Nobody really gave them a chance back in August. Seriously. If you look at the preseason predictions from early 2025, most of the "experts" had this team hovering right around .500 or maybe snagging a lucky Wild Card spot if the injury gods were kind. But here we are in January 2026, and the los angeles rams record this year stands at a formidable 12-5. They didn't just survive; they thrived in one of the toughest divisions in football.
It’s been a wild ride. Honestly, the way Sean McVay has re-tooled this roster on the fly is nothing short of a masterclass in coaching. We aren't talking about the star-studded "all-in" team that won the Super Bowl a few years back. This version of the Rams is grittier. It's a mix of an aging but elite Matthew Stafford, a breakout superstar in Puka Nacua, and a defense that—while young—hits like a freight train.
Breaking down the los angeles rams record this year
When you look at that 12-5 finish, it tells a story of two different seasons. They started the year looking like absolute world-beaters. They ripped through the early schedule, including a massive Week 2 win over the Titans and a dominant showing in London against the Jaguars. By the time they hit their Week 8 bye, the hype train was at full steam.
But then things got kinda weird.
Every team hits a slump, and for the Rams, it was that late-season stretch where they dropped games to the Panthers and Falcons. It felt like the wheels were starting to wobble. However, they capped off the regular season with a 37-20 win over the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium, proving they still had the juice when it mattered. That victory didn't just boost their win total; it secured them the 2nd seed in the NFC West and set the stage for a deep playoff run.
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The Matthew Stafford factor
You can't talk about this season without mentioning number 9. Matthew Stafford is 37 years old, but he’s playing like he’s 25. He finished the regular season with 4,557 passing yards and 46 touchdowns. Those aren't just good numbers—they're MVP-level stats. His connection with Puka Nacua has become the most dangerous duo in the league.
Stafford’s ability to manipulate safeties with his eyes hasn't faded. If anything, he’s gotten smarter. He isn't forcing as many throws as he used to, evidenced by his low interception count this year. When the pocket collapses, he’s still found ways to deliver those signature sidearm strikes that make defensive coordinators lose sleep.
Davante Adams and the mid-season spark
Remember when everyone thought the Rams were done with big trades? Les Snead clearly didn't get the memo. Bringing in Davante Adams was the move that basically saved the mid-season momentum. Pairing Adams with Nacua meant defenses couldn't just double-team the young star anymore.
Adams came in and did exactly what he does: he caught touchdowns. He finished the season with 12 scores, acting as the perfect security blanket for Stafford in the red zone. It’s a luxury most teams don't have, and it’s a huge reason why the Rams led the league in points scored, averaging 30.5 per game.
A defense that exceeded expectations
On the other side of the ball, Chris Shula had his work cut out for him. Replacing legendary figures is never easy, but the young core of Jared Verse and Byron Young has been relentless. The Rams defense finished 10th in the league for points allowed, which is impressive considering how much time the offense spends scoring quickly and putting them back on the field.
Jared Verse, specifically, has been a problem for offensive tackles all year. He’s got that rare combination of speed and power that reminds fans of a young Aaron Donald, even if they play different positions. He finished the regular season as a Pro Bowler, and honestly, he probably should have been in the All-Pro conversation too.
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Key wins that defined the season
- Week 10 at San Francisco: This was the statement game. Going into Levi’s Stadium and putting up 42 points on the 49ers? That changed the perception of this team overnight.
- Week 15 vs. Detroit: A high-scoring 41-34 shootout at SoFi. Stafford beat his old team in a game that felt like a preview of a deep playoff matchup.
- The Wild Card Victory: Just days ago, the Rams took down the Carolina Panthers 34-31. It was a nail-biter that required back-to-back scoring drives in the fourth quarter. It showed that this team doesn't panic when the lights are brightest.
What’s next for the Rams?
The journey isn't over. Since they just cleared the Wild Card hurdle, they’re heading to Chicago to face the Bears at Soldier Field. It’s going to be cold. Like, "frozen tundra" cold. This is where we see if the high-flying dome team from LA can handle the grit of a January game in the Midwest.
The los angeles rams record this year is already a success by almost any metric, but McVay and Stafford aren't looking for "moral victories." They have the offense to outscore anyone and a kicker in Harrison Mevis who has been surprisingly reliable under pressure. If the offensive line can hold up against the Bears' pass rush, there’s no reason this team can’t be playing in the NFC Championship game in a couple of weeks.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the injury report: Keep a close eye on the status of the offensive line heading into the Chicago game. Cold weather often leads to more bruising, run-heavy schemes.
- Focus on the run game: Kyren Williams needs to be a factor. If the Rams become one-dimensional in the freezing cold, it plays right into the Bears' hands.
- Check the betting lines: As of now, the Rams are slight underdogs on the road. For those looking at the spreads, the "over" has been a consistent winner for Rams games all season due to their explosive scoring.
The 2025-2026 season has proven that as long as Sean McVay is on the sideline and Matthew Stafford is under center, the Rams are never truly "rebuilding." They are always dangerous. That 12-5 record is a testament to a front office that knows how to find talent and a coaching staff that knows how to use it. Now, it's just about seeing how far this momentum can actually carry them.