Los Angeles Rams

Team Overview

The Los Angeles Rams are charging into 2025 as NFC West champions, aiming to build on their 10-7 2024 season and a thrilling divisional-round run. With Matthew Stafford locked in via a two-year extension and Davante Adams bolstering the passing game, Sean McVay’s squad has Super Bowl aspirations. For survivor pool players, the Rams’ favorable schedule—facing the weaker AFC South and NFC South—offers prime opportunities, but their travel-heavy slate and divisional gauntlet require strategic timing. This analysis dives into their roster, schedule, and survivor pool fit.


Team Roster Review

Offense

  • Quarterback: Matthew Stafford (3,876 passing yards, 28 TDs, 11 INTs in 2024). At 37, Stafford remains a top-tier pocket passer, especially with Adams as his new WR1. Backup Jimmy Garoppolo provides veteran depth.
  • Running Backs: Kyren Williams (1,144 yards, 12 TDs in 2024), Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers, Cody Hunter (rookie). Williams’ vision and burst anchor the ground game, with Hunter’s 4.03 yards after contact (SEC-best in 2024) adding depth.
  • Wide Receivers: Davante Adams (1,312 yards, 8 TDs in 2024 with Raiders, acquired via free agency), Puka Nacua (1,486 yards, 6 TDs in 2024), Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield (rookie). Adams and Nacua form a lethal duo, though Cooper Kupp’s release to Seattle stings.
  • Tight Ends: Terrance Ferguson (rookie, 6’5”, 255 lbs), Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen. Ferguson, a 2025 second-rounder, addresses a weak spot (459 TE receiving yards in 2024, NFL-lowest). Higbee’s free agency looms.
  • Offensive Line: LT Alaric Jackson, LG Steve Avila, C Beaux Limmer, RG Kevin Dotson, RT Rob Havenstein. The line allowed 34 sacks (15th in NFL) and powered 4.5 yards per carry. Trading Jonah Jackson to Chicago thins depth.


Defense

  • Defensive Line: Edge: Byron Young (8.0 sacks in 2024), Jared Verse, Keir Thomas, Josh Stewart (rookie, 14 sacks at Michigan). Interior: Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Ty Hamilton (rookie). Young and Verse lead a fierce pass rush, with Hamilton’s 96% tackle rate adding run-stopping grit.
  • Linebackers: Christian Rozeboom (departed), Ernest Jones IV, Pooh Paul Jr. (rookie, 84 tackles in 2024 at Ole Miss). Jones anchors the unit, but losing Rozeboom and Jake Hummel weakens depth. Paul’s 665 coverage snaps without a TD allowed are promising.
  • Secondary: CBs: Tre’Davious White, Darious Williams, Cobie Durant. Safeties: Kamren Curl, Quentin Lake. White’s health is key, but Curl’s offseason speed training bolsters a turnover-hungry group (22 takeaways in 2024).
  • Special Teams: K Joshua Karty (26/31 FGs in 2024), P Ethan Evans (46.1-yard average). Karty’s rookie reliability and Evans’ leg are assets, though punt coverage allowed 11.2 yards per return.


2025 Draft Class

  • Round 2, Pick 46: TE Terrance Ferguson (Oregon) – 6’5”, 255 lbs, big-bodied target. Fills a long-term need with Higbee’s contract expiring.
  • Round 3, Pick 90: EDGE Josh Stewart (Michigan) – 14 sacks in two seasons, relentless motor. Adds depth behind Young and Verse.
  • Round 3, Pick 101: WR Konata Mumpfield (Pittsburgh) – Slot receiver with quickness, projects as WR4.
  • Round 4, Pick 127: ILB Pooh Paul Jr. (Ole Miss) – 84 tackles in 2024, coverage specialist. Replaces departed Rozeboom.
  • Round 5, Pick 159: DT Ty Hamilton (Ohio State) – 51 tackles, 3.5 sacks in 2024. Traded up for his 96% tackle rate and run-stuffing ability.
  • Round 6, Pick 190: RB Cody Hunter (Auburn) – 1,201 yards, 8 TDs in 2024. SEC-best 4.03 yards after contact. Depth for Williams.
  • Round 6, Pick 201: CB Derion Kendrick (Georgia) – Developmental slot corner, special teams contributor.
  • Round 6, Pick 202: S Kamren Kinchens (Miami) – Depth safety with interception upside.


Note: Traded first-round pick (No. 26) to Atlanta and second-round pick (2024) for Braden Fiske.


Team Offense and Defense Metrics (2024 Season)

Offense

  • Points Per Game: 25.4 (10th in NFL)
  • Total Yards Per Game: 353.2 (10th)
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 227.5 (10th)
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 125.7 (9th)
  • Turnovers: 19 (T-14th lowest)


Defense

  • Points Allowed Per Game: 22.8 (16th)
  • Total Yards Allowed Per Game: 337.6 (18th)
  • Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 218.4 (17th)
  • Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 119.2 (15th)
  • Takeaways: 22 (T-12th)


2025 Outlook: Adams’ arrival and Nacua’s growth should elevate the passing game, potentially top-5 in yards. Defense, with a young front seven (Young, Verse, Turner), could crack the top 10 if secondary stays healthy. Midseason bye (Week 8) aids late surge.



2025 Schedule Analysis

Below is the Rams’ 2025 schedule with survivor pool fit, based on opponent strength, location, and 2025 win probability (estimated using 2024 records, roster changes, and schedule context).

Week Date Opponent Location Time/Network Win Probability Survivor Pool Fit
1 Sun, 9/7 Houston Texans Home 4:25 PM ET, CBS 60% Poor: Texans (10-7 in 2024) boast C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. SoFi opener is winnable but risky vs. a playoff team.
2 Sun, 9/14 Tennessee Titans Away 1:00 PM ET, CBS 75% Top-Tier Anchor: Titans (3-14 in 2024) start rookie QB Cam Ward. Rams’ pass rush should dominate on the road.
3 Sun, 9/21 Philadelphia Eagles Away 1:00 PM ET, FOX 45% Avoid: Eagles (14-3, Super Bowl champs) are a nightmare at Lincoln Financial Field, especially after 2024’s playoff loss to them.
4 Sun, 9/28 Indianapolis Colts Home 4:05 PM ET, FOX 65% Streamable: Colts (10-7 in 2024) are tough, but Anthony Richardson’s inconsistency and SoFi’s home edge tilt this to the Rams.
5 Thu, 10/2 San Francisco 49ers Home 8:15 PM ET, PRIME 55% Poor: Thursday night divisional games are coin flips. 49ers (6-11 in 2024) are rebuilding but always scrappy.
6 Sun, 10/12 Baltimore Ravens Away 1:00 PM ET, FOX 40% Avoid: Ravens (13-4 in 2024) are a playoff juggernaut. M&T Bank Stadium is a brutal road test for Stafford.
7 Sun, 10/19 Jacksonville Jaguars London 9:30 AM ET, NFL 70% Streamable: Jags (9-8 in 2024) are inconsistent, and neutral-site game favors Rams’ coaching edge. Early kickoff adds variance.
8 - BYE - - - -
9 Sun, 11/2 New Orleans Saints Home 4:05 PM ET, FOX 80% Top-Tier Anchor: Saints (5-12 in 2024) face QB uncertainty (possibly Tyler Shough). SoFi should be a rout.
10 Sun, 11/9 San Francisco 49ers Away 4:25 PM ET, FOX 50% Avoid: Divisional road games are traps. Levi’s Stadium and 49ers’ familiarity make this a no-go.
11 Sun, 11/16 Seattle Seahawks Home 4:05 PM ET, FOX 60% Streamable: Seahawks (10-7 in 2024) got Kupp, but Rams’ home dominance (6-3 in 2024) and pass rush edge out.
12 Sun, 11/23 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Home 8:20 PM ET, NBC 65% Streamable: Bucs (10-7 in 2024) are solid, but SoFi’s Sunday Night energy and Adams’ big-game ability favor Rams.
13 Sun, 11/30 Carolina Panthers Away 1:00 PM ET, FOX 75% Top-Tier Anchor: Panthers (6-11 in 2024) struggle offensively. Bryce Young vs. Rams’ defense is a mismatch.
14 Sun, 12/7 Arizona Cardinals Away 4:25 PM ET, FOX 55% Poor: Cards (8-9 in 2024) are feisty at home. Divisional road games are too volatile for survivor.
15 Sun, 12/14 Detroit Lions Home 4:25 PM ET, FOX 50% Poor: Lions (12-5 in 2024) are a playoff contender. Week 1 thriller last year makes this a toss-up at SoFi.
16 Thu, 12/18 Seattle Seahawks Away 8:15 PM ET, PRIME 45% Avoid: Seattle’s Lumen Field and Thursday night chaos make this a divisional landmine.
17 Sun, 12/28 Atlanta Falcons Away 8:15 PM ET, ESPN 60% Streamable: Falcons (8-9 in 2024) rely on rookie Michael Penix Jr. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is tough, but Rams’ experience prevails.
18 Sat, 1/4 Arizona Cardinals Home 1:00 PM ET, TBD 65% Streamable: Cards are scrappy, but Rams’ home finale at SoFi and playoff motivation make this a solid pick.

Notes on Key Stats from 2024

  • Home/Road Splits: Rams went 6-3 at home (SoFi Stadium) but 4-4 on the road, showing reliance on home-field advantage.
  • Late-Season Surge: Went 9-3 after a 1-4 start, including 6-1 post-bye, a McVay hallmark. 2025’s Week 8 bye sets up another potential run.
  • Turnover Margin: +3 (22 takeaways, 19 giveaways), solid but not elite. Stafford’s 11 INTs were manageable but a slight concern.
  • Red Zone Offense: 60.2% TD conversion rate (12th in NFL), boosted by Williams’ goal-line prowess and Nacua’s contested catches.
  • Pass Rush: 46 sacks (T-8th in NFL), led by Young (8.0) and Verse. Adding Stewart and Hamilton should maintain pressure.


Survivor Pool Strategy

The Rams are a Top-Tier Anchor for 2025 survivor pools, thanks to their favorable schedule (17th-easiest, per 2024 opponent win percentage) and winnable home games against non-playoff teams. Their 6-3 home record and McVay’s late-season magic make them a multi-week option, especially in Weeks 2, 9, and 13. However, their 34,832-mile travel slate (second-most in NFL) and five standalone games (three on the road) add risk. Use them early or midseason to save other elites (e.g., Eagles, Chiefs) for December.


Best Survivor Picks

  • Week 9 vs. New Orleans Saints (Home, 80% Win Prob.): The Saints’ 5-12 2024 season and shaky QB situation (potentially Tyler Shough) make this a lock at SoFi. Rams’ 6-3 home record and rested post-bye roster seal it.
  • Week 13 vs. Carolina Panthers (Away, 75% Win Prob.): Panthers’ 6-11 record and Bryce Young’s limited supporting cast are no match for Rams’ defense. Road game is mitigated by Carolina’s offensive woes.
  • Week 2 vs. Tennessee Titans (Away, 75% Win Prob.): Titans’ 3-14 record and rookie QB Cam Ward face a steep challenge vs. Rams’ pass rush. Early road game is a safe bet given Tennessee’s rebuild.


Weeks to Avoid

  • Week 3 @ Philadelphia Eagles: Super Bowl champs (14-3 in 2024) at home are a survivor pool killer, especially after ending Rams’ 2024 playoff run.
  • Week 6 @ Baltimore Ravens: Ravens (13-4 in 2024) at M&T Bank Stadium are a playoff-caliber road trap. Lamar Jackson vs. Rams’ secondary is a mismatch.
  • Week 10 @ San Francisco 49ers: Divisional road games are risky, and Levi’s Stadium’s intensity makes this a no-go, even with 49ers’ 6-11 2024 season.
  • Week 16 @ Seattle Seahawks: Thursday night at Lumen Field is a divisional nightmare. Seattle’s home-field edge and Kupp’s revenge factor add danger.


Additional Survivor Pool Considerations

  • Bye Week Timing (Week 8): Midseason bye splits the schedule evenly, ideal for a second-half surge (6-1 post-bye in 2024). Avoid Weeks 6-7 (Ravens, Jags) due to pre-bye fatigue and London travel.
  • Primetime Games: Five standalone games (Weeks 5, 12, 15, 16, 17), but three are away (Eagles, Seahawks, Falcons). Only Week 12 vs. Bucs is a safe primetime pick.
  • International Game: Week 7 vs. Jaguars in London is neutral-site but early (9:30 AM ET), adding jetlag variance. Streamable but not ideal.
  • Travel Burden: 34,832 miles (second-most in NFL) and 44 time zones crossed could sap energy, especially in back-to-back road trips (Weeks 2-3, 6-7). Prioritize home games.
  • Trade Deadline (est. Nov 4, Week 10): Rams’ multiple first-round picks could lead to a blockbuster trade, impacting roster strength post-Week 9. Monitor news.


Final Verdict

The Los Angeles Rams are a survivor pool powerhouse for 2025, offering high-probability wins in Weeks 2, 9, and 13 against weak opponents (Saints, Panthers, Titans). Their 17th-easiest schedule, elite coaching, and offensive firepower (Stafford, Adams, Nacua) make them a top-tier anchor, especially at SoFi Stadium (6-3 in 2024). However, their travel-heavy slate and divisional traps (49ers, Seahawks, Cardinals) demand early or midseason usage to avoid late-season risks. Pick the Rams wisely, and they’ll carry your pool far.

  • What’s the best week to pick the Los Angeles Rams in a 2025 survivor pool?

    Week 9 vs. the New Orleans Saints is the safest pick. The Saints’ 5-12 2024 season and QB uncertainty (likely Tyler Shough) make this a near-lock at SoFi, with an 80% win probability post-bye.

  • Are the Rams a reliable survivor pool pick for road games in 2025?

    Selectively, yes. Weeks 2 (Titans) and 13 (Panthers) are strong road options due to weak opponents (3-14 and 6-11 in 2024). Avoid tougher road trips like Weeks 3 (Eagles), 6 (Ravens), and 16 (Seahawks) due to playoff-caliber foes and travel fatigue.

  • How does the Rams’ London game in Week 7 affect survivor pool strategy?

    The Week 7 game vs. Jacksonville in London (neutral site, 70% win probability) is streamable but risky due to early kickoff (9:30 AM ET) and jetlag. McVay’s coaching edge helps, but save the Rams for safer spots like Weeks 9 or 13.

References

  • Los Angeles Rams 2025 Schedule: Complete schedule, tickets, and matchup information for 2025 NFL Season.
  • 2025 Los Angeles Rams season - Wikipedia.
  • L.A. Rams schedule 2025: Dates & times for all 17 games, strength of schedule and predictions | Sporting News.
  • Los Angeles Rams 2025 NFL draft picks: Selection analysis - ESPN.
  • Los Angeles Rams Schedule - 2025-26 NFL Games - The Athletic.
  • Los Angeles Rams 2025 Schedule | FBSchedules.com.
  • @DonELichterman, X post on Los Angeles Rams 2025 season preview.