Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams puts on his helmet during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on October 18, 2026 in Inglewood, California. The Arizona Cardinals won 18-16.
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Matthew Stafford during the game against the Arizona Cardinals
In Week 1 the LA Rams and San Francisco 49ers went Down Under to play in the NFL's inaugural game in Australia.
The 49ers arrived almost a week in advance to acclimatise to the time difference. The Rams showed up essentially the morning of, didn't acclimatise and, unsurprisingly, looked jaded and jet-lagged, unable to keep up with a sprightly San Francisco side as they lost 27-7.
The talent LA had assembled was star-studded. They were the first team in NFL history to have the reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year on the same roster, with Matthew Stafford and Myles Garrett joined by a plethora of All-Pro players. Calling them a superteam almost wouldn't do the term justice.
But after a shock loss to their division rival the Arizona Cardinals, the Rams fell to a 2-4 record, with many around the league beginning to question whether the Rams could even make the play-offs, let alone the Super Bowl.
Their earlier losses to the 49ers, Broncos and Bills were certainly not acceptable, but they were at least understandable against high-quality opposition.
Sunday's loss to the Cardinals, whose only previous win came in Week 1 against the still winless Chargers, was a microcosm of everything that has gone wrong for LA so far.
The rule of thumb for special teams is simple: you know your team is good at it if you never hear about it. In nearly every Rams game this season there has been a special teams blunder that has hindered their chance of winning one way or another.
Blake Grupe #19 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on October 18, 2026 in Inglewood, California.
Blake Grupe suffered a serious knee injury
It came to a head against the Bills when kicker Harrison Mevis missed a potential game-winner in overtime, contributing to a 37-34 defeat. Mevis was released after the game, having made just five of his nine field-goal attempts through the first five weeks.
His replacement, Blake Grupe, made his only field goal against Arizona before tearing his ACL on the ensuing kick-off.
After signing Brandon McManus, the Rams are now onto their third kicker of the season and their third in as many weeks.
Kicking has not been their only issue. They have struggled to defend kick-offs and punts all season, putting their defence at a disadvantage before they can even take to the field.
These special teams failures are eerily reminiscent of the 2010 Chargers team. The then San Diego Chargers led the league in total offence and defence, but horrendous special teams play helped leave them with a 9-7 record and no play-off berth.
The Rams also have the second oldest team in the league, with an average age of 26.9. As many will know, with old age comes injuries, and LA’s injury list this season has been long.
Aaron Donald missed the season opener in order to get his body back into game shape after two years in retirement. Myles Garrett played in their season opener before being sidelined, star receiver Puka Nacua missed two games and may be out again with a calf injury, while fellow wideout Devante Adams has been placed on injured reserve and will require surgery on a torn hamstring.
Add losses to other key pieces such as Trent McDuffie, Nate Landman, Poona Ford and Kobie Turner, and the Rams have rarely been able to put their strongest line-up on the field.
The injury argument unfortunately falls apart when you look at the team that is undefeated atop their division, the San Francisco 49ers. At one point this season the 49ers were unable to place Nick Bosa on the Injured/Reserve list due to them already having too many players on it.
Maybe unsurprisingly, the side from Silicon Valley has innovated and adapted, while the team from Tinseltown has struggled to thrive without its blockbuster stars.
The Rams’ last three games have all been decided by the final play. If you take away their jet-lagged Week 1 performance, they rank in the top five in both offence and defence so far this season. Everything suggests they should be winning, but their execution in crucial moments has failed them, something surprising for such an experienced team.
Their next four games will define their season. Each opponent missed the play-offs last year, and none look certain to reverse that trend this time around. Going at least 3-1 before their bye week, when the squad can get some much-needed rest and recovery, will be crucial if they are to stand any chance of living up to the lofty expectations placed on them before the season began.
Games to Watch This Weekend
New Orleans Saints vs Pittsburgh Steelers
A new city makes its NFL debut with Paris taking centre stage. There will certainly be no amour on the field between the Saints and Steelers in the city of love.
Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals
Lamar Jackson may be a doubt to feature, but a battle for the top of the AFC North is always a can't-miss matchup.
Seattle Seahawks vs Kansas City Chiefs
The Kenneth Walker Bowl is set for Sunday night; the clocks go back the night before, so there's no excuse to miss what is sure to be a feisty affair.