Top 300 draft picks for 2026

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LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane is on my wish list for the Rams draft. (Photo by Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images)

Along with the Los Angeles Rams priming for a playoff run, the new year also brings about the start of the 2026 NFL Draft season. Over the next four months, prospects will be cussed and discussed and mock draft drafts will be everywhere. I have my opening board set and am ready to share it.

It’s not a finished product, there are the post-season all star workouts, Pro Day workouts, and the Combine still to on the billet. But I have put eyes on all these prospects and this is direction things are heading. The NCAA Transfer Portal closes tomorrow and I think I’ve caught most of the player staying in school or entering the draft.

Round 1 (28)​


QB Fernando Mendoza – Indiana

QB Dante Moore – Oregon

LB Arvell Reese – Ohio State

WR Jordyn Tyson – Arizona State

E/DE Rueben Bain – Miami

S Caleb Downs – Ohio State

WR Carnell Tate – Ohio State

CB Jermod McCoy – Tennessee

DT Peter Woods – Clemson

RB Jeremiyah Love – Notre Dame

ILB Sonny Styles – Ohio State

T Spencer Fano – Utah

T Francis Mauigoa – Miami

E David Bailey – Texas Tech

WR Makai Lemon – USC

E/DE Keldric Faulk – Auburn

CB Mansoor Delane – LSU

G Olaiviaga Ioane – Penn State

T Trevor Goosby – Texas

E TJ Parker – Clemson

TE Kenyon Sadiq – Oregon

CB Avieon Terrell – Clemson

DT Kayden McDonald – Ohio State

DT Caleb Banks – Florida

T Caleb Lomu – Utah

WR Kevin Concepcion – Texas A&M

G Emmanuel Pregnon – Oregon

T Kaydyn Proctor – Alabama

Round 2 (35)​


WR Denzel Boston – Washington

E Matayo Uiagalelei – Oregon

QB Ty Simpson – Alabama

E Cashius Howell – Texas A&M

ILB CJ Allen – Georgia

DT Christen Miller – Georgia

CB Keith Abney – Arizona State

S Kamari Ramsey – USC

S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren – Toledo

DT A’Mauri Washington – Oregon

DT Ahmad Moten – Miami

CB Colton Hood – Tennessee

ILB Jake Golday – Cincinnati

CB Brandon Cisse – South Carolina

E Romello Height – Texas Tech

CB Chris Johnson – San Diego State

DT Lee Hunter – Texas Tech

T Austin Siereveld – Ohio State

S AJ Haulcy – LSU

WR Chris Brazzell – Tennessee

WR Omar Cooper – Indiana

T Monroe Freeling – Georgia

T Max Iheanachor – Arizona State

E Malachi Lawrence – Central Florida

S Dillon Thieneman – Oregon

CB/S Keionte Scott – Miami

ILB Anthony Hill – Texas

CB D’Angelo Ponds – Indiana

WR Ja”Kobi Lane – USC

E/DE Akheem Mesidor – Miami

DT Domonique Orange – Iowa State

WR Chris Bell – Louisville

WR Germie Bernard – Alabama

RB Jadarian Price – Notre Dame

CB Devin Moore – Florida

Round 3 (34)​


C Connor Lew – Auburn

T Carter Smith – Indiana

S Genesis Smith – Arizona

T Cayden Green – Missouri

T Caleb Tiernan – Northwestern

G Kade Pieper – Iowa

TE Max Klare – Ohio State

E Gabe Jacas – Illinois

E Kenyatta Jackson – Ohio State

ILB Deontae Lawson – Alabama

RB Emmett Johnson – Nebraska

ILB Josiah Trotter – Missouri

E Joshua Josephs – Tennessee

TE Michael Trigg – Baylor

QB Garrett Nussmeier – LSU

S Bray Hubbard – Alabama

T Gennings Dunker – Iowa

CB Julian Neal – Arkansas

T Isaiah World – Oregon

E Anthony Lucas – USC

T Blake Miller – Clemson

E R Mason Thomas – Oklahoma

E Zion Young – Missouri

C Logan Jones – Iowa

ILB Kyle Louis – Pittsburgh

G Chase Bisontis – Texas A&M

WR Brennan Thompson – Mississippi State

WR Antonio Williams – Clemson

CB Treydan Stukes – Arizona

T Austin Barber – Florida

DT Darrell Jackson – Florida State

QB Carson Beck – Miami

S Michael Taaffe – Texas

DT Bear Alexander – Oregon

Round 4 (47)​


RB Justice Haynes – Michigan

WR Bryce Lance – North Dakota State

WR Eric Singleton – Auburn

TE Justin Joly – North Carolina State

CB Davison Igbinosun – Ohio State

S Issac Smith – Mississippi State

CB Kelly Jones – Mississippi State

QB Haynes King – Georgia Tech

WR Zachariah Branch – Georgia

ILB Jacob Rodriguez – Texas Tech

T Trey Zuhn – Texas A&M

TE Eli Stowers – Vanderbilt

WR Malachi Fields – Notre Dame

E Derrick Moore – Michigan

RB Jonah Coleman – Washington

S/CB Xavier Scott – Illinois

QB Joey Fagnano – Connecticut

WR Ted Hurst – Georgia State

TE Eli Raridon – Notre Dame

CB TJ Hall – Iowa

E Clev Lubin – Louisville

S Zakee Wheatley – Penn State

WR Deion Burks – Oklahoma

RB LJ Martin – BYU

QB Taylen Green – Arkansas

E Max Llewellyn – Iowa

S Amare Farrell – Indiana

G Keylan Rutledge – Georgia Tech

E LT Overton – Alabama

E Caden Curry – Ohio State

QB – Cade Klubnik – Clemson

G Beau Stephens – Iowa

CB Will Lee – Texas A&M

G Carver Willis – Washington

QB Drew Allar – Penn State

E Damon Wilson – Missouri

WR Elijah Serratt – Indiana

WR Eric Rivers – Georgia Tech

T Kage Casey – Boise State

QB Sawyer Robertson – Baylor

TE Oscar Delp – Georgia

RB Mike Washington – Arkansas

C Matt Gulbin – Michigan State

C Iapani Lalou – Oregon

C Jake Slaughter – Florida

E Anto Saka – Northwestern

WR Skyler Bell – Connecticut

Round 5 (45)​


CB Jadon Canaday – Oregon

G Fernando Carmona – Arkansas

CB Tacario Davis – Washington

S Jalen Huskey – Maryland

ILB Tauren York – Texas A&M

S Louis Moore – Indiana

T Brian Parker – Duke

DT Zxavian Harris – Ole Miss

RB Jeremiah Cobb – Auburn

WR Duce Robinson – Florida State

E Jaishawn Barham – Michigan

G Alex Harkey – Oregon

E Dani Dennis-Sutton – Penn State

CB Chandler Rivers – Duke

C Parker Braisford – Alabama

WR Josh Cameron – Baylor

DT Skyler Gill-Howard – Texas Tech

DT Albert Regis – Texas A&M

CB Hezekiah Masses – Cal

DT Nick Barrett – South Carolina

TE Jack Endries – Texas

ILB Lander Barton – Utah

T Jude Bowry – Boston College

CB Jermaine Matthews – Ohio State

DT Tim Keenan – Alabama

CB/S Jakobe Thomas – Miami

TE Lance Mason – Wisconsin

RB Kaytron Allen – Penn State

T Keegan Trost – Missouri

S VJ Payne – Kansas State

DT Dontay Corleone – Cincinnati

CB Brent Austin – Cal

WR Duce McCallister – TCU

T Nic Prongos – Stanford

T Jaccarius Peak – North Carolina State

E Trey Moore – Texas

TE Josh Cuevas – Alabama

DT Tyrique Tucker – Indiana

DT Tyler Onyedim – Texas A&M

RB Kejon Owens – Florida International

ILB Harold Perkins – LSU

RB Demond Claiborne – Wake Forest

TE Terrance Carter – Texas Tech

E Keyshawn James-Newby – New Mexico

C Sheridan Wilson – Texas Tech

Round 6 (32)​


CB Jalen Kilgore – South Carolina

E Teitu Tuioti – Oregon

G Kobe Baynes – Kansas

S Jalen Stroman – Notre Dame

WR Ian Strong – Rutgers

CB Malik Muhammad – Texas

ILB Whit Weeks – LSU

CB Collin Wright – Stanford

TE Joe Royer – Cincinnati

ILB Arion Carter – Tennessee

WR CJ Daniels – Miami

C Sam Hecht – Kansas State

ILB Red Murdock – Buffalo

RB Rahsul Faison – South Carolina

QB Behren Morton – Texas Tech

WR Chase Roberts – BYU

T Lance Heard – Tennessee

RB Robert Henry – UT San Antonio

S Terry Moore – Duke

ILB Rasheem Biles – Pittsburgh

QB Cole Payton – North Dakota State

DT Chris McLellan – Missouri

S Bishop Fitzgerald – USC

CB Charles Demmings – Stephen Austin

CB Al’Zillion Hamilton – Fresno State

T Chris Adams – Memphis

QB Trinidad Chambliss – Ole Miss

WR Kevin Coleman – Missouri

TE John Michael Gyllenborg – Wyoming

G Jaeden Roberts – Alabama

DT David Oke – Arkansas

DT Aaron Graves – Iowa

Round 7 (45)​


RB Raleek Brown – Arizona State

E/DE Tyreak Sapp – Florida

TE Lake McCree – USC

ILB Suntarine Perkins – Ole Miss

S DeShon Singleton – Nebraska

RB Nick Singleton -Penn State

CB Ephesians Prysock – Washington

DT Cole Brevard – Texas

C Jaren Kump – Utah

TE Jameson Geers – Minnesota

ILB Justin Jefferson – Alabama

DT Rayshaun Benny – Michigan

S Keon Sabb – Alabama

CB J’Yaire Hill – Michigan – Michigan\

WR Zavion Thomas – LSU

S Bud Clark -TCU

T Drew Shelton – Penn State

E Ndame Tucker – Western Michigan

ILB Sammy Osmosigho – Oklahoma

S Cole Wisniewski – Texas Tech

CB Devon Marshall – North Carolina State

RB Roman Hemby – Indiana

S Tao Johnson – Utah

TE Tanner Arkin – Illinois

DT Jordan van den Berg – Georgia Tech

TE Miles Kitselman – Tennessee

C Braelin Moore – LSU

G Ar’maj Reed-Adams – Texas A&M

T Demetrius Crownover – Texas A&M

QB Diego Pavia – Vanderbilt

G Anez Cooper – Miami

DT Rene Konga – Louisville

E Will Heldt – Clemson

CB Daylan Everette – Georgia

E Jack Pyburn – LSU

RB J’Mari Taylor – Virginia

G DJ Campbell – Texas

WR De”Zhaun Stribling – Ole Miss

T JC Davis – Illinois

ILB Aiden Fisher – Indiana

RB Jadyn Ott – Oklahoma

E Ethan Burke – Texas

ILB Bryce Boettcher – Oregon

TE Tanner Koziol – Houston

C Pat Coogan – Indiana

Top UDFAs

Top UDFAs​


G Evan Beernstein – Northwestern

QB Tucker Gleason – Toledo

CB Evan Johnson – BYU

WR Omega Blake – Arkansas

E Keyron Crawford – Auburn

RB Sieh Bangura – Ohio

T Amil Wagner – Notre Dame

S Earl Little – Florida State

DT David Blay – Miami

WR Romello Brinson – SMU

QB Joey Aguilar – Tennessee

C Jager Burton – Kentucky

CB Domani Jackson – Alabama

TE Sam Roush – Stanford

WR Emmanuel Henderson – Kansas

DT Brandon Cleveland – North Carolina State

RB Chip Trayanum – Toledo

S Jordan Castell – Florida

G Logan Taylor – Boston College

CB Michael Dansby – Arizona

T Dorian Strawn – Texas State

WR Hank Beatty – Illinois

E Vincent Anthony – Duke

ILB Kaleb Elarms-Orr – TCU

TE Da’Quan Wright – Ole Miss

E Mikail Kamara – Indiana

C Bryce Foster – Kansas

G/T Caden Barnett – Wyoming

RB Kavorian Barnes – TCU

WR Sincere Brown – Colorado

ILB Jack Kelly – BYU

CB Andre Fuller – Toledo

RB Dean Conners – Houston

S Isaiah Nwokobia – SMU

Feel free to weigh in​


If you have your own board, share your favorites. Agree, disagree, or anywhere in between, speak your piece in the forum.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-draft/132657/top-300-draft-picks-for-2026
 
L.A. Rams News: Are you rooting for SF or Seattle in Week 18?

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As a fan of the Los Angeles Rams, I don’t care for the San Francisco 49ers or the Seattle Seahawks, but which team do I dislike more (which team do you dislike more)? Well, no surprise, but it has to be the 49ers. We’ll credit them for all the success they’ve had and for being a constant source of pain for the Rams, and all that good stuff.

The Seahawks also can cause the Rams greif, we all know that, but I will be rooting for the Seahawks to beat the 49ers in the last week of the regular season.

Maybe after this season my tune will chance, but for me, Seattle doesn’t bother me nearly as much as SF.

What are your thoughts? Who will be you be rooting for, if either team?

Thank you for checking out Turf Show Times and I hope 2026 is treating you right!

Rams rooting guide: Why LA should be pulling for Seahawks (ramswire)​


“For the Los Angeles Rams, their fate was sealed in Weeks 16 and 17 when they went 0-2 and both the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers went 2-0. They went from holding the No. 1 seed to dropping all the way to third place in their own division and getting locked into a wild-card spot.

There’s still a little bit of movement for Los Angeles heading into the season finale. The Rams will either be the fifth or sixth seed in the playoff bracket, depending on how Week 18 goes. One thing’s for sure: They should be rooting for Seattle to win the West.“

Rams’ Mike LaFleur Addresses Offensive Failures in Atlanta (si.com)​


“LaFleur was asked a variety of questions regarding the Rams’ offensive woes in Atlanta, with the Rams’ offensive coordinator refusing to put forth anything but the flat-out truth. LaFleur was first asked about the play of the Rams’ offensive line.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford was put under pressure all night long.

“First, I want to give credit to Atlanta,” stated LaFleur. “I thought they did some really good stuff with their front. They were chopping it up pretty good and they made it challenging in some ways. I thought our guys battled their butts off.”

Rams sign safety Quentin Lake to three-year extension (espn.com)​


“Lake, a 2022 sixth-round pick, is in the final season of his rookie contract. He had played every defensive snap of the season for the Rams before sustaining an elbow dislocation in Week 11.

On Wednesday, Rams coach Sean McVay said the team plans to open Lake’s 21-day practice window Thursday, with the goal of him being ready to play in Los Angeles’ first playoff game.“

Random Ramsdom Fandom:​


”My old tennis coach used to tell me: “If you lose a set, don’t let it get you down. Think positive thoughts and bounce back right away.”

If it worked for Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, and Pete Sampras, it can work for the Rams.

Happy New Year, everyone! Go, Rams.“ -TucsonFan

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-news/132713/la-rams-news-week-18-nfl
 
Rams vs Cardinals: How to watch on TV, stream or listen on radio

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After dropping games in two consecutive weeks, the 11-5 Los Angels Rams will host the 3-13 Arizona Cardinals Sunday January 4 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Ca. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:25 p.m. PST. It’s Week 18, the final weekend of the NFL regular season. L.A. will move on to the playoffs, while the RedBirds will head out on vacation. The Rams aren’t the only team in this matchup on a losing streak, while L.A. has dropped a pair, the Cards are in the throes of an eight-game losing funk.

Arizona will likely give the Rams secondary a full days work, having thrown the most passes in the NFL 10-year NFL veteran Jacoby Brissett took over in Week 6 after Cardinal QB#1 Kyler Murray suffered a foot injury and was subsequently shelved for the season. Murray’s uneven play and losing record over his career has gotten his first coach, Kliff Kingsbury fired and his current skipper, Jonathon Gannon on the hot seat.

The two teams share a long history in head-to-head matchups, all the way back to 1937. At the that time, the Cardinals were based in Chicago while the Rams were home in Cleveland. The Rams moved to Los Angeles for the 1946 season, but the Cards stayed in the City of Big Shoulders until a 1960 move to St. Louis. The rivalry remained in those two cities for 27 years. In 1987, the RedBirds moved west to Phoenix and the Rams moved into the vacated Gateway to the West a handful of years later. The Cardinals are still in the greater Phoenix area while the Rams came back west to L.A, in 2017.

Over those 88 years, the Rams hold a 52-41-2 advantage. Since Sean McVay took the L.A. reins in 2017, he’s dominated with a 15-4 record.

Here’s how to follow the game!

WATCH ON TV LIVE​


TV Coverage: Regionally on FOX

Play-By-Play: Kenny Albert

Color Analyst: Jonathan Vilma

Sideline Reporter: Megan Olivi

STREAMING​


A live stream will be available on the following platforms if the game is available on TV in the local market:


Also, but not limited to: NFL+, NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube, Peacock, Paramount+, and many others.

LISTEN ON RADIO​


Local Radio coverage: ESPN LA 710 AM

  • Play-by-Play: JB Long
  • Color Analyst: Maurice Jones-Drew
  • Sideline reporter: D’Marco Farr

ESPNLA’s affiliate radio stations

Domestic Markets:


  • KMET/1490 AM & 98.1 FM – Banning, CA
  • KFIG/790 AM – Fresno, CA
  • KAVL/610 AM & 106.7 FM – Lancaster, CA
  • KRHQ/102.3 FM – Palm Springs, CA
  • KTIE/590 AM – Riverside, CA
  • KGB/760 AM – San Diego, CA
  • KXTK/1280 AM & 101.7 FM – San Luis Obispo, CA
  • KSMA/1240 AM & 99.5 FM – Santa Maria, CA
  • KSHP/1400 AM & 107.1 – Las Vegas, NV
  • KVLI/1140 AM & 103.7 FM – Bakersfield,
  • CAKVTA/1590 AM – Oxnard/Ventura,
  • CAKTMS/990 AM – Santa Barbara, CA
  • KIXW/960 AM – Victorville
  • CAKXO/107.5 FM – El Centro, CA
  • KOVO/960 AM – Provo, UT
  • KIKI/990 AM – Honolulu, Hi

International Markets:

  • LiSTNR App – Australia
  • W Radio – Mexico

Spanish Radio coverage: Tu Liga Radio 1330 AM

  • Play-by-Play: Troy Santiago
  • Color Analyst: Ricardo Lopez

Tu Liga Radio’s affiliate radio stations:

  • KTMZ/1220 AM – Pomona, CA
  • KCAL/1410 AM – San Bernardino and Riverside, CA
  • KOXR 910 AM – Oxnard and Ventura, CA

SOCIAL MEDIA COVERAGE​


Instagram: @rams

Facebook: /rams

X (formerly known as Twitter): @RamsNFL

TikTok: @rams

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...-how-to-watch-on-tv-stream-or-listen-on-radio
 
LA Rams standings: Updated NFC playoff picture before Seahawks vs. 49ers

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We’re heading into the final week of the 2025 NFL season, and the Rams won’t know where they stand for the postseason until we get to the other side of it.

As of right now, the Rams are slotted in at the No. 6 Wild Card spot, but things could shift depending on how Saturday’s late game between the Seahawks and 49ers shakes out. If the Seahawks win on Saturday, and the Rams beat the Cardinals on Sunday, then LA can wrap up the fifth seed. That would involve traveling to face the four-seed, which will be the NFC South winner. The Buccaneers are penciled into that spot right now after Saturday afternoon’s win over the Panthers, but they now need the Falcons to lose to the Saints on Sunday to cement their NFC South win.

If the Rams lose and the 49ers win, the Rams will stay in the sixth seed. In that case, they’ll play either the Eagles or the Bears to kick off the postseason, and I think it goes without saying that the 5-seed is the better option here.

Here are the updated standings before Saturday’s games kick off in Week 18.

NFC West standings​

  1. Seattle Seahawks 13-3
  2. San Francisco 49ers 12-4
  3. Los Angeles Rams 11-5
  4. Arizona Cardinals 3-13

Updated NFC playoff picture​


1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3) – Clinched playoff spot
2. Chicago Bears (11-5) – Clinched NFC North
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) – Clinched NFC East
4. Carolina Panthers (8-8)
5. San Francisco 49ers (12-4) – Clinched playoff spot
6. Los Angeles Rams (11-5) – Clinched playoff spot
7. Green Bay Packers (9-6-1) – Clinched playoff spot
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...izona-cardinals-wild-card-seeding-tiebreakers
 
5 keys to victory: Can Rams reset vs. Cardinals?

Rams WR Puka Nacua vs. Cardinals


The Los Angeles Rams will have an opportunity on Sunday to hit 12 wins for the second time with Matthew Stafford at quarterback. Despite sitting at 11-5, this may be the worst that fans have felt about this Rams team all season. They are coming off of back-to-back losses, including one against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. The Rams need a reset and the doctor could not have prescribed a game against the Arizona Cardinals at a better time. This will be a great opportunity to find some form before the playoffs. Here are this week’s keys to victory.

1. Get back to the basics​


The Rams simply need to get back to the basics heading into the playoffs. For the most part, the last five weeks haven’t been good. While they have wins over the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions, the three losses simply haven’t been good enough. The Rams went from being one of the best run defenses in the NFL to once again giving up the explosive play. They went from a team that rarely turned the ball over to one that has a negative turnover margin over the last three games.

When the Rams have needed a ‘get right’ game during the Sean McVay era, the Arizona Cardinals have always been there to provide that. After losing back-to-back games in Weeks 14 and 15 in 2018, the Rams played the Cardinals in a Week 16 matchup. The Rams won that game 31-9, which sparked winning four straight games before the Super Bowl. In 2020, the Rams lost to the San Francisco 49ers to drop to 7-4. They beat the Cardinals the following week and again in Week 17 with John Wolford before winning a playoff game. During the Super Bowl season, the Rams had the infamous “No Win November”. They did beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it was a win against the 10-2 Cardinals that got them back on track. In 2023, after failing to score more than 20 points for more than a month, the Rams beat the Cardinals 37-14. The offense would score 30 points in three of the next four games.

2. Play a clean game​


Before the playoffs, the Rams need to be able to play a clean game. Again, they turned the ball over three times last week against the Panthers which was the second time in five weeks that they’ve done so. Over the last five weeks, the Rams have had special teams gaffes and made too many mistakes on defense. Simply put, the Rams need to be able to feel good about how they’re playing before the postseason.

This kind of goes back to the previous point, but getting back to the basics and playing a clean game on Sunday is important. The defense needs to stop the run and do a better job tackling. Offensively, the Rams need to not turn the ball over and take advantage of opportunities. From a special teams perspective, they need to do their jobs. It sounds simple, but it’s very important before the postseason starts.

3. Stay healthy​


There may not be anything more important than staying healthy on Sunday against the Cardinals. For the first time since 2021, the Rams will be playing their starters in Week 18. During the finale over the last two years, Sean McVay has rested his starters. The Rams were hurt in 2022 and then they played for the division title in 2021. It’s very possible that the Rams won’t have anything to play for on Sunday. Despite that, McVay has said that he plans to play the starts.

If the Rams are playing Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, and Puka Nacua, they need to stay healthy. It’s understandable that McVay wants his guys to play better going into the postseason. At the same time, they don’t stand a chance if any of those three or other starters take a freak hit and end up hurt. A win and playing well are both important. However, nothing is more important than coming out of this game healthy.

4. Get out to an early lead​


The Rams didn’t earn the right to rest in Week 18 as they need to play better heading into the postseason. However, it gets interesting if the Rams jump out to a 31-10 lead early in the second half as they did in Week 14. This is a Cardinals team that would want nothing more than to play spoiler in Week 18 and give the Rams a more difficult matchup in the playoffs. At the same time, the Cardinals have also lost its last eight games.

If the Rams can jump out to an early two-score lead, they can immediately put out any belief that the Cardinals may have in this game. The Rams may be playing their starters to begin the game, but with a big lead after playing well, they could certainly rest in the second half if needed to avoid any injuries.

5. Find consistent pressure with defensive line​


Last week, the Rams actually pressured Kirk Cousins and lot and it almost resulted in a few turnovers. Cousins was pressured on 11 of his 20 dropbacks which was the third-highest rate in the NFL. With that said, it was the first time since the Cardinals game in Week 14 that the defense had a pressure rate over 40 percent.

For this Rams defense to be at its best, they need to get after the quarterback. Too often this season, the pass rush has disappeared in important moments or for long stretches. Coming into the season, the Rams should have had a top-five pass rush. They currently rank seventh in quarterback pressure rate on the season. The Cardinals have allowed the eighth-highest pressure rate this season. This should be a good opportunity to gain some momentum heading into the playoffs.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...132718/rams-cardinals-week-18-keys-to-victory
 
Winners & Losers: Rams pass rush back in time for playoffs?

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Sean McVay elected to play starters against a three-win Arizona Cardinals team. The game was closer through three quarters than any realistic person would have expected; however, the Los Angeles Rams found their offensive groove into the fourth quarter and came out on top 37-20. They scored 14 points in the final quarter.

The victory seals the fifth seed in the NFC playoff picture for Los Angeles. They’ll travel to face the Carolina Panthers in the wildcard round of the postseason. The Rams lost in Carolina earlier this year and will look to exorcise demons and make a playoff run.

But before we turn our attention to the postseason, let’s dive deeper into the individuals that helped LA score a win in the regular season finale.

Winners​

Pass rush​


The Rams defense sacked Jacoby Brissett six times. Pressure was frequent and unrelenting. Jared Verse had one of his best pass rush outings on the season. Kobie Turner, Poona Ford, Desjuan Johnson, and Josaiah Stewart were also all active throughout the game.

The Cardinals threatened and held a lead into the third quarter. This is not a team that has any business beating the Rams. While the score was close until late, the pass rush certainly bought time until the offense could find their footing late.

This is one of the most encouraging outcomes from the game. Pass rush is of the upmost importance into the playoffs.

Rams force a turnover less than two minutes into the game 👀

AZvsLAR on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/ImAHWyGZX8

— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2026

Puka Nacua, WR​


Puka Nacua was one of the most consistent producers for the Rams on offense in both halves. He made an impressive one-handed touchdown grab in the red zone. Nacua finished with 10 catches on 11 targets for 76 yards. He also added another 24 yards on two rushes that helped the offensive come alive in the fourth quarter.

puka nacua is the best receiver in the nfl and it’s not close. pic.twitter.com/HFRd793ZpU

— alexis kraft (@thealexiskraft) January 4, 2026

Blake Corum, RB​


LA lacked energy offensively at the start of the second half. Blake Corum, who was questionable coming into this game and probably should have rested ahead of the postseason, was the spark plug that got things back on track. He ran with angry intent and fought for extra yards, finishing with 69 total yards on 14 touches.

The duo of Kyren Williams and Corum will be tough to defend in the playoffs. They are stylistically just different enough to challenge defenses in multiple ways.

Tyler Higbee, TE​


There was a stretch during Tyler Higbee’s extended absence that it seemed he wasn’t missed at all. In recent weeks the tight end production without him waned, and his return was an emphatic reminder why he has been such an important offensive piece for this team in the Sean McVay era.

Higbee caught five of six targets for 91 yards and a touchdown. He ripped off multiple long gains to break open the Arizona defense.

Welcome back Tyler Higbee!

AZvsLAR on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/WLbdPqdkpp

— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2026

Losers​

Jarquez Hunter, RB​


It was positive to see Corum contribute in a big way. He probably shouldn’t have played in this game and should have rested for the start of the playoffs.

But Corum did play and rookie Jarquez Hunter was again a healthy scratch. It’s telling that the Rams would rather put a possibly hobbled Corum on the field instead of giving Hunter his first touches. There are simply no encouraging signs in regards to the rookie’s development. It’s rare for healthy fourth-round running backs to have zero touches through 18 weeks of the regular season.

Colby Parkinson, TE​


It’s probably harsh to put Parkinson on the “losers” list on a day where he scored two touchdowns; however, it’s clear that Higbee is performing at a higher level and can win individually without plays specifically schemed for him. Parkinson also has not been sure-handed lately (especially in the Seahawks game). He dropped another pass close to the goal line that forced LA to settle for a field goal in the first half.

With Higbee healthy and Terrance Ferguson hopefully soon to be, what is Parkinson’s role in the offense moving forward? Does he become an afterthought?

Justin Dedich, RG​


The interior of the Arizona defensive line dominated Dedich at right guard for nearly this entire contest. Dedich was outmatched often against Calais Campbell and others. The backup guard was also called for a penalty that negated a long Nacua catch.

Nate Landman, MLB​


Did the Rams extend Nate Landman too early? The veteran linebacker continued a recent trend of missing a lot of tackles and was porous in coverage (allowed a score). Where is the physicality that Landman brought to the defense in the season’s early going? Has he grown tired late into the year?

One more huge Michael Wilson highlight before the season ends 🥹pic.twitter.com/Jzb9LvVHlq

— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) January 4, 2026

Ahkello Witherspoon, CB​


Ahekllo Witherspoon recorded an interception, sure. However, a better throw from Brissett to Michael Wilson on that play scores a touchdown. Witherspoon was beat badly, and then Wilson and Brissett connected for a long touchdown over Witherspoon later.

Now, no Rams corner really was able to cover Wilson. The promising young receiver dominated the Rams secondary in both matchups. I shutter to think how Witherspoon and LA’s corners will fare against some of the physical receivers they will come across in the postseason.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...2789/rams-cardinals-winners-losers-puka-nacua
 
Rams updated 2026 NFL Draft order: Current 1st-round pick after Week 18

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The Rams’ draft position won’t be fully finalized until their playoff run is done. But they’ve got another first-round pick in 2026 courtesy of the Falcons, and that one is finalized now that the regular season is done.

Atlanta finished the season strong, with four consecutive wins, including a Week 17 Monday Night Football victory over the Rams. Those wins have bumped the pick the Rams will receive from the Falcons down to No. 13.

The Falcons’ 2026 first-round pick came to the Rams thanks to a 2025 draft-day trade that allowed Atlanta to trade back into the first round and double up on edge rushers. After selecting Georgia EDGE Jalon Walker at No. 15, the Falcons swapped with the Rams to take James Pearce Jr. out of Tennessee. The Rams received the 2026 first-round pick, plus Atlanta’s 2025 second-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick. In return, they sent the Falcons the Rams’ 26th overall pick in 2025, which they used to select Pearce, and the 101st overall pick.

As of right now, the Rams are set to pick at No. 29 as well, but that hopefully won’t be finalized until February.

Updated 2026 NFL Draft order​

  1. Las Vegas Raiders
  2. New York Jets
  3. Arizona Cardinals
  4. Tennessee Titans
  5. New York Giants
  6. Cleveland Browns
  7. Washington Commanders
  8. New Orleans Saints
  9. Kansas City Chiefs
  10. Cincinnati Bengals
  11. Miami Dolphins
  12. Dallas Cowboys
  13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
  14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  15. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)
  16. Baltimore Ravens
  17. Detroit Lions
  18. Minnesota Vikings
  19. Carolina Panthers
  20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)
  21. Pittsburgh Steelers
  22. Los Angeles Chargers
  23. Philadelphia Eagles
  24. Buffalo Bills
  25. Chicago Bears
  26. San Francisco 49ers
  27. Houston Texans
  28. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
  29. Los Angeles Rams
  30. New England Patriots
  31. Denver Broncos
  32. Seattle Seahawks

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...osition-atlanta-falcons-trade-james-pearce-jr
 
PFF grades: The regular season thru the rear view mirror

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That’s a wrap on the regular season for the 2025 Los Angeles Rams. LA next takes the field on Saturday afternoon on the road against the Carolina Panthers, winners of the NFC South division.

Before we fully turn our attention to the postseason, let’s take a glance in the rear view mirror and assess standpoint performers (in both good ways and bad) according to Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and metrics.

Team grades:​


Overall: #1 – 96.2

Seahawks #2 (93.6), Lions #3 (93.3), Patriots #4 (91.9), Texans #5 (88.9)

Offense: #1 – 93.6

49ers #2 (84.5), Patriots #3 (84.2), Seahawks #4 (83.6), Lions #5 (82.8)

Defense: #1 – 87.7

Browns #2 (84.5), Texans #3 (83.0), Seahawks #4 (82.8), Lions #5 (82.0)

Special teams: #26 – 73.7

The Rams are PFF’s top team on each side of the ball and the highest graded overall team. They fall short in the third phase of the game, special teams, and this is an area that potentially cost LA up to three wins on the season. Ultimately this was the defense between making the playoffs as a wildcard entrant and winning the NFC West division.

It is notable that the Seahawks also rank in the top five on each side of the ball and overall are just behind Los Angeles overall. These are two of the best teams in all of the NFL.

The Lions must be disappointed to not make the playoffs. They also ranked in the top five on offense/defense and finished sixth in special teams. The Bears and Packers both made the playoffs while Detroit and Jared Goff now sit at home.

Notes on offense:​

  • Puka Nacua, WR: 96.3
  • Matthew Stafford, QB: 93.5
  • Kevin Dotson, RG: 86.4
  • Davante Adams, WR: 85.2
  • Warren McClendon, RT: 83.5

It is no surprise that Puka Nacua, Matthew Stafford, and Kevin Dotson lead the Rams in grading. Nacua, when healthy, is evidently the best player on the field. His connection with Stafford deepened and the stat sheet reflects improvement from both.

LA’s offense doesn’t look the same since Dotson was injured in the most recent game against Seattle. He’s the Rams’ best offensive lineman (hands down) and excels at creating pathways for Kyren Williams and Blake Corum in the rushing game. Fingers crossed that Dotson is able to return for the playoffs.

We also cannot ignore the found money in Warren McClendon. The Rams were in a seemingly impossible position with Rob Havenstein’s play taking a major step back. They had a hole that would require either big free agent money or a top draft pick to fix, and instead McClendon grabbed the starting job at right tackle and never looked back.

Notes on defense:​

  • Poona Ford, DT: 86.2
  • Byron Young, EDGE: 84.9
  • Jared Verse, EDGE: 83.9
  • Kobie Turner, DT: 83.1
  • Quentin Lake, DB: 75.1

It’s somewhat rare in the NFL for free agent acquisitions to immediately prove their worth on new teams; however, that has exactly been the case for Poona Ford. Ford has transformed the Rams’ run defense (with some exceptions) and helped turnaround a unit that single handily lost games last year against the likes of Saquon Barkley.

Jared Verse and Byron Young form one of the best EDGE duos in the NFL. While PFF grading indicates Verse has taken a step back in run defense, Young has converted this from a weakness to a strength.

Lake was recently rewarded with a contract extension to keep him from hitting free agency this spring. His extended absence made the Rams and fans realize how important he is to this defense, as LA took a major downturn without their captain.

  • Nate Landman, MLB: 72.3
  • Ahkello Witherspoon, CB: 54.3
  • Emmanuel Forbes: CB: 53.8
  • Ty Hamilton, DT: 29.9

Landman doesn’t necessarily belong in this list of lowlights. 72.3 is the highest defensive grade of his career. Still, he had a rough last month of the season where he missed eight tackles over the final four games. The Rams need him to perform better and more reliably into the postseason.

Playoff opponents will lick their chops at the opportunity to face the Rams’ corners. This group, while there have been periods of promising play, have mostly performed poorly over the course of the season. We can argue whether Forbes or Witherspoon should start opposite of Cobie Durant on Saturday; however, neither are likely the long-term answer. Forbes, Josh Wallace, and Darious Williams (unlikely to return) are the only corners under contract into 2026.

Last and least, Ty Hamilton, a rookie the Rams traded up to draft, looked awful during the postseason and looked awful in the regular season as well. His supposed strength is run defense and he earned a mark in this facet from PFF of just 29.6. The Rams may not want to move on from Hamilton because of the cost paid to acquire him, but we must ask ourselves whether the sunk costs merit keeping him around.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-scores-results/132871/rams-pff-grades-season-review
 
L.A. Rams News: Still upset about no 1-seed?

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The Los Angeles Rams had a real chance at the 1-seed had they taken care of their own business, but that’s not exactly what happened. Instead, the Rams lost their chance at the 1-seed in the backend of the season, will the fans forgive them for this blunder? Do you forgive them for this blunder?

The 1-seed is nice and all, no doubt about it. However, if a team get the 1-seed then loses in their first game after the bye week, then what good was the 1-seed?

It won’t be easy, but the Rams have a chance to beat the Carolina Panthers in the playoffs and go from there. If L.A. goes on a run, then the 1-seed won’t seem as important, if the Rams lose to the Panthers, then people will be able to look back and say the Rams lost the 1-seed, and it cost them their season.

We won’t know what happens until it happens, so we’ll have to wait and see.

In the meantime, enjoy this week, it could be the Rams last game of the season on Saturday, so enjoy it, and thank you for checking out Turf Show Times!

Rams Open Playoffs in Charlotte on Saturday (mynewsla.com)​


“The 1:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time game will be a rematch of the Panthers’ 31-28 victory Nov. 30 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina in a game in which the Rams drove to Carolina’s 17-yard line with 2:34 to play but their hopes of a comeback ended when quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked by Derrick Brown, who forced a fumble which was recovered by Panthers’ outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum.”

Rams PFF grades: Best and worst performers in win vs. Cardinals (ramswire)​


“The Los Angeles Rams ended the 2025 regular season on a high note with a 37-20 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon. The game was close for three quarters but the Rams pulled away in the fourth and put their opponent away with three straight touchdown drives.

Pro Football Focus handed out grades for all players who took the field, and we sorted them by best and worst (min. 10 snaps). The offense had a bunch of standout players, as did the defense, but there were some starters who still must improve.“

Rams’ Colby Parkinson Talks on Franchise Record-Setting Performance (si.com)​


“Parkinson is one of several tight ends who have been hot in the red zone. Earlier this season, Rams head coach Sean McVay spoke to the group’s effectiveness.

“I think overall execution,” stated McVay. “I think Matthew’s done a great job and then I think their ability to be able to contribute in both phases. You can create some run-pass conflicts. The players deserve a ton of credit. Whether it’s [Tight End] Tyler Higbee, [Tight End] Colby Parkinson, [Tight End] Davis Allen, it’s cool to see [Tight End] Terrance Ferguson make some plays the other night.”

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-news/132873/la-rams-news-nfl-playoffs-panthers
 
7 Round Rams Mock Draft: Post-regular season edition

WR Jordyn Tyson


The Los Angeles Rams will officially have the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after the Atlanta Falcons finished their season with an 8-9 record. When the Rams drafted 13th overall last time, they selected Aaron Donald and they’ll hope their selection in that spot works out half as well in April. General manager Les Snead will continue to look to build up the roster, especially in the secondary. Thankfully, there are several first-round cornerback options. Let’s jump into a post-regular season mock draft.

13th Overall — WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State​


The Rams are going to need a wide receiver in this draft class and if Jordyn Tyson falls to the Rams at 13, it’s going to be very difficult for Sean McVay to pass that up. Tyson would give the Rams a legitimate “X” receiver and someone that could replace Davante Adams next year or in 2027. The Rams have struggled with wide receiver depth behind Puka Nacua and Adams this season. Tyson would be a great option as a WR2 next to Nacua.

24th Overall — CB Colton Hood, Tennessee​


Some may want the Rams to take cornerback with their first selection at 13. However, as long as they address the position in the first-round, they should be in a good spot. Hood had a fantastic season at Tennessee after transferring from Colorado. He has great ball skills with 14 passes defended and three interceptions over the last two years combined. As a bonus, he’s a physical player and a willing tackler in the run game which the Rams currently lack on the outside. This would be a great fit.

55th Overall — DL Lee Hunter, Texas Tech​


One of my favorite players in the 2026 NFL Draft will be Lee Hunter. The Rams look to have gotten it wrong with Ty Hamilton last offseason. They need another player in the middle of the defensive line that they can trust in the run game and someone that can potentially take over for Poona Ford after 2026. Hunter has been a key cog in the middle of a Texas Tech defensive line that has taken over games in the trenches this season and can get after the quarterback. In the college football playoff against Oregon, he set a single-game CFP record with six tackles from the nose tackle position. The Rams have heavily invested in the defensive line in recent years, but Hunter would be another good addition.

Lee Hunter is no longer a secret. Nimble wrecking ball that is now an early Day 2 prospect pic.twitter.com/cNYBJlR9DF

— Omari (@OmariiBrown) January 2, 2026

86th Overall — OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern​


The Rams will need to take a tackle in the draft. It’s really only a matter of when they do. Alaric Jackson is solid on the left side and Warren McClendon has shown upside as a right tackle. However, the Rams can’t go into 2026 without any insurance at either spot. Jackson has never played all 17 games in a season and McClendon is still relatively unproven. Tiernan provides a good swing tackle option that can play on the left or right side. He could also potentially slide inside at guard. Ideally, the Rams keep Jackson and McClendon, but develop Tiernan to be what Joe Noteboom was which was a versatile piece that could play four of the five positions.

164th Overall — QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson​


There will be some who won’t like the Cade Klubnik pick here. However, this is the fifth round and there will be some interesting options here at quarterback. Drew Allar could be available in this spot along with Garrett Nussmeier. I also like Cole Payton. Specifically with Klubnik and Allar, they bring the pedigree and arm talent that is worth trying to develop. This isn’t committing to Klubnik as the guy after Matthew Stafford. In a best-case scenario, he develops. The worst-case scenario, he takes over for Stetson Bennett as a third-string quarterback that eventually becomes the backup.

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik fell from Summer grace, but the sell may be a top developmental QB2 behind an aging vet.

You think Sean McVay & the Rams couldn’t get the MOST out of him behind Matthew Stafford?

Great get for The Shrine Bowl.

🎥 @hailmarysportss https://t.co/ePdTmJy7c8 pic.twitter.com/x3y8CIzZ8y

— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) December 15, 2025

200th Overall — LB Eric Gentry, USC​


After investing in Nate Landman, the Rams likely won’t take a linebacker early. Still, they could look to take one late in the draft. Gentry is an interesting player because of how uniquely built he is. He’s 6’6, 225 pounds and is a bit of a Swiss Army knife that can play multiple roles and impact games in multiple ways. At the very least, he’s someone who can contribute on special teams.

201st Overall — TE Marlin Klein, Michigan​


It’s very possible that Tyler Higbee isn’t back next year and Colby Parkinson will be on the final year of his contract. With how much the Rams utilized tight ends this season, it makes sense to continue adding to that position. Klein is more of a blocking tight end, but will bring receiving upside with his size.

230th Overall — iOL Dillon Wade, Auburn​


One of the best things that the Rams can do late in the draft is continue investing in offensive line depth. Wade is experienced and versatile. He has nearly 1,000 snaps at both left tackle and left guard and has some experience at right tackle. Adding some competition for Justin Dedich in the offseason would be a good thing. The Rams drafted KT Leveston a few years ago and that didn’t work out. Wade brings three years of experience in the SEC as a leader on that offensive line.

248th Overall — WR Nyziah Hunter, Nebraska​


A second wide receiver here may be a lot, but the Rams could use some depth. Tutu Atwell is likely gone and Adams isn’t a guarantee to come back given his contract. Xavier Smith is an exclusive rights free agent heading into the offseason. Hunter brings big play ability, especially after the catch where his speed really stands out.

Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson really caught my eye this weekend vs UCLA. Three-down skillset with serious speed.

Special mention for WR Nyziah Hunter with the block on the LB! pic.twitter.com/qf5FTFyaD9

— Jack Brentnall (@Jack_Brentnall) November 10, 2025

250th Overall — S Cole Wisniewski, Texas Tech​


The more that the Rams can invest in the Texas Tech defense, the better. This is someone that could compete with Jaylen McCollough as the dime linebacker in sub-packages, but immediately produce on special teams which is a bonus in this area of the draft.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-draft/132890/2026-rams-mock-draft-post-regular-season
 
How Rams could host at least one playoff game

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The Los Angeles Rams are a wild card road team on Saturday against the Carolina Panthers, but there’s a reasonable possibility that they could be hosting the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium if they win. It would just take a couple of small but reasonable upsets this weekend.

If the Rams beat the Panthers, who they are favored to defeat by 10 points, then they move onto the divisional round. That’s the obvious step one.

Later on Saturday, the Packers play the Bears. Green Bay is actually favored by 1.5 points. The teams split their season series recently — the most recent for either team is their opponent in this game — so it wouldn’t be at all shocking to see Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love beat Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams in their postseason debut.

If those two things happen on Saturday, then already the Rams know they aren’t going to Seattle to face the number one-seeded Seahawks in the divisional round.

Then the only thing left to happen would be the 49ers beating the Eagles on Sunday. The Eagles are 4.5-point favorites but Philadelphia is anything but assured to beat San Francisco in the wild card. The Eagles have had one of the worst offenses in the league over the second half of the season, whereas the 49ers have one of the best and had won six games in a row prior to losing to Seattle in Week 18.

If the Niners, Rams, and Packers all win their games this weekend, then L.A. is heading home in round two.

And if that happens and then the Rams beat the 49ers plus the Packers upset the Seahawks, then L.A. would be HOSTING Green Bay in the NFC Championship.

The 49ers would be the only team that the Rams could host in round 2.

The Packers would be the only team that the Rams could host in the NFC Championship.

First they need to avenge their previous loss in Carolina on Saturday.

Then root for the Packers.

That alone saves the Rams a trip to Seattle in round 2. Potentially even avoiding going on the road again until the Super Bowl. Never say the 5-seed wasn’t an important prize.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...yoff-picture-scenarios-panthers-packers-49ers
 
Wild Card Weekend picks: Rams return to Carolina

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The 2025-2026 playoffs are set. The Los Angeles Rams (#5 seed) will travel back to Charlotte, North Carolina for a rematch with the NFC South division champion, Carolina Panthers (#4 seed). The Rams and Panthers will kickoff wild card week with 2 games on Saturday, 3 games on Sunday, and 1 game on Monday. There has been a lot of fluidity in the NFL standings in 2025, leaving analysts and oddsmakers uncertain as to who could be Super Bowl LX champs. Which team will seize the moment? We’ll start with wild card weekend. Here are my outright picks.

Week 18 picks: 8-8, Cumulative picks: 169-101-1 (.625)

Wild Card Round Matchups & Predictions

(Saturday) Los Angeles Rams @ Carolina Panthers, 4:30 PM EST


Analysis: Rams fans don’t have to wait long during wild card weekend to find out if they make it to the divisional round. Los Angeles will travel to Carolina for a Week 13 rematch. Carolina prevailed in a 31-28 upset, forcing Matthew Stafford turnovers. Yet, despite the uncharacteristic performance by Stafford, the Rams were still in a position to win the game. Carolina was without JC Horn and Trevon Moehrig in Week 13. So Stafford will face an even stingier defense. Something to watch is the forecast as it is expected to rain (again) in Charlotte on Saturday. The Rams did have plenty of success running the ball with Corum and Williams, so McVay should be expected to lean into the running game with poor weather conditions.

🌧️EARLY NFL WILD CARD WEATHER🌬️

Take these forecasts with a grain of salt…

🔹Rams at Panthers +9.5, 46.5 SAT

Extended forecast shows chance of showers for 4:30 pm ET. Some models call for 15 mph winds WSW with gusts up to 37 mph, blowing sideline to sideline in NC.

— Jason Logan (@CoversJLo) January 5, 2026

X-Factor: Matthew Stafford (MVP)

Pick: Rams win 26-17


(Saturday) Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears, 8:00 PM EST

Analysis: These two rivals split their head-to-head matchups in the regular season. With the home team winning each game. The Packers have not won since Week 14 and are without their superstar edge rusher, Micah Parsons on defense. I think Chicago (players, fans) will be fired up for this playoff game and they move onto the divisional round.

“This is not a fight they want”

@stoolpresidente on the Bears hosting the Packers in the playoffs

BOOGEYMAN COMING 😈 pic.twitter.com/1MKjyW5Ovu

— Hogg (@HoggNFL) January 5, 2026

X-Factor: Jordan Love

Pick: Bears win 20-17


Buffalo Bills @ Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:00 PM EST

Analysis: Probably one of the best games on tap for wild card weekend. This game appears primed for a shootout between Josh Allen and Trevor Lawrence. It’s a shame that it will be at 1:00pm and not on primetime. I’ll even go ahead and say that the winner will be the AFC representative for Super Bowl LX. Even though Josh Allen has a clear advantage, having been on the playoff stage more, this could be Trevor Lawrence’s opportunity to breakout in the NFL as the former #1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

If you maxed out every QB in the AFC playoffs and each had their best game, whose performance could compete with Josh Allen’s?@danorlovsky7 has Trevor Lawrence. pic.twitter.com/ym15mbtFdJ

— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) December 18, 2025

X-Factor: Dion Dawkins/Spencer Brown vs. Travon Walker/Josh Hines-Allen

Pick: Jaguars win 36-30


San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles, 4:30 PM EST

Analysis: No love lost between these two teams. The last time they met (December 2023), the 49ers smacked the Eagles 42-19 at Lincoln Financial Field. Even though the 49ers were held to 3 points against the Seahawks, they were without Trent Williams and Ricky Pearsall. Getting their veteran offensive lineman would be a huge upgrade to protecting Purdy and opening running lanes for McCaffrey.

Throwback – Dec 3, 2023: When the #49ers took over Lincoln Financial Field and beat the Eagles 42-19.

This was me high fiving the fans post game

EAGLES FANS were talking so much smack pre game. #FTTB pic.twitter.com/t84W1c7Gpy

— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) January 5, 2026

X-Factor: Christian McCaffrey vs. Vic Fangio

Pick: 49ers win 23-20

Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots, 8:00 PM EST

Analysis: The Patriots don’t generate a lot of pass rush so this will be helpful to the Chargers who are without their offensive tackles. However, the Patriots should run the ball enough on offense to keep pressure off of Drake Maye and let him make plays when he needs to.

HELL OF A START:

New England #Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson had an electric first season in the #NFL.

180 carries
911 yards
5.1 yards per carry
10 total TDs
35 catches
1,132 total yards

Pretty remarkable stats, especially after not playing the 1st month. pic.twitter.com/fZ2zAeL63k

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) January 5, 2026

X-Factor: Tre’Veyon Henderson

Pick: Patriots win 26-18


(Monday) Houston Texans @ Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 PM EST

Analysis: The hottest team coming into the playoffs is the Texans, having won 9 straight. Demeco Ryan’s defense is the No. 2 scoring defense in the league (17.4 ppg) and No. 2 in yards allowed/game (279.1).

Aaron Freaking Rodgers.

This Steelers team can ABSOLUTELY make a run 😤@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/9SbRfVDOGr

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) January 5, 2026

Aaron Rodgers may be glad to have returned to the playoffs but I’m not sure he will enjoy running for his life against Will Anderson and the Houston pass rush.

X-Factor: Texans win 23-7

Pick: Will Anderson Jr

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...-card-rams-panthers-matthew-stafford-x-factor
 
Should we be more concerned about Rams special teams into playoffs?

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The Los Angeles Rams’ special teams unit has been bad all season. It could be short-handed and maybe even worse for the playoffs, possibly being one of the primary reasons the Rams fall short of a Super Bowl run this season.

We watched LA lose to the Philadelphia Eagles because of a blocked kick that Jordan Davis returned for a touchdown. Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers brought issues with the field goal operation and punt coverage, which later spurred changes at both long snapper and kicker. In the second game against the Seattle Seahawks, the Rams allowed a 58-yard punt return touchdown to Rashid Shaheed that sparked Seattle’s comeback. Rookie kicker Harrison Mevis missed a potential game-winning 48-yard field goal but did convert later to send the game to overtime. LA fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn following the Seahawks loss and internally promoted Ben Kotwica to fill the role for the remainder of the season.

In short, that marks three of four losses where special teams played a major role in deciding the final outcome.

Now the Rams find themselves even more short-handed in the third phase of the game. Two key contributors—Shaun Dolac and Jordan Whittington—suffered knee injuries in the regular season finale versus the Arizona Cardinals. Dolac was placed on injured reserve and LA signed veteran LB Ben Niemann in replacement. Whittington’s injury seems to be more short-term, though he’s missed both of the team’s practices so far this week.

Some may say that the Rams’ special teams woes have improved since Kotwica has been at the helm. This problem really stems from a lack of investment by the team. They mostly have undrafted free agents playing the majority of these snaps. It’s a common theme across the NFL; however, teams that prioritize special teams often spent late draft picks for this very reason. LA used to do so when John Fassel was the coordinator. Special teams wasn’t as big of an issue back then and was closer to a value add than a problem.

And I haven’t even mentioned the fact the Rams have a rookie kicker that largely has not been tested in high leverage situations. Harrison Mevis has attempted only two kicks where the final outcome held in the balance late against the Seahawks—and he went one for two.

Tyler Loop, another rookie kicker, just cost the Baltimore Ravens a playoff berth by missing what would have been the game-winner over the Pittsburgh Steelers. This would be a bitter end for a talented Rams team that has Super Bowl aspirations.

Fans are not discussing special teams much ahead of this weekend’s playoff matchup against the Carolina Panthers. A bad unit is being eroded by injuries, and it’s reasonably possible a lesser talented Carolina team is able to find a competitive edge in the third phase.

We should be worrying more about special teams more leading into the postseason.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...cerned-about-rams-special-teams-into-playoffs
 
Which coaches could Rams lose this offseason?

Rams coach Nate Scheelhaase


If there is one certainty in the NFL offseason, it’s that the Los Angeles Rams will have coaches poached from Sean McVay’s coaching staff. It’s a testament to McVay’s success and ability to develop coaches, but it’s also something that the Rams have had to manage every offseason. The Rams will once again have several candidates that other teams will consider for promotions and those coaches could look to bring others from the staff with them. Here are the top names to watch this coaching cycle.

1. Chris Shula​


There are some that don’t like the way that Chris Shula and the Rams play defense. However, the results speak for themselves. This season, the Rams defense ranks seventh in EPA per play. From Weeks 7-17 last season, the Rams defense ranked 10th in EPA per play. This is a defense that for the better part of two years has been a top-10 unit. That’s all while ranking dead last in defensive cash spending.

Some of that lack of spending is because the Rams defense has been so young, but that’s also what has been impressive with Shula’s defense. This group has overperformed while getting production from mostly day two and day three rookie draft picks. Kobie Turner, Kam Kinchens, Byron Young, and Omar Speights have been key contributors on the defense. None of those players are first-round picks. Shula did coach Jared Verse to a Defensive Rookie of the Year, but it was also the first time that the Rams had a first-round pick since 2016.

Appeal of Rams D-Coordinator Chris Shula?

Running an elite Defense with only 1 1st Round Pick selected by the Rams.

Most snaps on D played by 2 FAs picked up on the cheap. Turned mid and late round picks into a cohesive unit.

If you’re a team paying your QB big money? Shula is… pic.twitter.com/s1nwDUT7Z0

— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) January 7, 2026

Shula has coached linebackers, outside linebackers, and defensive backs while with the Rams. For much of Sean McVay’s tenure, he’s been his right-hand man. If Shula leaves, he would almost certainly take some of McVay’s staff with him. Shula will almost certainly get plenty of interviews to be a head coach this offseason.

2. Mike LaFleur​


Mike LaFleur has officially been the longest-tenured offensive coordinator under Sean McVay. The good part about that is that the Rams have been able to continue building on offense with some consistency on the coaching staff. LaFleur’s stint with the New York Jets didn’t go as planned. At the same time, it’s the Jets. LaFleur has played a big role in the Rams having the No. 1 offense in total yards this season.

LaFleur will likely get head coaching interviews, but it’s unclear how the league views him. He hasn’t been as hot of a name in coaching circles as Shula despite working directly with McVay on the offensive side of the ball. The Rams would certainly like to keep LaFleur and it wouldn’t be surprising if it works out that way.

3. Nate Scheelhaase​


Going back to my trips last spring to Mobile and Indianapolis for the Senior Bowl and Combine, Nate Sheelhaase is very highly regarded within NFL circles. Ideally, the Rams would like to keep Scheelhaase and promote him to offensive coordinator. With that said, if they are unable, Scheelhaase is going to get opportunities elsewhere. Last offseason, he interviewed for offensive coordinator positions with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers just fired Josh Grizzard and could look at Sheelhaase once again. If Shula or LaFleur get head coaching jobs, they could look to bring Scheelhaase with them. If there is one coach that leaves the Rams this offseason, Scheelhaase is the one to watch.

4. Aubrey Pleasant​


If the Rams lose Chris Shula, Aubrey Pleasant may be someone that they look to replace him. Pleasant has done a good job with the secondary, getting the most out of players like Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes. He’s one of the coaches that McVay brought with him to the Rams in 2017, and after leaving to coach the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, Pleasant returned in 2023.

It seems as if Pleasant’s time as a defensive coordinator is coming. If Shula or LaFleur leave, Pleasant may be high on their lists to bring with them to coach the defensive side of the ball. Like Sheelhaase, ideally the Rams would like to promote Pleasant if they can. However, after two years as a position coach and someone well-respected in the NFL, he could look to be a coordinator elsewhere.

5. Dave Ragone​


An under-the-radar name here is Dave Ragone. If the Rams lose LaFleur and they follow their usual promotion tactics, they would look to promote Ragone as the offensive coordinator. He’s been the quarterback coach the last two years and has previous offensive coordinator experience. With that said, that previous offensive coordinator experience could lead to an opportunity elsewhere.

Ragone was the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons under Arthur Smith from 2021-2023. A team like the Washington Commanders or Buccaneers could look at Ragone. He also has connections with Matt Nagy who could get a head coaching job this cycle. It may be somewhat of a longshot, but Ragone is certainly someone to watch.

HM: Zak Kromer​


The Rams offensive line has been one of the best in the NFL this season, especially when it comes to what they do in the run game. Kromer has helped develop players like Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon and coached Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson to high levels. If LaFleur gets a head coach job or teams try to replicate what the Rams have done in the trenches, they could look to make Kromer an offensive line coach.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-coaching-staff/133005/rams-coaching-candidates-2026
 
Will the NFC West be this year’s NFC North?

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With the NFC West sending three teams to the playoffs, the conference appears to run through them. However, the NFC North looked just as strong a year ago, only to flame out once January arrived. Could the NFC West be headed towards a similar fate?

In 2024, the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings went into Week 18 with a division title and the conference’s top seed on the line. The Lions pulled off the win in dominant fashion, 31-9, to secure the North and homefield advantage.

Everything was set up for one of the North teams to make a run and at least advance to the NFC Championship. Yet, none won a game in the postseason:

  • Vikings: Lost 27-9 to Rams in Wild Card Round
  • Packers: Lost 22-10 to eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles in Wild Card Round
  • Lions: Lost 45-31 to Commanders in Divisional Round

This season, the Seahawks and 49ers played for the NFC West crown and the NFC’s top seed in the final week. Seattle shut down the Whiners’ offense en route to a 13-3 win. Both the Lions and Seahawks managed blowout wins in their final game to earn the coveted top seed and a division title. The parallels are striking, especially considering that both divisions had a clear basement dweller from the jump — sorry Cardinals and Bears fans.

While the comparisons between divisions are eerily similar, it’s not completely 100%. The NFC North in ‘24 was flawed from the jump.

Detroit entered last year’s playoffs with injuries out the wazoo, so their run was always destined to fall short. Seattle doesn’t have those concerns. Minnesota ran into a red-hot Rams team on a mission. Poor Sam Darnold never had a chance against them. And finally, the Packers couldn’t beat a quality team to save their lives, so naturally the Eagles beat them up and down the field.

Out of any of the NFC West teams in the field, the 49ers are one of the most likely teams to lose on Wild Card Weekend. San Francisco is deeply flawed and were fortunate to have a chance at the top seed. Their luck will run out shortly, but it won’t be without a fight if Kyle Shanahan has something to say about it.

Kyle Shanahan is 8-4 in the postseason, with two wins in each of his four trips. The Niners are tied for third-most playoff wins since he arrived, behind only the Chiefs (17) and Eagles (10).
Can he lead a flawed 49ers team to a win Sunday? ⤵️ https://t.co/RrTmXGvPq0 pic.twitter.com/d7bZmHgcC0

— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) January 8, 2026

Meanwhile, the Panthers are the most likely to lose this weekend, and they face the Rams. Yes, Carolina defeated L.A. earlier in the season, but the hapless Panthers are running into a veteran squad with nothing but revenge on their minds.

Currently, the NFC West is on track to avoid repeating the North’s postseason stumble. Although the playoffs have a way of humbling even the league’s deepest divisions. The conference may run through the West, but that title doesn’t mean a thing once January hits.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-news/133008/nfl-playoffs-nfc-west-north-collapse-rams
 
Rams reverse Q&A: We ask about the playoffs, YOU answer

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Saturday brings the opening game of the 2026 NFL playoffs between the Los Angeles Rams and the Carolina Panthers. The Rams are headed to Charlotte, where they took a disappointing loss earlier this season.

Can Los Angeles reach a better outcome this time around?

Carolina barely earned a postseason berth. They took a Week 18 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and only won the NFC West because the Atlanta Falcons went on a late-season tear to force a three-way tie in the division. It’s not difficult to argue that the Panthers are the worst team to make the playoffs, which is why the Rams are currently 10.5-point favorites according to most major sportsbooks.

But the Rams should not take the Panthers lightly. This is an opponent that has already caught them by surprise once this season. LA has Super Bowl aspirations and must take care of business Saturday afternoon.

I have several burning questions ahead of the playoff rematch. You, the fans, will answer them below.

Let’s get started.

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Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...3058/rams-panthers-playoffs-burning-questions
 
Matthew Stafford named All-Pro with Nacua. Is MVP next?

Rams QB Matthew Stafford and WR Puka Nacua


The Associated Press announced its annual All-Pro teams on Saturday before the first games of NFL wild card weekend. The two Los Angeles Rams players to earn First-Team All-Pro honors were quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Puka Nacua.

Stafford earned first-team honors for the first time in his 17-year career. The Rams quarterback led the NFL in touchdowns with 46 and passing yards with 4,707 in 2025. It was arguably Stafford’s best year as a Rams quarterback, leading the team to a 12-5 record and the postseason for the third consecutive season.

With Stafford under center, the Rams led the NFL in total yards per game on offense and were the only team to average 30.5 points per game. The all-pro honor is the first of Stafford’s career and one of several awards that he missed out on during his years in Detroit. Since joining the Rams in 2021, Stafford has gone to the Pro Bowl twice, earned all-pro honors, and had postseason success, going 5-2 in the playoffs and winning a Super Bowl.

At 37 years old, Stafford entered the season with questions about how his back would hold up after missing most of training camp. He opened the season with 28 straight touchdowns, breaking Tom Brady’s record. Stafford also became the third player in NFL history with at least 45 touchdown passes and fewer than 10 interceptions. Throwing multiple touchdown passes in 15 games this season, Stafford joined Peyton Manning and Dan Marino as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to do so.

It’s not a guarantee, but Stafford earning First-Team All-Pro honors over New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye bodes well for him to win MVP. You only have to look to last year for that to not be the case as Lamar Jackson lost to Josh Allen despite earning First-Team All-Pro honors. Stafford is the first Rams quarterback since Kurt Warner to be named First-Team All-Pro.

Joining Stafford as a First-Team All-Pro is wide receiver Puka Nacua. Nacua earned Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2023, but was named First-Team All-Pro for the first time. He’s the first Rams wide receiver since Cooper Kupp in 2021 to earn First-Team All-Pro honors.

Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions despite missing a full game. He also led the NFL in yards per route run, first downs per route run, and EPA per reception. His 10 touchdowns marked a career-high as Nacua solidified himself as a top-three wide receiver in the NFL.

Unlike quarterback, , the All-Pro team includes two first-team wide receivers. Nacua joined Jaxon Smith-Njigba as unanimous selections and both will also likely be competing for the NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Winners of the AP NFL awards will be revealed at “NFL Honors” on February 5.

Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-news/133067/rams-stafford-nacua-first-team-all-pro
 
PFF grades: Stafford’s two-worst games on season have come vs Panthers

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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
 
10 takeaways from Rams wild win vs. Panthers

Rams TE Colby Parkinson


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

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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
 
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