The Los Angeles Rams are back on top of the NFL as Week 15 kicks off.
Their 45–17 rout of the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14 not only improved their record to 10-3. It pushed them to No. 1 in The Athletic’s latest NFL Power Rankings.
“Father Time and the back problems that complicated Matthew Stafford’s training camp appear to be the only things that can stop this offense,” The Athletic’s Josh Kendall and Chad Graff wrote Tuesday. “The Rams had 530 yards Sunday, and Stafford became the fourth quarterback to have seven or more games in one season with at least three touchdowns and no interceptions. Since Week 10, Los Angeles leads the league with 34 points per game.”
It was a proper bounce back for Los Angeles after a 31-28 upset loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 13.
Stafford Steers Offense And MVP Discussion
Sunday against the Cardinals was one of Stafford’s best showcases of 2025. The 37-year-old quarterback became just the fourth at the position in NFL history to record seven or more games in a single season with at least three touchdown passes and zero interceptions — owning the MVP race for the moment.
– 29% MVP Odds – 57% MVP Odds – 3412 Pass Yards – 3354 Pass Yards – 23 TDS – 35 TDS – 6 INTS – 4 INTS – 111.9 PRTG – 113.1 PRTG
The version of Stafford leading this offense now looks nothing like the veteran signal-caller who battled through training camp with back complications. He’s now up to 3,354 passing yards and 35 touchdowns in 13 starts — shattering his 2024 total (20).
Why the Rams Could Be Built for a Deep NFC Run Again
This isn’t just about Stafford. There are several reasons this offense has become one of the most dangerous to see in January.
Davante Adams‘ presence outside has brought the best out of Puka Nacua. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum have remained efficient in the ground game. And the Rams boast unique tight end depth that they were missing last year.
Defensively, the Rams are matching the offense with momentum-shifting plays when needed. That’s the defining difference between early-season hype and late-season certainty.
The only scenario that truly complicates this surge lives inside Stafford’s health. His back issues were the one dark cloud hanging over camp, and the Rams know better than anyone how fragile a championship window can become if the quarterback falters physically.
Right now, that concern remains theoretical. In real time, Stafford looks liberated. The velocity is there. The movement in the pocket is there. The command is unmistakable.
Next comes the real measuring stick for the Rams.
A showdown with the Detroit Lions looms next Sunday — a game that will test not just the Rams’ firepower, but their ability to sustain it against one of the NFC’s toughest teams. It’s the kind of matchup that either confirms a No. 1 ranking or invites doubt back into the room.
For now, though, Los Angeles owns the moment.
They’ve climbed from contender to standard-setter. They’ve rebuilt their identity around efficiency instead of desperation. And they’ve placed themselves in the rare position where the only real question left is health.
If Stafford holds up, the Rams won’t just be chasing playoff wins.
They’ll be hunting the whole thing.
Rams Grab Attention In Week 15 NFL Power Rankings