Rams Lead NFL NFC West with Championship Hopes Amid Key NFC Showdown

The Rams, well-rested off their bye and riding momentum from a 5-2 start and a 35-7 London blowout (Matthew Stafford threw five TDs, Davante Adams three), opened the home game vs. the Saints strong when Adams scored on a 3-yard slant and Stafford began efficiently, though kicker Joshua Karty’s missed extra point highlighted lingering special-teams issues. Entering this stretch, Los Angeles faces key roster and schematic questions — whether last game’s red-zone efficiency is sustainable, how to replace injured speedster Tutu Atwell (now on IR), whether Rob Havenstein should remain the starter at right tackle, and how often Sean McVay will deploy multiple tight-end packages. Game plans stress attacking first-time Saints starter Tyler Shough by blitzing and stacking the line to keep him off balance, while creating space for Jordan Whittington and leveraging tight ends in play-action and the red zone. The Rams’ defense and pass rush, praised for continuity and young contributors, and an offense led by Stafford and Adams give them a favorable matchup against a Saints unit that has allowed a high number of touchdowns, but the team must navigate a challenging final 10-game stretch to maintain Super Bowl aspirations.