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Los Angeles Rams Continue to Drop in NFL Power Rankings After 1-1 Start 1
The Los Angeles Rams remain among the NFL’s top teams despite opening the season with a 1-1 record, landing at No. 5 in the latest power rankings. Their position reflects the strength of the roster and the expectations surrounding a team that entered the season with legitimate championship aspirations.
The Rams began the campaign with an uneven split, but their early results have not significantly damaged their standing around the league. A loss can create questions, yet the quality of the roster and the team’s ability to respond have kept Los Angeles firmly within the top tier of the rankings.
Jun 3, 2025; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesJun 3, 2025; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jun 3, 2025; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball during organized team activities at the team’s Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The No. 5 position also shows that one defeat has not erased the momentum the Rams carried into the season. Their placement suggests that evaluators continue to view the team as capable of competing with the league’s strongest contenders, particularly as the sample size grows and the roster settles into its roles.
Offensively, Los Angeles has the personnel to remain dangerous throughout the season. The Rams will need consistent execution from their passing attack while continuing to create opportunities on the ground, allowing the offense to remain balanced and prevent opponents from consistently dictating the flow of games.
Los Angeles Rams Drop to 5th Spot in Latest NFL Power Rankings
Los Angeles Rams, Matthew StaffordLos Angeles Rams, Matthew Stafford
Aug 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) walks on the field prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Matthew Stafford-led team dropped to fifth place after their 1-1 start. This is detailed more in an analysis by Sarah Barshop for ESPN.
Week 2 result: Beat the Giants 28-6
Week 2 ranking: 4
One thing we know about the QB1: Matthew Stafford is still capable of playing at an MVP level.
Stafford and the Rams’ offense struggled in the season opener, but wide receiver Davante Adams said the team’s Week 2 offensive performance was closer to what the group expects to look like this season. On Monday night against the Giants, Stafford, the reigning MVP, completed 22 of 31 passes for 327 yards with four touchdown passes and an interception. He had that success without wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is dealing with soreness in his groin.
The defense will also play a significant role in determining whether the Rams can maintain their position near the top of the rankings. Strong performances on that side of the ball could help Los Angeles recover from its early setback, while continued inconsistencies could create more movement in a crowded group of contenders.
For now, the Rams remain a top-five team in the latest rankings despite their 1-1 start. The early loss has provided an obstacle rather than a defining setback, leaving Los Angeles with plenty of opportunities to strengthen its standing as the season continues.