Updated March 17, 2026
Surprise NFC Championship Run Captivates Los Angeles
The Rams were one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 playoffs. After finishing 12-5 as the NFC's No. 6 seed, Los Angeles beat the Panthers 34-31 in the Wild Card, stunned the Bears 20-17 in overtime in the Divisional Round, and came within four points of the Super Bowl before falling 31-27 to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game. It was the deepest playoff run since their 2021 Super Bowl victory and proved this team is far more than a fading contender.
Matthew Stafford's Late-Career Brilliance
At 37, Matthew Stafford turned in one of the finest seasons of his career, leading the Rams to 12 wins and an NFC Championship appearance. Stafford was at his best in the clutch, engineering multiple comeback victories and playing fearless football throughout the postseason. His performance silenced any retirement talk and proved he can still carry a team deep into January — with Puka Nacua emerging as his go-to weapon at WR1.
What's Next After a Championship-Caliber Run?
The Rams' NFC Championship appearance creates an fascinating offseason dynamic. Sean McVay now has proof that this roster, built around Stafford, Puka Nacua, and an improving defense, can legitimately contend. The question is whether the front office goes all-in for another Stafford-led push in 2026 or begins planning for the post-Stafford era. After coming so close, the answer seems obvious — run it back.