The Los Angeles Rams will kick off the 2025 NFL Playoffs when they take on the Carolina Panthers on Saturday afternoon. Despite being the away team for this game, the Rams are heavily favored to send the Panthers packing, and if they end up doing so, that likely means that quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Puka Nacua both had big games.
Perhaps the most lethal quarterback/wide receiver combo in the game, Stafford and Nacua repeatedly torched opposing defenses all season long, and they will look to carry that success over to the postseason. Before this game gets underway, though, both guys received some very important news that will surely catch their attention.
Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua Get Selected to the All-Pro First Team
First team
Offense Quarterback — Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams Running Back — Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Fullback — Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco Wide Receivers — Puka Nacua, Los
Even though they are the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoff bracket, the Rams are one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl this year. That’s thanks in large part to their high-powered offense, which is led by an explosive passing attack and a strong ground game that complements it perfectly. When L.A. is playing its best football, it looks unstoppable on this side of the ball.
At the center of everything, though, is Stafford and Nacua. In his 17th NFL season, Stafford turned in the best year of his career, as he led the league in both passing yards (4,707) and passing touchdowns (46). Nacua was his favorite target, as the third-year pass catcher finished tops in the NFL with 129 receptions, which went for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Stafford is favored to win the MVP Award this year, while Nacua could end up taking home the Offensive Player of the Year Award. One honor that both guys were believed to be a lock for was the All-Pro team, and sure enough, that ended up being true. With the teams getting revealed on Saturday morning, both Stafford and Nacua were selected to the 2025 All-Pro First Team, making them Los Angeles’ only two players to be featured on either team.
Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua Looking to Lead Rams on Super Bowl Run
GettyRams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Puka Nacua both were selected to the All-Pro First Team
While Nacua was unanimously selected to the First Team, Stafford faced a bit of resistance from New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. With both guys duking it out for the MVP Award, all eyes were on the All-Pro First Team to see which guy would end up earning the top spot. Stafford won this battle, but that doesn’t necessarily guarantee that he will end up winning the MVP Award.
Individual accolades are great, but the main goal for both of these guys is to go and win a Super Bowl. The path to a title won’t be easy for the Rams, but they have proven they can go toe-to-toe with any team, as long as Stafford and Nacua are on the same page (which they almost always are). Kickoff for their wild-card playoff matchup against the Panthers is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon.
Rams’ Matthew Stafford & Puka Nacua Get Major News Before Panthers Game