The Los Angeles Rams return to SoFi Stadium in Week 9 carrying the confidence of a team that looks every bit like an NFC contender, and they now face a struggling New Orleans Saints squad in what projects to be one of the weekend’s most lopsided matchups. At 5-2, the Rams are clicking on both sides of the ball under Sean McVay’s leadership, blending an efficient, balanced offense with a disciplined, opportunistic defense. Matthew Stafford has been playing his best football in years, operating with command in a system that maximizes quick decision-making, timing, and pre-snap motion. He’s completing over 68% of his passes with a 13-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio and has reestablished himself as the steady hand at the center of a retooled offense. The emergence of Puka Nacua and rookie Jordan Whittington has given Los Angeles a dynamic receiving corps capable of stretching the field and creating mismatches, while Kyren Williams has anchored a balanced rushing attack that ranks top ten in yards per carry. The Rams’ offensive line has also performed admirably, ranking among the top five in both pass-block win rate and run-block efficiency, a testament to the stability McVay has finally regained after multiple seasons of injury turmoil in the trenches. Against a Saints defense that’s struggled to stop explosive plays and apply consistent pressure, the Rams’ mix of play-action, motion, and tempo should open the field early and keep New Orleans’ secondary guessing. Defensively, Los Angeles has evolved into one of the NFL’s most underrated units. Coordinator Chris Shula’s front seven is relentless, spearheaded by edge rusher Byron Young and rookie sensation Jared Verse, who have combined for double-digit sacks through seven games. The Rams rank top five in pressure rate and have allowed opponents to convert just 35% of their third downs, excelling in both situational football and late-game execution. Linebacker Ernest Jones and safety Russ Yeast have been pivotal in tightening coverage against tight ends and running backs, an area where they’ll likely focus on limiting Alvin Kamara’s impact in both the run and pass game.

The secondary, featuring Cobie Durant and Tre’Davious White, has thrived on physical press coverage and strong communication, helping the Rams hold opponents under 200 passing yards per game in three of their last four outings. Against a Saints offense breaking in rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, expect Los Angeles to mix pressure and disguised looks designed to force quick decisions and capitalize on rookie mistakes. With the Rams’ defensive line likely to dominate a New Orleans offensive line that has surrendered over 40 sacks this season, Los Angeles should control field position and create short-field scoring opportunities. The Rams’ home dominance has also become a defining trait of their 2025 campaign. They’ve covered the spread in five of their last seven games at SoFi Stadium and consistently start fast, averaging over nine points in first quarters at home. The environment—loud, controlled, and familiar—has given McVay’s squad a tangible edge in communication and tempo, something visiting teams like the Saints often struggle to match. For Los Angeles, this game represents more than a chance to pad their record; it’s an opportunity to maintain rhythm before a challenging stretch against playoff-caliber opponents. McVay will likely emphasize efficiency and composure, ensuring his team doesn’t overlook a wounded opponent. The Rams’ formula for victory is straightforward: protect Stafford, establish the run early, and allow the defense to dictate tempo. If executed cleanly, this could be another methodical and dominant home performance from a Rams team steadily climbing toward elite status. With their confidence high and their systems firing on all cylinders, Los Angeles appears poised to handle business decisively, reinforcing its reputation as one of the NFC’s most complete and dangerous teams.