Are Rams 'Way-Too-Early' 2025 Super Bowl Contenders?
Super Bowl LVIII is rapidly approaching. It's a bittersweet Sunday for many NFL fans whose own team fell short and don't have alliances with the Kansas City Chiefs or San Francisco 49ers.
While Quarterback Patrick Mahomes hopes to defeat Brock Purdy's Niners to be crowned Super Bowl LVIII Champions in Las Vegas, Sports Illustrated decided to look ahead to the top 10 non-championship teams that have the best odds of playing in the Super Bowl in 2025.
The Los Angeles Rams make the list of contenders who could advance to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Why?
"The Rams had a similar second-half rise this season, but they did it with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and his many young weapons," writes SI. "Rookie sensation Puka Nacua quickly established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the league and took over the No. 1 role from Cooper Kupp."
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates with wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) after scoring a second quarter touchdown during the at M&T Bank Stadium.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nacua was named a finalist for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. The other finalists are Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. The NFL Honors show is scheduled for Thursday night in Las Vegas during Super Bowl Week.
"But the Rams’ dynamic offense went through second-year running back Kyren Williams, who will need to prove he can stay healthy for a complete season. Aaron Donald will probably be back next year to continue leading the defense, which benefited from stellar play by rookies Kobie Turner and Byron Young. But the Rams will need to add more talent for a secondary that struggled at times," continues SI.
Surprisingly, the team at the top of the list is the Cincinnati Bengals, who finished fourth in the AFC North this season. The reasoning is that a healthy Joe Burrow gives the Bengals the best case for advancing to next year’s Super Bowl.
Next up for the Rams? Finding a replacement for defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who is now the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. The coach whom Morris replaced is on L.A.'s radar again: the Rams will interview former Chargers head coach - and Rams defensive coordinator - Brandon Staley.
