News Rams Team Notes

[Los Angeles Rams]

PFF grades: Stafford’s two-worst games on season have come vs Panthers

The Los Angeles Rams survived the Carolina Panthers to advance to the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. LA corrected the record and got revenge after falling to Carolina earlier in the year. The final score was 34-31.

Let’s take a look at the Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and data from the game. Who helped the Rams move to the next round of the postseason?

Top five grades on offense​

1 – Alaric Jackson, LT: 83.4​

With Kevin Dotson out, it’s a debate whether Warren McClendon or Alaric Jackson is the Rams’ next best lineman. Jackson took those honors on Saturday. He graded out evenly in the run and pass games at 80.9 and 80.4, respectively.

2 – Puka Nacua, WR: 81.0​

Nacua led the Rams in run blocking grade at 91.3. While he was easily LA’s most productive receiver with 10 catches for 11 yards and two total scores, his PFF grade is likely lower than expected because he dropped a would-be touchdown from Matthew Stafford. Making this play could have made a major difference in the game script.

Puka Nacua with a huge drop

3 point game at half! pic.twitter.com/TgVr4Ewi12

— GameBlazers (@GameBlazersFF) January 10, 2026

3 – Colby Parkinson, TE: 70.7​

The Rams didn’t target Parkinson often. He made the biggest play of the game with the winning 19-yard touchdown from Stafford. In total he finished with two catches on three targets for 34 yards and the score. The blocking grades were less favorable for Parkinson. He made his mark as a receiver in this game.

Colby Parkinson GAME WINNING TD.

Matthew Stafford proves why he is the MVP, and the Rams are moving on.

WHAT A GAME pic.twitter.com/v5XEGD3zn7

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) January 11, 2026

4 – Coleman Shelton, C: 70.4​

Shelton was stellar in pass protection with a grade of 82.1 (second to Blake Corum on the team). He struggled in run blocking with a grade of 65.3 (still fifth highest).

The Rams allowed 11 pressures on Stafford. This is how they stacked up:

• Warren McClendon: three
• Jackson: three
• Kyren Williams: two
• Steve Avila: one
• Shelton: one
• Justin Dedich: one

5 – Kyren Williams, RB: 69.9​

While Blake Corum averaged 4.1 yards per carry and Williams was slightly better at 4.4, the Rams didn’t seem committed to the rushing attack for most of this game. They seemed to fare better on early downs and couldn’t muster much production in short-yardage situations. Williams finished with 13 carries for 57 yards and Corum had 11 rushes for 45.

Williams created 24 yards after contact. Corum had 26. Nacua led the offense in forced missed tackles as a rusher with three.

Other notes on offense​

This wasn’t Matthew Stafford’s worst game of the 2025 season, but it was second from the bottom according to PFF. His lowest mark also came against Carolina in Week 13.

That should give us comfort that maybe the Rams’ slow start to the postseason was a unique outcome of facing the Panthers. Stafford and the offense may fare better against a different defense.

Still, it’s noteworthy that the Panthers defensive coordinator is a former Sean McVay assistant in Ejiro Evero. Does Evero hold the recipe to slowing down LA’s usually potent offense?

In this game Stafford finished with two big-time throws and two turnover-worthy plays. Rams pass catchers dropped two passes; however, Stafford’s adjusted completion rate of 63.4% was comfortably his lowest mark of the year. The veteran QB was off the mark on this game and the PFF data bears that out.

Top five grades on defense​

*Excluding players with less than five snaps. Roger McCreary had a grade of 79.8 on four snaps.

1 – Poona Ford, DT: 84.4​

If you exclude Bryce Young’s production as a scrambler, Carolina gained only 59 rushing yards by backs. Chuba Hubbard carried 13 times for 46 yards (3.5 avg) with two scores. Rico Dowdle and Trevor Etienne were both held under 10 yards.

Poona Ford deserves a lot of credit for this effort in run defense. He earned the second-highest grade in this facet on the defense and has excelled in this area all season. Ford also earned three pressures as a pass rusher.

2 – Kamren Curl, DB: 74.3​

Curl edged out Ford to lead the defense in the running game at 73.6. He made 12 total tackles without a miss.

Curl was targeted only a single time and allowed a seven-yard touchdown to Jalen Coker. This was a great pass by Bryce Young to throw his receiver open. Curl was in tight coverage.

Panthers WRs with at least 130 receiving yards and a TD catch in a playoff game:

Steve Smith Sr.
Muhsin Muhammad
JALEN COKERpic.twitter.com/ungdYgLX1K

— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) January 11, 2026

3 – Jared Verse, EDGE: 71.9​

Verse was second in total pressures with six. His highest-graded contributions came as a pass rusher. It’s clear he consistently effected Young even though he did not record a sack.

4 – Ty Hamilton, DT: 71.3​

You can usually find rookie Ty Hamilton towards the bottom of the defensive PFF grades, but the rookie gave positive contributions in the playoffs. It’s an encouraging sign, even if he only played 11 snaps. Hamilton earned a solid run defense grade of 70.2 that ranked fourth for the Rams.

5 – Byron Young, EDGE: 69.1​

Young had seven (!) pressures on Bryce Young and led the team. With 30 seconds left in regulation and the Panthers needing a field goal, Young came alive to scare Bryce Young out of the pocket and forced errant throws. It was reminiscent of how Aaron Donald used to takeover games in their biggest moments.

One negative note: Young only had two tackle attempts and still had a miss. The Rams only ,missed six tackles against Carolina, though MLB Nate Landman led the list with two.

Other notes on defense​

Jalen Coker with a 52-yard catch and run!

LARvsCAR on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/OLgLIMiAd8

— NFL (@NFL) January 11, 2026

It was a brutal night for the LA secondary. These are the PFF coverage data for each of the major offenders:

• Cobie Durant: 3/7 for 88 yards, penalty, INT
• Quentin Lake: 7/11 for 83 yards, PBU, penalty
• Emmanuel Forbes: 3/4 for 26 yards
• Nate Landman: 2/2 for 17 yards, penalty
• Ahkello Witherspoon: 1/1 for 15 yards
• Omar Speights: 2/4 for 14 yards

Jalen Coker versus Rams defenders, specifically:

• Durant: 1/2 for 52 yards
• Lake: 5/6 for 62 yards
• Curl: 1/1 for seven yards, TD

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...142/rams-panthers-pff-grades-matthew-stafford

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

10 takeaways from Rams wild win vs. Panthers

The Los Angeles Rams certainly made things interesting in a playoff game against the Carolina Panthers in which they were 10-point favorites. It took a game-winning drive from Matthew Stafford in the fourth quarter to get it done, but the Rams came out on top 34-31. This game set the tone for the 2025-26 postseason. There were four lead changes in the fourth quarter which was tied for the most in NFL history. It was the first such game since Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes went head-to-head in the 2018 AFC Championship game. The win wasn’t pretty, but the Rams got it done. Let’s get to our 10 takeaways.

1. Rams had near-perfect start​

If the Rams were going to lose this game to the Panthers, it was going to have to be a near-repeat of the first meeting. The Panthers were going to have to be perfect on the high-leverage plays, control the clock, and create turnovers. To start the game, the Rams didn’t let that happen. They controlled the game from the jump and didn’t underestimate a Panthers team they lost to back in Week 13.

In the first half, the Rams effectively forced three turnovers with a stop on fourth down, intercepted Bryce Young, and a special teams fumble recovery. They shut down the Panthers’ run game that rushed for 141 yards in the first meeting. The Rams started perfect in the red zone, playing complementary football. It was exactly the start that the Rams needed in a hostile playoff environment on the road.

2. McVay lost control and it was almost costly​

Late in the first half, the Rams were in complete control of the game. They were leading 17-7 with a chance to score and double-up on points on the other side of the halftime break. It was at that point that Sean McVay completely lost control of the game on the sideline.

This isn’t even necessarily about the fourth down decision. A bad result does not equal a bad decision. The Rams have been a bad team on third down this season, ranking 20th in the NFL. They started 1-for-7 on third down in this game. Meanwhile, they are the fifth-best team on fourth down. Again, the play and the execution can be criticized. From a decision-making standpoint, it was correct. In a game of possessions, a field goal keeps a two-score game at a two-score game. A touchdown there makes it a three-score game.

At the same time, it was the turning point. There’s a time and place, and up by 10 points in a road playoff game, might not have been the time or the place. It’s very possible that the Panthers would have gone down and scored following a field goal. They went 81 yards in five plays. However, that play gave a team that didn’t have life a glimmer of hope.

Following that sequence, it felt as if McVay was chasing points. The Rams came out in the second half with three straight passes that fell incomplete. With Matthew Stafford struggling, McVay called 11 passes to three runs, despite Kyren Williams and Blake Corum both averaging over four yards per carry. Without Kevin Dotson, McVay simply didn’t have confidence to run the ball between the tackles. Offensively, the Rams kept attacking the Panthers with play action and throws to the outside which is their strength. McVay lost control of the game and it nearly cost the Rams in a big way.

3. Defense won the high leverage plays​

This isn’t to say that the defense as a whole played well in a game in which they allowed 31 points to a Bryce Young-led offense. However, they played well in the high-leverage situations. Coming into the game, the Panthers offense had the fourth-lowest three-and-out rate in the NFL. On the first drive, the Rams effectively forced a three-and-out with a stop on fourth down at midfield. The Rams defense held the Panthers without a first down on five of their 12 drives.

After the Panthers went 3-for-3 on fourth down back in Week 13, the Rams defense stopped the Panthers on all three fourth down attempts. On the high-leverage plays, the defense for the most part showed up in a big way. Again, that’s not to say that they played well as a whole. They’ve now allowed 30 or more points in four of their last seven games. However, they deserve some credit for their role in the win as well.

4. Playoff Puka Nacua showed up​

It’s safe to say that Puka Nacua is a big-game player. Nacua has played in four playoff games and now has over 100 yards in half of them. His 30 playoff receptions are tied with Larry Fitzgerald for the third-most in a player’s first four playoff games. He also has the fourth-most receiving yards in a player’s first four playoff games. Nacua got the Rams on the board, scoring the game’s first two touchdowns. He became the only Rams player to record a receiving touchdown and rushing touchdown in a playoff game.

Nacua did have the big drop that may have been a touchdown at the end of the first half. However, later in the fourth quarter, he may have had the play of the game. Stafford nearly threw a second interception with the Rams driving. It was a questionable throw from Stafford as it seemed like he was targeting Nick Scott. Nacua pulled off his best Travis Hunter impression and broke up the pass, saving an eventual Rams touchdown drive. For much of the game, the Panthers didn’t have an answer for Nacua.

5. Rams pass rush flashed in big spots​

The Rams pass rush has taken a lot of criticism this season, but there were flashes of the version from the playoffs last year on Saturday afternoon. Young was sacked twice in this game and the Rams got pressure at a 45.5 percent rate. With how much the Rams were pressuring Young, it truly is a testament to how bad the secondary is on the perimeter as the Panthers quarterback was under duress most of the game.

On Young’s interception, the pass rush forced him to step up and throw off-platform which resulted in the turnover. The Rams defensive line got to Young on both fourth down stops prior to the final drive. Specifically, Byron Young impacted those plays. Braden Fiske made his presence felt. On the final drive, the pass rush got to Young on all four plays which resulted in incomplete passes. Young made some nice plays with pressure, including his touchdown run and the touchdown to take the lead late. However, many of the positive plays from the Rams defense happened because they got pressure on Young.

6. Clutch Colby Parkinson​

Has there been a play-maker on the Rams outside of Puka Nacua who has made more clutch plays this season than Colby Parkinson? Parkinson hasn’t been perfect and can be inconsistent. At the same time, he had the incredible touchdown against the Lions to give the Rams the lead in that game. On Saturday against the Panthers, Parkinson’s game-winning touchdown had a completion probability of 27.3 percent.

Parkinson had his best Gerald Everett against the Chiefs impression in the Lions game. This was Parkinson’s best impression of Ricky Proehl’s game-winning touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 1999 playoff run. Parkinson only caught two passes, but his touchdown catch with 38 seconds left will go down in Rams history.

7. That is why the Rams trust Matthew Stafford​

Heading into the fourth quarter, Matthew Stafford was on a run of 4-for-19 for 47 yards and an interception. In the third quarter alone he was 2-for-10 for 24 yards. To say Stafford wasn’t playing well would be an understatement. However, is there any other quarterback you would want leading the charge down by four in the fourth quarter with your season on the line?

Stafford proceeded to go 12-for-15 for 143 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. On the game-winning drive with 2:39 to play, Stafford went 6-for-7 for 71 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Stafford hadn’t had a game-winning drive since Week 4. With his back against the wall and with a hurt finger, Stafford saved the Rams’ season. He now has six playoff wins which is tied with Johnny Unitas, Bob Griese, and Fran Tarkenton. Four of those wins have come via game-winning drives which are tied for the fifth-most all-time with Dan Marino, Terry Bradshaw, and Ben Roethlisberger. Again, there is not a quarterback that you would trust more in that situation and Stafford delivered.

8. Playoff experience paid off​

This is a game in which the playoff experience for the Rams paid off. The Panthers played well and were arguably the better team for the middle part of this game. However, good teams and experienced teams find ways to win the games that they are supposed to lose, especially in the playoffs. The Rams had been in this situation the last two years and come up short. They lost by one-point to the Lions in 2023. Needing a touchdown last year with 2:23 to play, the Rams came up 13 yards short against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Panthers threw the kitchen sink at the Rams and there were so many times this game could have gone a different way. The Rams led by three before a blocked punt put the Panthers immediately in scoring range. The Rams have struggled in short-yardage, but converted a 4th-and-1 with a run inside. This is a game on the verge of being the worst loss of the McVay era. However, this is a team that responded in the face of adversity and it takes being in that situation before to do that.

9. Can Rams continue to overcome issues?​

If this game proved anything, it is that the issues are still the issues. The Rams don’t have a cornerback that they can consistently rely on outside. Cobie Durant had the interception, but got burned multiple times. Quentin Lake allowed a few big plays over the middle. For a team that lacks size at that spot, Ahkello Witherspoon may be done for the postseason. This is the thing that will likely be the downfall of this team if they lose in the playoffs.

While the special teams had a moment in this game, they once again had the back-breaking play that nearly cost the game with a blocked punt in the fourth quarter. Sean McVay was seen giving a stern talking to Ben Kotwica following the blocked punt. However, the special teams have been an issue since McVay fired John Fassel. It’s something that has been ignored. The Rams were lucky to overcome both of these things on Saturday, but can they do the same against the Seahawks, Bears, Philadelphia Eagles?

10. Survive and advance​

This was not the Rams’ best game to say the least. At this point in the season, it’s not about how the wins come, but only that you win. The Rams found a way and they will advance to the divisional round to play the Seahawks or the Bears. Every game that the Rams lost this season was by a touchdown or less. This game felt like we were re-watching every Rams loss of the season. The Rams were in control for much of the game until they weren’t and had a costly special teams mistake. They were on the verge of losing to a team they had no business losing to.

For the first time since September, it felt like the Rams had to find a way to win with their backs against the wall and they did. Following the Panthers touchdown to take the lead late, the Rams had just a 28.1 percent chance to win. They may have deserved to lose this game. It was far from their best effort and they didn’t play a complete game. However, they survived and advanced to the next round.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...153/rams-panthers-takeaways-nfl-playoffs-2026

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Finger gate: Everything we know about Matthew Stafford’s status

Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford suffered an injury to a finger on his throwing hand in the opening round of the playoffs against the Carolina Panthers.

Whether it was due to the injury or not, Stafford easily had one of his worst games of the season. Both games against Carolina were his two-lowest graded performances according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). The Rams are fortunate that Stafford and the offense were able to come alive with the game on the line and secure a game-winning touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network gave an update on Stafford. X-Rays were negative, which is positive news. This rules out both broken bones and/or a dislocation. The expectation is that the veteran quarterback will undergo additional tests ahead of the divisional round of the playoffs.

From @NFLGameDay: X-Rays were negative on #Rams QB Matthew Stafford's finger after delivering an "MVP-like" performance; Meanwhile, #Bills QB Josh Allen is dealing with an old bone issue in his foot but is at no further risk of reinjury. He's ready to roll. pic.twitter.com/Yp0jLTWm32

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2026

Matthew Stafford said his finger got bent back during the game.

"It wasn't pleasant. It wasn't great. We'll see what it is. I was obviously able to finish the game and throw it decent. Once the ball's snapped, the adrenaline's pretty good, so we'll hopefully just keep it going."

— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) January 11, 2026

So how did the finger affect Stafford’s performance on Saturday?

A user on X, JoshiosTweets, took an attempt to chart the quarterback’s passing before, during, and after the hand injury. It’s clear that Stafford was either bothered or performing below expectations for nearly full two quarters.

Disclaimer: I’m not sure we can say that Stafford “healed” from the injury over a course of the game. I think it’s fair to take the “after hand” numbers with a grain of salt. The quarterback obviously played better towards the end of the game; however, I think it’s difficult to discern how much the injury played a role. It is not a coincidence that Stafford’s two-worst games (according to PFF) both came against the Panthers. The truth probably lies somewhere between an out of character bad game and being off because of the finger.

Hand or not, Matthew Stafford struggled for almost two quarters.

To my best estimate:
– Before Hand = plays before the hit
– During Hand = plays where it still felt like his accuracy was off
– After Hand = plays where it felt like his accuracy was back pic.twitter.com/59XlGuZ35y

— Josh (@JoshiosTweets) January 11, 2026

The Rams and Stafford couldn’t ask for a better start to the game offensively. They jumped out to a sizeable lead on the Panthers. Puka Nacua accounting for 100% of the yards and touchdown on the opening drive. He also scored the team’s second touchdown on what was counted as a rushing attempt (backwards lateral).

Stafford’s completion percentage dipped to just 16.7% during a stretch of poor play. He also threw an interception. I also made some calculations and found a period where the quarterback completed just four of 19 passes. The Rams were committed to the passing game and weren’t getting any production through the air.

One time Stafford messed up a finger on his throwing hand. I checked on him like “you good?”
He said, “bro I’m straight… I got nine other fingers.”
He’s different!

— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) January 11, 2026

What matters most is how Stafford performed in crunch time. He tossed two touchdowns and completed 80% of his passes. If the veteran didn’t ascend to another level, the Rams would likely be watching the divisional round from their couches. His team needed him and Stafford rose to the occasion.

Check back at Turf Show Times as we monitor injury news related to Stafford and others. We will also find out today who the Rams will face in the divisional round. Stay tuned.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-injuries/133160/rams-playoffs-matthew-stafford-finger

 

[JJ]

OH BOY HERE WE GO WITH THE RAMS CONTENT DUMP

Look, I gotta give credit where credit is due - Stafford showed up when it mattered against Carolina. That game-winning drive was VINTAGE playoff Stafford. But let's be real here for a second... you're telling me the MVP favorite just had his TWO WORST GAMES of the season against the PANTHERS?? The same Panthers that barely stumbled into the playoffs?? That's concerning, folks.

And don't even get me started on that secondary. Cobie Durant getting torched, Quentin Lake getting cooked over the middle... if you think the Seahawks or Bears aren't watching that tape right now and licking their chops, you're delusional. That's gonna be a PROBLEM moving forward.

The finger thing is interesting though. X-rays negative is good news, but you KNOW Stafford is gonna play through whatever it is because that's just who he is. Dude's been playing through injuries his whole career in Detroit and now LA. Different breed.

Also can we talk about how McVay almost blew a 10 point lead with that fourth down call?? I love aggressive coaching as much as the next guy - trust me, I'm a Josh Allen fan, I LIVE for aggressive decisions - but up 10 in a road playoff game against a team that already beat you once?? Take the points man!!

Puka Nacua is a BEAST though. That Travis Hunter impression saving the interception was clutch. Kid's gonna be a problem in this league for a LONG time.

Survive and advance baby. That's playoff football.

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Rams starting CB goes back on injured reserve

The Los Angeles Rams will be without one of their starting cornerbacks for the remainder of the postseason. After re-injuring his shoulder in the first quarter in the Wild Card game against the Carolina Panthers, the Rams have placed Ahkello Witherspoon back on injured reserve. Witherspoon attempted to come back into the game in the second quarter, but quickly exited and did not return.

Sean McVay said Ahkello Witherspoon re-aggravated the shoulder injury he sustained in the regular season and will miss the remainder of the playoffs. Witherspoon will be placed on IR

— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) January 12, 2026

It’s another blow to the Rams secondary, a spot where the defense is already short-handed. The Rams lost Witherspoon back in Week 2 to the Tennessee Titans, but he returned in Week 13. Witherspoon was inactive in Weeks 15 and 16, but returned to the lineup over the last three games.

Over those three games, Witherspoon allowed four catches on six targets, averaging 26.8 yards per reception which was the fourth-highest in the NFL. He also had a missed tackle rate of 33.3 percent. While Witherspoon hadn’t been playing well, he was at least an experienced player in the defense.

With Witherspoon out and Darious Williams inactive against the Panthers, the Rams had to resort to Rodger McCreary on the outside. The Rams will likely turn back to Williams moving forward after he has been a healthy scratch over the last month. At this point in the season, it’s hard to see the Rams bringing anybody in from outside the building.

Witherspoon going on injured reserve certainly isn’t the news that the Rams wanted to hear on this Monday after Wild Card Weekend. The secondary has been a weak-point of the defense for teams to attack. They will now have to rely on players even further down the depth chart. The Rams will be going up against a top-10 passing attack in the divisional round when they take on the Chicago Bears. It will be even more important now for the pass rush to get to the quarterback and help the secondary.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...ws-ahkello-witherspoon-update-injured-reserve

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Rams NFC playoff bracket: Chicago Bears will be LA’s Divisional Round opponent

The Rams traveled to Carolina to take on the NFC South-winning Panthers in the Wild Card Round, and after a 34-31 win, Los Angeles advances to the Divisional Round.

The Rams were the third of three NFC West teams to land in the postseason this year, and for a stretch of the season, they looked like THE team to beat in the NFC. And the Panthers, of course, finished under .500, which was good enough to lock up the NFC South since it’s currently the silliest division in the NFC. LA was heavily favored heading into this one, and the Rams did not disappoint.

This one wasn’t pretty at times, but LA got the job done when it mattered most. They led 14-0 and looked ready to blow out Carolina. But as they’ve done all season, the Panthers fought back. They took the lead two separate times, but Matthew Stafford showed why he was All-Pro and potentially the NFL MVP. He found Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds left in the game to secure the fourth quarter comeback victory.

Updated 2026 NFC playoff bracket​

Now that Wild Card Weekend is in the books, we know which team the Rams and everyone else will face in the Divisional Round.

Wild Card results​

Jan. 10, 2026, 4:30 p.m. ET
Rams 34, Panthers 31

Jan. 10, 2026, 8 p.m. ET
Bears 31, Packer 27

Jan. 11, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Bills 27, Jaguars 24

Jan. 11, 2026, 4:30 p.m. ET
49ers 23, Eagles 19

Jan. 11, 2026, 8:15 p.m. ET
Patriots 16, Chargers 3

Jan. 12, 2026, 8:15 p.m. ET
Houston Texans 30, Pittsburgh Steelers 6

Divisional Round bracket​

The Rams will travel to Chicago to take on the Bears in the Divisional Round, while the other two NFC West teams left standing, the 49ers and the Seahawks, will face off in Seattle. In the AFC, the Bills will face the Broncos and the Texans will face the Patriots.

Saturday, Jan. 17, 8 p.m. ET
San Francisco 49ers (6) vs. Seattle Seahawks (1)

Sunday, Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Rams (5) vs. Chicago Bears (2)

Saturday, Jan. 17, 4:30 p.m. ET
Buffalo Bills (6) vs. Denver Broncos (1)

Sunday, Jan. 18, 3 p.m. ET
Houston Texans (5) vs. New England Patriots (2)

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...s-carolina-panthers-divisional-round-opponent

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

L.A Rams News: It’s will be a cold Sunday night

We don’t know exactly what the weather will be like when the Los Angeles Rams travel to face the Chicago Bears, but we should have a pretty good idea. It’s Chicago in January; it’s going to be frigid.

An early look at the weather in Chicago on Sunday for the Rams at Bears divisional round playoff game:

High of 16 degrees, low of 2 degrees. The wind will make it feel colder and closer to -8 degrees.

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) January 12, 2026

Take away the temperature though, and consider this will be Matthew Stafford and Caleb Williams going at it, two former number one overall picks, and both have been cold-blooded as of late as they’ve done what was needed to win a playoff game.

Sean McVay vs. Ben Johnson could be another storyline.

Regardless of the temperature, this is playoff football, and the games are cold no matter what the temperature is.

It’s another week of NFL playoffs and the Rams are still alive, please comment on whatever you want and thanks for checking out Turf Show Times!

Mother Nature blocks Rams playoff path once more, and she’s not fooling around (ramblinfan)​

“The Bears are built for winter’s worst. The Rams are not. In the cold and win, the football becomes as hard as a rock. Fingers quickly numb, making catching footballs an ever-more difficult task. Running backs, especially those who can carry the football between the tackles, are worth their weight in gold.”

Rams’ Stafford has finger sprain but ‘good to go’ (espnlacrosse.com)​

“Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford sprained the index finger on his throwing hand but will be “good to go” this Sunday against the Bears.“

Revisit the Rams’ return to Los Angeles in 2016 (usatoday)​

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-news/133266/la-rams-news-bears-chicago-playoffs

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

The battered and bruised Bears

The Chicago Bears sent their division rival, the Green Bay Packers, home packing with a wildcard win. The victory came with a hefty price tag as the Bears lost two key starters in LB TJ Edwards and LT Ozzy Trapilo.

These two injuries will loom large when Chicago hosts the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Bears are 3.5-point underdogs. The Rams come in with a roster more well-versed in the playoff environment and years ahead in their roster build.

Let’s take these key injuries one at a tine. In the aggregate they significantly change the outlook for Chicago.

Ozzy Trapilo —> Braxton Jones​

Trapilo was a second round pick in last year’s draft. He’s good for a rookie but not necessarily a good player in comparison to his peers starting at left tackle. Still, the rookie is clearly better than the Bears’ alternatives.

Chicago activated their former long-term LT Braxton Jones from injured reserve. The team seemed inclined enough to draft his replacement early and give him every opportunity to start over the veteran. Now they turn to Jones in their most important game of the year.

The Bears also have second-year UDFA Theo Benedet to consider in replacement. He filled in for Trapilo against the Packers. Jones should get the first nod since he has an edge in terms of experience.

It sucks that Ozzy Trapilo is out for the playoffs. He’s been an ascending talent and a key part of a loaded OL.

This is where depth and good talent evaluation come into play. Having Theo Benedet and Braxton Jones — two solid guys with starting experience — is a big help.

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) January 13, 2026

Pro Football Focus (PFF) data:

• Trapilo: 68.6 run block; 70.3 pass block; 22 pressures allowed (355 snaps); two penalties
• Jones: 47.2 run block; 62.7 pass block; 15 pressures allowed (136 snaps); one penalty
• Benedet: 65.7 run block; 55.2 pass block; 26 pressures allowed (332 snaps); seven penalties

PFF position rankings – out of 132 tackles in 2025

• Trapilo: 39th overall; 51st run; 52nd pass
• Jones: 106th overall; 121st run; 82nd pass
• Benedet: 97th overall; 59th run; 100th pass

The Rams pose a unique challenge for the Bears and whoever starts at left tackle.

Jared Verse ranks fifth among all EDGE rushers with 87 pressures, including the playoffs. The second-year defender has notched eight sacks. Byron Young isn’t far behind at 11th with 72 pressures and 13 sacks. This is a duo that can get after opposing quarterbacks and disrupt the passing game.

Young single handily derailed the Carolina Panthers’ comeback attempt in the wildcard game’s final moments when LA was protecting a three-point lead. He hurried Bryce Young on the first three plays and force throws that had zero chance of being completed.

The Rams will need Young and Verse to apply consistent pressure to help LA’s struggling corners. If they cannot be disruptive, it could be a long day with Caleb Williams and his very talented group of pass catchers.

TJ Edwards —> D’Marco Jackson​

Edwards left the Philadelphia Eagles after the 2022 season to sign in Chicago. The Bears rewarded his first two seasons of play this offseason with a two-year, $20M contract extension.

The 2025 season for the veteran has been unfortunate. He has missed effectively half of the year because of multiple injuries and he isn’t playing up to the standard that he set during his stints in both Philadelphia and Chicago.

Still, Edwards is a former team captain and has a wealth of playoff experience. Not many individuals on the Bears’ defense can make the same claims. Slated to replace Edwards in the starting lineup next to Tremaine Edmunds is D’Marco Jackson, a 2022 fifth round pick that has played less than 400 snaps across the first three years of his career.

Jaylon Johnson, Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard III, and Kyler Gordon, and D’Marco Jackson, shame on you.
pic.twitter.com/iJBkjT0kZr

— BearsMuse (@ChiBearsMuse) January 11, 2026

I’m gonna say something that shouldn’t be seen as controversial…

The bears wont miss a beat with D Marco Jackson replacing TJ Edwards.

The final 6 games or so he’s been the best LB on the team stopping the run and pass.

— EJ (@itsmine49) January 12, 2026

Jackson has earned playing time for the first time in his career, and he’s largely played well for Chicago. He has one apparent advantage over Edwards and that is his skill as a coverage linebacker. Jackson ranks 15th among all players at his position in PFF’s coverage grade. He was targeted as the nearest defender 16 times this year, allowing just 11 receptions for 66 yards, one TD, one interception, and a pass breakup.

But the Bears aren’t just hosting anyone this weekend. Sean McVay will be on the opposing sideline. McVay, and pretty much anyone from the Shanahan coaching tree, are known to be hell on opposing linebackers. This is where the lack of experience in comparison to Edwards comes into play.

The Rams are capable of significant personnel changeups in order to force favorable matchups. They also have a wealth of capable tight ends that can win when paired against linebackers. Tyler Higbee is back with fresh legs. Colby Parkinson just caught the game-winner a week ago. Second-round rookie Terrance Ferguson is unique vertical threat. Even Davis Allen can make contributions in the red zone.

Don’t be surprised if McVay and the Rams pick on the third-year linebacker in his first major NFL opportunity.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-nfl-playoffs/133310/rams-bears-playoffs-injuries

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

How can Rams avoid a collapse against the Bears?

The Los Angeles Rams are set to play the Chicago Bears on Sunday in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. While it should be a good matchup between two similarly skilled teams, it will also give the Rams an opportunity to right the wrongs of two of their losses this season.

While the Rams have lost five games this season, two of those losses have come while having significant leads at one point in the game. The Rams lost to the Philadelphia Eagles despite leading 26-7 in the third quarter. In Week 16, they lost to the Seattle Seahawks after leading 30-14 in the fourth quarter.

The Bears provide a unique challenge on Sunday in the sense that they have won a majority of their games this season coming from behind. Most recently, they beat the Green Bay Packers last week after trailing 21-3 at halftime. Caleb Williams tied Peyton Manning for the most fourth-quarter comebacks in a season by a player under the age of 25 with six.

• Trailed Raiders 24-19. Scored touchdown with 1:34 to play to lead 25-24. Raiders had 54-yard field goal blocked. Had 19.3% chance to win.
• Bears trailed Commanders 24-16 in fourth quarter. Commanders fumbled and Bears kicked game-winning field goal to win 25-24. Had 16.9% chance to win.
• Giants led Bears 20-10 with 4:00 left in fourth quarter. Went 0-for-5 on fourth down. Bears scored touchdown with 1:47 to play to win 24-20. Had 3.1% chance to win.
• Vikings took 17-16 lead over Bears with 50 seconds left. Bears kicked game-winning field goal to win 19-17. Had 24.9% chance to win.
• Trailed Packers 16-6 with five minutes left in fourth quarter. Bears recovered onside kick and tied the game. Packers went 0-for-5 in the red zone. Bears won in overtime, 22-16. Had 3% chance to win.
• Packers led 21-6 in the fourth quarter. Missed a late field goal and had three second-half three-and-outs. Bears scored with 1:08 left to win 31-27. Had 4.3% chance to win.

This season, the Bears have 12 wins and six of them have come after trailing late in the fourth quarter. It’s not sustainable. At the same time, it’s something that they have regularly done this season. They are 8-3 in one-score games, but are just 1-3 in their last four after starting 6-0.

There’s a good chance the Rams storm out to a big lead and have to hang on late to win. In one sense, they should be battle-tested as they’ve been in those situations before and had to manage the lead. Conversely, they’ve also lost those types of games this season. Last week was the first game since Week 4 that the Rams had completed a fourth-quarter comeback. Compare the Rams’ collapses to the Bears’ comebacks, and there are certainly some common themes.

• Rams led Eagles 26-7. Offense had one three-and-out and one turnover on downs. Special teams had two blocked field goals late. Rams lost 33-26. Had 94.4% chance to win.
• After leading the Seahawks 30-14, special teams allowed a blocked punt and missed a field goal. The offense also went three-and-out three times in the fourth quarter. Had 98.5% chance to win.

When looking at the games in which the Bears mounted comebacks, there are some commonalities. The Raiders and Packers both missed field goals that would have won them the game or put them in a better position. In fact, the Packers lost seven points because of missed field goals in the Wild Card matchup. Much like the Rams against the Seahawks, the Packers offense went stale for a long stretch. Lastly, during the regular season game in Week 16, the Packers failed to recover an onside kick. They also went 0-for-5 in the red zone.

Special teams gaffes and the opposing offense going stale are major reasons for three of the Bears’ comebacks. Those two things happened in each of the Rams’ collapses this season. Offensively, the Rams have to be able to sustain drives if they get a big lead. The special teams also can’t make the back-breaking mistake as they almost did last week.

Defensively, the Rams just need to limit explosives that make coming back easier. Against the Seahawks, the defense allowed a 57-yard touchdown drive in two plays. Allowing a score is fine, but it has to take time off the clock. While two of the three Eagles touchdown drives in Week 3 took over six minutes off the clock, the first touchdown drive allowed back-to-back plays of 38 and 33 yards.

This season, the Bears rank second in fourth quarter EPA per play at 0.175. They have the fourth-most runs of 10 or more yards in the fourth quarter. This is an offense that has as many big plays rushing as throwing the ball in the fourth quarter when mounting a comeback.

Against the Commanders, Williams hit D’Andre Swift who scored a 55-yard touchdown. In the comeback against the Giants, Williams had two big scrambles and a 27-yard pass to Luther Burden. Williams hit Colston Loveland on back-to-back 20-yard passes in the comeback last week against the Packers. Later he hit Rome Odunze for 27 yards on 4th-and-8 and DJ Moore for a 25-yard touchdown. The Bears can find explosive plays when they need them.

They are able to flip a switch when they need to and catch a defense off-guard. The Bears rank 21st in first half offense EPA per play and 24th in first half success rate. They have the second-best offense in EPA per play in the second half of games.

If the Rams lose this game on Sunday, it’s going to be because they didn’t learn from previous losses this season in which they gave up a big lead. This postseason has been set up for the Rams to show how much they’ve grown throughout the season. During the Wild Card round, they overcame a Carolina Panthers team that they lost to in Week 13. Against the Bears, can they show that they can hold a big lead against a quality opponent?

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...133325/rams-vs-bears-fourth-quarter-comebacks

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Will Kevin Dotson return?

The Rams have been sliding backwards since they lost Kevin Dotson in the middle of their loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but Sean McVay is hopeful that the guard can return to action this Sunday against the Bears. McVay told reporters on Wednesday that Dotson intends to play, but he was listed as ‘limited’ for Wednesday’s walkthrough so his status won’t be so clear until Thursday’s designation.

Matthew Stafford and company would love to get Dotson back to replace Justin Dedich in a win-or-go-home road game in Chicago.

Sean McVay said OL Kevin Dotson will be a limited participant in today's practice.

"He's got a good look in his eye. I know his intentions are to be able to go play and go do his thing, and so we're excited about that."

Since Rams are holding a walkthrough today, tomorrow's…

— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) January 14, 2026

The Rams were 11-3 and on track to beat the Seahawks for first place in the NFC West when Seattle edge rusher Derick Hall stepped on Dotson’s leg and sent him out of the game. Hall was suspended for one game.

L.A. would go on to lose the game and the next week against the Falcons. The Rams haven’t quite looked the same in their last two games either, but have beaten the Cardinals and Panthers. Stafford told the media that he misses having “great guy” Dotson out there with him.

“He’s a great guy to have out there and be around.”

Matthew Stafford on Kevin Dotson. pic.twitter.com/1ka7CigeyL

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 14, 2026

On Hall, Dotson told reporters that he wasn’t even aware that Hall had stepped on him intentionally until two days after the game. He says he’s over it but would love to get his shot at revenge if both the Rams and Seahawks win this weekend.

Rams RG Kevin Dotson said he didn't know Seahawks DL Derrick Hall stepped on him intentionally until two days later. "If I would have known that, I probably would have stood up. But I'm past it. Not going to hold nothing against until I can see him and get my get back"

— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) January 14, 2026

However, Dotson would probably rather avoid a revenge game if possible because if the Rams and 49ers both win, L.A. will be hosting the NFC Championship game against San Francisco.

It’s unclear how likely it is that Dotson will be back this week. It’s clear that the Rams really need him.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...ams-bears-injury-report-kevin-dotson-practice

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Can Sean McVay overcome Soldier Field demons?

Back in 2018, one of the more important football games of the modern era took place when the Los Angeles Rams took on the Chicago Bears. On that Sunday night, it was Sean McVay’s offense going up against Vic Fangio’s defense.

The Rams had scored 30 or more points in 10 of their previous 12 games up to that point. Fangio’s Bears gave McVay, Goff, and co. one of their most miserable experiences in the NFL. The Rams were held to six points as Jared Goff threw four interceptions. It’s also the last time that the Bears won on Sunday Night Football.

Last season, the Rams played the Bears at Soldier Field, attempting to avoid an early-season stumble out of the gate. The Rams went 1-for-4 in the red zone and lost 24-18. It was the second of what would only be five wins for the Bears in 2024.

McVay’s last two wins at Soldier Field came in December of 2015 and 2016 as an offensive coordinator in Washington. Washington won both games.

However, the Rams have always had their demons at the stadium on the lake. In 1985, the Rams played the Bears in the NFC Championship. Dieter Brock threw for 66 yards and Eric Dickers was held to 46. It’s the only playoff game since the merger between the Rams and Bears. To make the loss sting worse, the Rams won at Soldier Field the next season and were the second of two losses for the Bears in the regular season.

Since Soldier Field opened in 1971, the Rams are 5-11-1 and have lost four straight going back to 2003. They are 1-5 after the month of December, their only win coming in 1973 when they won 26-0. Lawrence McCutcheon rushed for 152 yards on a day when it was still 45 degrees.

Throughout their history, these are the games that the Rams have lost. Good Rams teams have come up empty because they’ve had to play on the road in cold-weather playoff games.

• 1967: Lost 28-7 to the Green Bay Packers in 13-degree weather as 3-point favorites after winning in LA.
• 1969: Lost 23-20 to Minnesota Vikings in 11-degree weather.
• 1974: Lost 14-10 to Vikings in 29-degree weather after winning in regular season.
• 1976: Lost 24-13 to Vikings in 19-degree weather. Tied in regular season.
• 1983: Lost 51-7 to Washington in 28-degree weather.
• 1985: Lost 24-0 to Bears in 36-degree weather.
• 1986: Lost 19-7 to Washington in 35-degree weather.
• 2020: Lost 32-18 to Packers in 35-degree weather.
• 2024: Lost 28-22 to Philadelphia Eagles in 34-degree weather.

Good Rams teams have come up empty because of having to play on the road in cold weather in the playoffs. Seasons like 1974 and 2024 end up as forgotten seasons in which they may have won the Super Bowl had they won those games. The Rams had dominant teams in the mid-70s and lost to the Vikings three times.

These are the games that have plagued the Rams and McVay throughout history and his tenure. The Rams played the Packers four consecutive years at Lambeau Field late in the season. They lost all four of those games. One of those was a playoff loss while two others could have put the Rams in a better position for seeding.

How the Rams will perform in the cold weather and on the road on Sunday has been a major talking point, especially when it comes to Matthew Stafford. However, the bigger question is whether McVay can call a winning game in these conditions. Can McVay lean on the run game and call a physical brand of football? While McVay is 4-1 at home in the playoffs, he is only 4-3 on the road. The Rams lost to a Ben Johnson-led offense in the playoffs in 2023.

After falling short to the Eagles in the cold weather last season, the Rams built their roster for this moment. They built one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum rank first and third in rushing success rate. The Rams have the best run-blocking offensive line in the NFL and statistically the best of the last 30 years. They have the highest run-stop win-rate in the NFL after getting gashed against the Eagles.

Back in 2021, it was Matthew Stafford that needed to overcome his playoff demons. This season and Sunday are much more about McVay overcoming his.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...33390/rams-soldier-field-history-cold-weather

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

The most positive aspect of Rams’ wildcard win

Buried in the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff win over the Carolina Panthers is one of the more positive developments for Sean McVay’s team: they possibly solved their recent tackling issue.

At risk of sounding like a broken record, I have spent the last month documenting the Rams’ challenges in bringing ball carriers down:

Dec 30: Rams-Falcons PFF Grades: Missed tackles galore (again)

Dec 22: A problem the Rams cannot seem to fix

Dec 15: Blip or Trend? Rams have a tackling issue.

The trend came to a screeching halt last week in Carolina. It’s a stark difference from their recent games:

• WC at Panthers: 5 missed tackles
• Week 18 vs Cardinals: 9
• Week 17 at Falcons: 19
• Week 16 at Seahawks: 11
• Week 15 vs Lions: 13
• Week 14 vs Cardinals: 14
• Week 13 at Panthers: 6

Between Weeks 14 and 18 they missed over 13 tackles per game on average. This was one of the best tackling teams in all the NFL for the first half of the season. While it’s encouraging that they’ve flipped the script in the postseason, what in the world changed?

1 – Regression from Nate Landman​

Landman missed only two tackle attempts in his first seven games as a Ram. Since Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints—an 11 game stretch—he’s missed 17 tackles and more than one per game.

The veteran linebacker isn’t responsible for the turnaround against the Panthers. He missed two tackles (40% of LA’s misses) and has eight in his last four games.

The Rams still need Landman to be more sure-handed and the sooner this starts the better.

2 – Quentin Lake’s return is huge​

We know Quentin Lake is an important player on the defense, especially given his role as a captain. The Rams understand this too and recently rewarded the slot/safety with a contract extension, preventing him from hitting the open free agent market.

Lake was absent from Weeks 11 through 18. Although the team’s tackling problem didn’t really hit full force until Week 14, it’s probably not a coincidence that the results improved as soon as Lake returned to the lineup.

3 – Playoffs are best on best​

Nothing can force turnarounds like the threat of being sent home from the postseason. Winning requires teams to bring their best performances, and it could be a matter of the Rams simply tightening their chin straps.

The bottom line is that this is an encouraging sign for the Rams defense moving forward. They must continue to right the trend or they could find themselves on the losing side of a playoff battle.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-nfl-playoffs/133436/rams-bears-panthers-playoffs-2025

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

It has been a long while since we’ve seen ‘Playoff Stafford’

Matthew Stafford went from not winning a single playoff game in more than a decade with the Detroit Lions to being known for playing his best ball when the postseason rolls around for the Los Angeles Rams.

In Stafford’s first season in LA, he was amidst a slump over the second half of the year. He took his game to another level into the playoffs and led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory.

LA’s leading man has earned his reputation as a postseason gamer. However, it’s been a while since we last saw him perform at a high level when the circumstances change to win or go home.

Stafford’s 2021 run was special​

There’s no better way to win the hearts of fans than to bring home the Lombardi Trophy in the your first year with a new franchise. The Rams won Super Bowl LVI because of Stafford. Sure, they had a star-studded roster. They also had zero production from the running game in the postseason and watched their pass catchers drop like flies week by week, including Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham, Jr, and Tyler Higbee.

These were Stafford’s passing metrics according to Pro Football Focus (PFF):

BTT – big-time throw

TWP – turnover-worthy play

ADOT – average depth of target

ADJ% – adjusted completion rate (accounts for throwaways, drops, spikes, etc.)

• Wildcard vs Cardinals: 90.6 passing grade; 1 BTT; 1 TWP; 10.5 ADOT; 94.1 ADJ%
• Divisional at Buccaneers: 71.2 passing grade; 3 BTT; 1 TWP; 8.4 ADOT; 82.4 ADJ%
• NFC CG vs 49ers: 80.7 passing grade; 3 BTT; 1 TWP; 9.9 ADOT; 80.5 ADJ%
• SB vs Bengals: 80.9 passing grade; 4 BTT; 1 TWP; 9.2 ADOT; 69.2 ADJ%

Playoff totals: 89.0 passing grade; 11 BTT; 4 TWP; 9.4 ADOT; 79.4 ADJ%

It simply doesn’t get much better than this. Not only was Stafford aggressive by throwing the ball on average longer than nine yards, but he was also extremely accurate with an ADJ% over 80 in three of four games. Stafford threw receivers open far more often than he put the ball in harm’s way.

2023 – good, not good enough​

• Wildcard at Lions: 86.1 passing grade; 4 BTT; 0 TWP; 9.5 ADOT; 78.8 ADJ%

For context, this was the first year of the Rams defensive overhaul. They drafted in volume on defense and gave run to rookies despite being infamous for not usually giving run to young players. Byron Young and Kobie Turner led the youth movement in Aaron Donald’s final season.

But for as good as this defense was, all things considered, Jared Goff and the Lions got the best of them in the playoffs. Goff converted a high leverage fourth down to ensure Stafford didn’t have a chance to win the game.

2024 – the first signs of trouble​

The Rams opened the 2024 playoffs with a blowout of Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings. It took a total team effort to lead to this result. The defense totally rattled Darnold and set the tone for the postseason. Stafford was OK in this game although he didn’t need to do much.

• Wildcard vs Vikings: 76.9 passing grade; 2 BTT; 0 TWP; 8.0 ADOT; 76.9 ADJ%
• Divisional at Eagles: 63.3 passing grade; 1 BTT; 4 TWP; 11.0 ADOT; 72.5 ADJ%

Playoff totals: 70.4 passing grade; 3 BTT; 4 TWP; 9.8 ADOT; 74.2 ADJ%

Rams fans have more fond memories of the snowy Eagles can than the tape reflects, because Stafford was heroic in bringing his team back and giving them a chance to win late. Still, he was also one of the reasons why LA trailed. He often put the ball in harm’s way with four potential turnovers and posted the lowest accuracy rate of his Rams playoff career to date (Super Bowl aside).

2025 – where is “Playoff Stafford”?​

• Wildcard at Panthers: 61.0 passing grade; 3 BTT; 3 TWP; 11.7 ADOT; 67.5 ADJ%

It’s been three playoff games since we’ve seen Stafford perform at a high level. This flies in the face of his reputation as someone who rises to the occasion in the postseason.

If the Rams are going to beat the Chicago Bears on Sunday—and make good on their Super Bowl aspirations—they need him to dig deeper and play like we’ve grown accustomed to.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...s/133396/rams-bears-playoffs-matthew-stafford

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Only a bad GM would trade anything for A.J. Brown

The Los Angeles Rams are always one of the first teams to pop up in trade rumors for star players and it’s inevitable that they will be connected to A.J. Brown when the season is officially over. But if the Rams want to find a future after Davante Adams by trading for Brown, they should not do it for at least one simple reason: A.J. Brown is also too old.

The Eagles are hoping to find a sucker.

𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧: There are questions as to whether AJ Brown and Jalen Hurts “can be together for another season” per @RapSheet

It “remains to be seen” whether the Eagles want to keep AJ Brown on the roster for the 2026 season, but a trade would mean the Eagles taking a significant… https://t.co/JSAxMn7yfC pic.twitter.com/uaY6kb9zZC

— JPA (@jasrifootball) January 17, 2026

Ignore what Eagles GM Howie Roseman says about the team not intending to trade Brown, that’s the same schlock that general manager say every year about players on the block. It’s 2026: You can’t still be falling for that in this age.

Yes, Brown had a terrible game in Philly’s loss to the 49ers last week.

Yes, Brown seems to be a diva.

Yes, Brown is costly.

But those aren’t the main reason that a team shouldn’t trade anything significant for A.J. Brown. He’s just too old.

And he’s only 28. Well, wake up, it’s 2026: That’s too old to be a receiver in the National Football League. Every player in the top 12 in receiving yards in 2025 is 26 and younger:

26!!!

A.J. Brown, who had 1,003 yards in 15 games, is going to turn 29 in June. He’s not too old…he’s WAY too old.

Not too old to be in the NFL, but certainly too old to pay $30 million or trade a first round pick to acquire. Those are the types of costs you pay for an elite receiver you can build your offense around and Brown, who was that value in 2022 when the Eagles acquired him at age 25, is not that guy anymore.

If Roseman thinks that pretending he won’t trade A.J. Brown will drive up his price to a first round pick, he’ll be waiting all year for a taker.

How about a second round pick? That’s what the Steelers traded for DK Metcalf and then they paid Metcalf $33 million per season. How’s that looking?

Metcalf, who just turned 28, had 850 yards and was suspended for the last two games of the season for making the exact same “Mr. Sensitive” mistakes that he made while he was a cheaper player in Seattle. That’s really when you want to have a star receiver: When he’s cheap and on a rookie contract or second contract.

But the Steelers traded for Metcalf and paid him a third contract. The Eagles paid Brown a third contract in 2024 and they already regret it.

Will Eagles trade Brown?​

If the Eagles trade A.J. Brown before June 1st, they will incur a $43 million dead cap charge in 2026, which is basically double what they will pay Brown if they don’t trade him. Here’s what Jimmy Kempski wrote in The Philly Voice:

If Brown is traded this offseason before June 1, the Eagles would incur a dead cap charge of $43,515,106. Worded another way, he would count for $43,515,106 on the Eagles’ cap in 2026, while playing for another team. If the Eagles simply kept him, Brown would count for 23,393,497 on their 2026 cap, and, you know, he would be playing for the Eagles. (The dead cap charge would still be $43,515,106 if he’s traded after June 1, but $27,161,609 of it would count toward the 2027 cap.)

Kempski notes that despite the cap charge, Philadelphia’s front office already operates with an expectation that they will pay huge dead cap hits for former players EVERY SEASON. That would be no different if they trade Brown. They basically expected something like this could happen.

Brown has reportedly been requesting a trade for months.

𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: Eagles’ star WR AJ Brown asked for a trade numerous times this past season, as early as week 3, per @BleedingGreen https://t.co/f3VsDhZoB9 pic.twitter.com/UMehQb7V3A

— JPA (@jasrifootball) January 16, 2026

The Eagles would be financially free of Brown by 2027.

It makes sense that the Eagles would trade Brown if a team was willing to give up a pick that could allow Philadelphia to draft his replacement, which is what the Titans attempted to do in 2022 (but they landed Treylon Burks instead). It worked for the Vikings in 2021 when they traded Stefon Diggs and drafted Justin Jefferson.

But why in the world would a GM smart enough to have a job trade a first round pick for a 29-year-old receiver who is owed a lot of money and is known to be a diva?

So a second round pick?

Why would you even trade a second round pick for A.J. Brown? Half of the receivers you can draft in the second round of an average draft class will be far more valuable per dollar than Brown at age 29.

And that’s just age 29. Let’s not forget that you’re also trading for a receiver at age 30, age 31, and age 32.

These are BAD receivers relative to the top receivers in the NFL in 2026.

Age 29 receivers​

As I wrote back in 2021, four years ago, turning 29 has not been kind to receivers. I was told by many people “omg you’re so dumb, obviously you’re wrong about all these players and you don’t understand that cooper kupp is going to age so much better than all of these players!!!”

Did Kupp age better than those players? Or was 2021 his last good season?

YOU.

CAN’T.

BE.

A 30 YEAR OLD RECEIVER.

IN TODAY’S NFL.

Not for a lot of money.

The best 29-year-old receivers in 2025:

• Jakobi Meyers, 75 catches for 835 yards (2 teams)
• Deebo Samuel, 72 catches for 727 yards

No other receiver in the NFL who was exactly 29 years old this season had more than 400 yards. Got that? The 29-year-old PLAYER with the most receiving yards was Christian McCaffrey, followed by tight end Juwan Johnson. The receivers were led by Meyers, who got traded, and Samuel, who got traded.

#Rams WR Davante Adams says he’s told his teammates — including Puka Nacua — that they should never leave LA “because it ain’t greener than this,” referencing his experience leaving the Packers.

(via @StephenASmith Show) pic.twitter.com/EMbHrKFpCV

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 14, 2026

Age 30 receivers​

Best 30-year-old receivers in 2025:

• Courtland Sutton, 74 catches for 1,017 yards
• Terry McLaurin, 38 catches for 582 yards
• Kendrick Bourne, 37 catches for 551 yards

The Commanders stupidly caved to public pressure and extended McLaurin before the season. Don’t cave to pressure from fans and media, which these days is mostly made up of fans. Even the people on ESPN are mostly just fans parading as experts.

Age 31 receivers​

No 31-year-old receiver had more than 400 yards. Calvin Ridley led the way with 303 yards.

Age 32 receivers​

Best 32-year-old receivers in 2025:

• Stefon Diggs, 85 catches for 1,013 yards
• Cooper Kupp, 47 catches for 593 yards
• Mack Hollins, 46 catches for 550 yards

Diggs had a good season in New England as Drake Maye’s number one receiver. He’s good. He’s not great anymore. He’s not a game changer and you wouldn’t trade a second round pick for Diggs. The Patriots only paid him $16.6 million guaranteed as a free agent.

Age 33 receivers​

Here is where we finally get to Davante Adams, who a lot of people will claim isn’t overpaid because he caught 14 touchdowns but at many times he has been a liability, most importantly including when it comes to the typical injuries that come with a player over 30.

Best 33-year-old receivers in 2025:

• Davante Adams, 60 catches for 789 yards
• Keenan Allen, 81 catches for 777 yards

Adams has been great at catching touchdowns inside the 4-yard line. He had nine of those! The Rams got a pretty good 2025 cap hit on Adams too as he only accounts for $12 million against the 2025 salary cap. However, the Rams really want to be able to win that Super Bowl now because L.A. must be considering an outright release in 2026 given that Adams is going to be 34 and it’s only going to get harder for him to produce yards and touchdowns and stay healthy in 2026.

The Rams will either pay Adams a $28 million cap hit or cut him to save $14 million with $14 million of savings. That’s $14 million dead cap if he’s released or retires. However, the Rams could also restructure his deal, but that wouldn’t save them any money, it would only reduce his 2026 cap hit.

In either case, Adams—even with 789 yards—is an outlier.

Jalen Hurts has been the source of much internal frustration for the Eagles, including teammates other than AJ Brown, per @MikeSilver.

Coach Nick Sirianni, GM Howie Roseman, owner Jeffrey Lurie have been "reluctant" to criticize Hurts. pic.twitter.com/qx0yrDlLSt

— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) January 16, 2026

The total case: WR is a YOUNG man’s job​

Players over the age of 26 who had over 1,000 yards in a 17-game season:

• Sutton
• Diggs
• DeVonta Smith
• AJ Brown

None of those players cleared 1,000 by more than 17 yards.

Did you really absorb that? Nobody over age 26 had more than 1,017 yards despite a 17-game season and passing being easier than ever. Why not? Teams don’t want to feature and pay one player over the age of 26 when they know that they can get the job done with receivers, tight ends, and backs who are cheaper and younger.

Does A.J. Brown get the message: Nobody wants to put up with a 29-year-old receiver diva.

So while you will hear a ton of rumors about teams trading first round picks for A.J. Brown, don’t buy it. That’s not going to happen. Will teams trade second round picks for Brown? Only a sucker would do that. Would the Eagles even trade Brown for a third round pick? Maybe not.

I would be shocked if the Rams get seriously involved in talks for Brown and that’s in addition to the likelihood that the Rams are not going to play many more games with Davante Adams.

A team spending a long time with one receiver is…old news.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-rumors/133478/rams-trade-rumors-aj-brown-eagles-age

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

This is the Bears one (small) advantage

Even though the Rams have the number one offense in the NFL, it is actually L.A.’s advantage on defense over the Chicago Bears that has the widest gap. The Rams ranked fourth on defense by DVOA, which means Defense-adjusted Value Over Average, a statistic measuring the value of each individual play and weighted based on the competency of your opponent. So yes, it is adjusted based on your strength of schedule and your opponent, giving DVOA a slight advantage over basic numbers like points and yards allowed.

Well, while the Rams were fourth in defensive DVOA, the Bears were 25th.

Not that surprising given that by almost any measure, defenses as bad as Chicago’s has been this season rarely get this far in the NFL playoffs.

According to FTN Fantasy, previously known as FootballOutsiders, the L.A. Rams have significant advantages over the Chicago Bears on offense and defense, but unsurprisingly are at a slight disadvantage on special teams:

• Offense DVOA: Rams 1st, Bears 9th
• Defense DVOA: Rams 4th, Bears 25th
• Special Teams DVOA: Rams 26th, Bears 18th

According to DVOA creator Aaron Schatz, the Rams ranked as one of the best overall teams in the history of the stat, ranking 9th since 1978:

The Seahawks and Rams finished among the top 10 DVOA teams since 1978. Will they have more playoff success than other recent teams with surprisingly strong regular seasons?

All DVOA numbers now updated at FTN Fantasy: https://t.co/F9j8zztFJx pic.twitter.com/292sCH2YQV

— Aaron Schatz (@ASchatzNFL) January 5, 2026

It could also setup one hell of an NFC Championship game if both the Rams and Seahawks (7th since 1978) win over the weekend.

Whereas the Rams have a historic offense, the Seahawks feature a historic defense, giving fans the potential for an all-timer next week if both teams win. Conversely, the two teams will meet the Bears and 49ers, teams that do not even belong in the conversation but nonetheless have a chance to pull an upset and reach the NFC Championship game because anything can happen in the playoffs.

Here's the DVOA matchup data and DvP for #NFL playoff games this weekend.

Will the weather keep people off the Rams in #DFS? It really shouldn't…

And yes, every position from Seattle looks good vs. the Niners. Just because the Eagles couldn't finish drives against San… pic.twitter.com/sKbSkwz9xt

— "Thunder Dan" Palyo (@ThunderDanDFS) January 17, 2026

The 49ers rank 10th in DVOA and have the number two offense, just behind L.A., but the number 27 defense, ranking worse than Chicago.

The worst special teams unit remaining in the playoffs.

By EPA (estimated points added), the Rams were consistently losing points on special teams in each of their first six games in the regular season, as well as 10 of their first 11. The only exception was Week 7’s blowout win over the Jaguars.

Things were never worse than the division-losing TNF game to the Seahawks, a season-worst -15 EPA on special teams. Firing Chase Blackburn may have sent a message, but it didn’t fix the issues.

But the following week, the Rams had a season-best +6 special teams EPA despite losing to the Falcons. L.A.’s wild card win over the Panthers ended up being their 4th-best special teams game of the season, perhaps signaling a slight return to average for the Rams going into the divisional round, as Harrison Mevis went 2-of-2 on field goals and 4-of-4 on extra points and Ethan Evans didn’t do too shabby on punts.

NFL Divisional Round DVOA Breakdown

Rams @ Bears pic.twitter.com/KQbf96tEm6

— FTN Fantasy (@FTNFantasy) January 16, 2026

The Rams have had arguably the worst kickoff unit in the NFL, the only team in the league that regularly still kicks touchbacks, but that wasn’t the case in Carolina. Can the Rams force the Bears to return kicks in the cold weather and not start every drive at the 35?

Luckily, it’s not as though the Rams are facing a beast on special teams on the other side. Chicago is barely below average. With a defense that ranks in the bottom-10 though, will the Bears be able to keep the game close enough for it to even matter?

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...fs/133493/rams-bears-dvoa-comparison-playoffs

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

NFC playoff picture: Rams know what’s ahead if they win

If the Los Angeles Rams beat the Chicago Bears on Sunday, they will be heading to Seattle to face the Seahawks in the NFC Championship game. There was a chance that L.A. could host the NFC Championship if the 49ers pulled the upset, but that was not the case and it wasn’t close. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 41-6.

SEATTLE IS BOOMIN' AGAIN

Seahawks take down the 49ers to head to the NFC Championship pic.twitter.com/GwyzA6u0Z4

— ESPN (@espn) January 18, 2026

So now the Rams know what’s ahead if they can do what the Niners and Bills couldn’t on Saturday and win a road divisional playoff game.

At least the Bears seem to be a lot worse than the Broncos and Seahawks.

Seattle held the 49ers to two field goals and forced three turnovers, including two by former Rams linebacker Ernest Jones. Traded to the Titans for almost nothing in 2024, Jones has been a stalwart on defense for Mike Macdonald’s defense since the Seahawks acquired him at the trade deadline last year. Jones had a forced fumble on Niners tight end Jake Tonges, then picked off Brock Purdy in the second half.

Jones was a second-team All-Pro this season.

Former Rams receiver Cooper Kupp, trying to win his second career Super Bowl, had 5 catches for 60 yards. A slow season all year, the 32-year-old had probably his best game as a Seahawks player. Running back Kenneth Walker III had three touchdowns and 119 yards on the ground.

In the early game, the Broncos beat the Bills 33-30 in overtime but quarterback Bo Nix broke his ankle at the very end of the game and will miss the rest of the postseason.

The Rams now face the Bears and look to advance to the NFC Championship. If they do, it’ll be a rematch of arguably the season’s most exciting game which happened in the same stadium barely a month ago.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a.../nfc-playoff-picture-rams-seahawks-49ers-path

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

What must the Rams do right tonight?

When it’s very cold, weather never fails to become the featured star of a football game before kickoff. However, oftentimes the game goes as most would expect in neutral weather and if the Rams can manage an early 10 point lead then L.A. may never look back at Chicago again. Still, that could be a big “if” and Sean McVay hasn’t created a sterling reputation for building a lead and keeping it.

What do fans believe that McVay needs to do against the Bears on Sunday night to put the “Matthew Stafford can’t win cold games” narrative on ice?

Don’t let the sun deceive you. Feels like 0° on the lakefront. #Bears welcome in the #Rams for what will be the coldest game they’ve played in all season.

Bears Gameday Live gets you ready from 12:30-2p on @fox32news! pic.twitter.com/MJilLkVr15

— Cassie Carlson (@CassieCarlsonTV) January 18, 2026

Jump down to the comments to share your ideas for what McVay must do to win this game and advance tot he NFC Championship in Seattle.

Run the ball at a high level​

The Rams have the run game advantage to build an early lead against the Bears. Chicago ranked 29th in EPA against first down runs out of 2+ TE sets and we know that McVay loves his 12 and 13 personnel. The Bears ranked 26th against 12 and 13-personnel runs all season long.

13 personnel + the early down run game will be crucial for the Rams.

The Bears defense has had difficulty stopping the run against multi-tight end looks.

Here's their ranking via EPA/run against 2+ TE sets:

– 1st Down (29th)
– 2nd Down (25th)
– All (26th)

Meanwhile the Rams… pic.twitter.com/lprvTzMEWH

— Josh (@JoshiosTweets) January 18, 2026

This should be a good game for Kyren Williams and Blake Corum..

Manage the timeouts correctly​

A cold game could mean a low-scoring game. A low-scoring game is a close game. A close game means that the clock is critically important. McVay’s time management and game management skills have long been questioned and the last thing he wants today (besides any kind of loss) is a loss that makes him look like Sean McDermott today.

Buffalo Bills last 5 playoffs

* 2026: Blew a 4th qt lead at Denver
* 2025: Blew a 4th qt lead at KC
* 2024: Blew a 4th qt lead vs. KC
* 2023: Blown out by Cincy at home
* 2022: Blew 4th qt lead at KC

How many more years of Josh Allen prime will Buffalo let Sean McDermott waste? pic.twitter.com/DL1L87TAGu

— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) January 18, 2026

And finally.

Don’t let special teams beat you​

As in, don’t let your own special teams beat you. As noted when he replaced Chase Blackburn, the Rams interim special teams coordinator is not a magician. He was fired himself a year ago. The Rams allowed a blocked punt last week.

Can McVay survive the postseason and win the Super Bowl in spite of their special teams errors? Can they get through just one game without any?

Share your “must haves” for the Rams and McVay in the comments below as you wait for the game!

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-news/133515/rams-bears-playoffs-sean-mcvay-keys

 

[Los Angeles Rams]

Rams-Bears: Divisional Round second half discussion

The Los Angeles Rams are tied with the Chicago Bears by a score of 10-10 after the first half of play. With both of these teams looking to book a ticket to Seattle for the NFC Championship game next week, it’s been a hard-fought battle so far in Chicago.

The Bears began with the ball, and marched down intot the redzone, but on a fourth down play, Caleb Willams threw an interception. The Rams took advantage by tacking on seven points to take a 7-0 lead after the Chicago turnover.

The Bears responded with a touchdown of their own to knot the game at 7-7 with plenty of time remaining in the second quarter.

After that Bears’ score, the Rams and Chicago would go on to exchange several punts leaving the score at 7-7 for most of quarter two.

L.A.’s defense was forcing punts and stopping Chicago on fourth down, while L.A.‘s offense struggled to do anything after their opening offensive drive.

Finally, the Bears would break the ice and take their first lead of the day with a field goal to make the game 10-7 with L.A. getting the ball back with about a minute to go in the half.

With the Rams also getting the ball to start the third quarter, they had a big opportunity to put up points here.

The Rams managed to knot the game with a field goal as the half ended with game score at 10-10.

Which of these teams will come out on top on Sunday night?

There is an entire half of football to go, so you’re going to want to stay locked in to see how this Divisional Round contest comes to an end!

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...s-divisional-round-second-half-the-discussion