributed significantly to the offense.
• WR Tutu Atwell: A receiver who has been part of the team’s plans.

Positional Needs

The Rams have several positional needs heading into the 2026 season:

• Cornerback: The defense struggled with outside coverage, ranking 28th in yards allowed per attempt.
• Wide Receiver: The need depends on whether Davante Adams returns. If he does, the focus could shift to upgrading the third receiver spot. If he retires, a No. 2 receiver behind Puka Nacua becomes a priority.
• Linebacker: Improving coverage range at the linebacker position could be beneficial, as Omar Speights and Nate Landman had issues in this area.

2026 NFL Draft Picks

The Rams have several draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including:

• 1st round, pick No. 13 (ATL)
• 1st round, pick No. 29
• 2nd round
• 3rd round
• 5th round
• 6th round (CLE)
• 6th round
• 7th round (BAL)
• 7th round (projected compensatory)
• 7th round (projected compensatory)

What Could Move the Fantasy Needle in 2026?

The best path forward for the Rams in 2026 is to run as much of the offense back as possible while making a few minor tweaks. However, sustainability is always a challenge in the NFL. With two key players well into their careers, the Rams must continue to fortify their unit in the offseason.

The defense, particularly in the secondary, let them down at the end of the season. However, the team cannot afford to lock into one side of the ball with their offseason checklist. The Rams are focused on ensuring their offense is ready to push for another top-five finish in 2026 while holding off any regression. This could mean introducing some new faces to the unit in the offseason.

Good Draft Fit

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee: If McCoy’s injury profile were clean, he would likely be the first cornerback taken. However, due to his injury, he might fall to the bottom of either of the Rams’ picks in the mid- or late first round. McCoy has good size, and if he retains his pre-injury movement, he could be a difference-maker on the outside.

Betting Nugget

The Rams were one of the NFL’s best teams against the spread during the 2025 regular season, going 12-5. This marks the franchise’s best mark against the number since 1999 when the Rams went 13-3 ATS.