The Los Angeles Rams will have quarterback Matthew Stafford under center for Week 1 against the Houston Texans, and that is great news as they embark on what they hope is a run to San Francisco, where the Super Bowl will be played in February 2026.
Rams head coach Sean McVay made the announcement on Monday, per ESPN’s Sarah Barshop, putting an end to an offseason of speculation amid Stafford’s back injury.
McVay remained steadfast in his belief that Stafford would be fine, and he has been rewarded.
The good news comes on the heels of a promising forecast from Rams legend and former Super Bowl champion NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, who now works, in addition to other things, as an analyst for NFL Network.
Legendary Rams QB Kirk Cousins Pushes Matthew Stafford, Rams’ Super Bowl Chances
GettyFormer St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner warms up before the NFC divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers.
Warner, who won a Super Bowl with the Rams at the helm of the “Greatest Show on Turf” in 1999, praised what Stafford brings to the team, naming wide receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, and espoused his faith in LA’s postseason outlook.
“I think they got a great shot this year. I think their defense is young and talented. You bring over Devante to go along with Puka, and Matthew, and Coach McVay. I think the sky is the limit. We saw last year in the playoffs, they gave the Eagles, maybe, the biggest run of anybody out there,” Warner told TMZ on August 31. “So much depends on the quarterback, of course. So, let’s hope Matthew stays healthy. But when he does, he’s special.”
Stafford threw for 2,524 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions on 64.9% completion from Weeks 7 through 17 during the 2024 regular season.
He added a 533-4-0 line on 63.4% completion in the playoffs.
Pressed for his take on the Rams’ Super Bowl chances, Warner again responded positively.
“You look around the NFC. I still think the Eagles may be the most overall talented team,” Warner said. “But I think there’s a number of other teams, including the Rams, that got a shot.”
Stafford led the Rams to a 10-win regular season, shaking off a 1-4 start to reach the NFC Divisional Playoffs. If the Rams are hoping to get back to that point – and then surpass it – they need a joint effort.
Matthew Stafford Can Lean on Rams’ ‘Biggest Strength’
GettyMatthew Stafford appreciated the interest from other teams this offseason.
Stafford’s return has not allayed concerns about his back injury recurring throughout the regular season, but the Rams can ease the burden significantly on the 37-year-old passer. They already have the head coach/play-caller, scheme, and offensive roster.
However, the Rams’ secret to success and keeping Stafford in manageable situations as often as possible could lie on the other side of the ball.
Barshop tabbed the Rams’ defense, specifically their pass rush, as their “biggest strength.”
“The same group that sacked Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold nine times in their playoff game in January has mostly returned in 2025,” Barshop wrote on August 31. “Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse led all rookies in pressures during the season but said he came into training camp realizing how much better he could get after rewatching every play from last season.
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