The 2025 season is finally upon us and we begin with a regular feature we do around here that we lovingly call five questions. It’s something we like to do exclusively at SBNation where we ask our brothers and sisters at the other team’s site five questions about their team, so we can learn more about our opponents. Since we are all one big happy family at SBNation, these are usually cordial in nature
and we tend to get along pretty well even if the teams on the field don’t. This one is no different. Evan Craig from Turf Show Times was kind enough to join us this week for five question and you can see my answers on their site as well.
Battle Red Blog: Matthew Stafford has been banged up in the early going. How healthy is he going in and how will this impact the offensive game plan?
Evan Craig: Matthew Stafford is all set for the opener, but his nagging back injury will likely linger for a decent portion of the season. He’s clearly no spring chicken anymore, being the third-oldest starter in the league behind Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco. I’ve said this offseason that his back issues eerily remind me of his injury concerns ahead of that dreadful season, so I’m hoping we don’t endure a repeat. For the game plan, I’m expecting Sean McVay will lean more on the run in the early going to ease Stafford into the game before attempting to air it out.
BRB: Davante Adams was the big addition to the offense this offseason. What are the expectations for him this season and how will he impact the offense overall?
EC: Expectations for Davante Adams are sky-high in Hollywood this season. The Rams have whiffed on wide receiver free agent signings in recent years, with the Allen Robinson signing in 2022 being the lowest of the low. I’m confident in Adams producing as he posted solid enough numbers a year ago despite playing for two directionless franchises. He should give the offense a strong one-two punch alongside Puka Nacua and be an instant upgrade over Cooper Kupp. Unfortunately, Kupp wasn’t the same after his triple crown season, and Adams should make the Rams a more dangerous downfield passing team. Stafford should be salivating right now.
BRB: You mentioned the Rams connection on Nick Caley. Do you have any insights from his time in LA that would help Texans fans get to know him?
EC: Nick Caley played a key role in the Rams’ post-Super Bowl success, and it’s no wonder why he’s an offensive coordinator somewhere. The Rams shifted from a heavy outside zone running team to primarily gap scheme team, leading the team to rely on certain running backs like Kyren Williams, which has done wonders for the offense since he became RB1. That shift has helped get L.A. clinch back-to-back postseason trips, as they have a strong running game to complement Stafford’s arm.
BRB: Since the Texans are playing the NFC West this year I’d love to hear your take on the division. Who do you see as the Rams biggest competition? Which divisional opponent do Rams fans enjoy beating the most?
EC: The NFC West should be a sneaky great division this season, so that is something the Texans should be wary of. I can see Arizona surprisingly being the Rams’ biggest competitor. Reason being, the Cardinals have an easy early-season slate and should get them off to a hot start and provide them with enough cushion later in the year if they have any stumbles en route to a potential playoff bid. SF lost A TON of talent this offseason, but they’re always dangerous as long as Kyle Shanahan is there. As for the Seahawks, I’m not a believer in Sam Darnold recapturing lightning in a bottle since leaving the Vikings. The Darnold we saw in the final two games of 2024 is the version of him we all know and love. Minnesota has one of the NFL’s best rosters, and no JSN and Cooper Kupp (sorry, old friend) aren’t Justin Jefferson. Seattle’s defense will be good, but nothing about their offense scares me. This should be L.A.’s division to lose, assuming Stafford can stay healthy.
As for the second part of your question, beating the 49ers is always a genuine pleasure. There is a reason why San Francisco is nicknamed the Whiners, and you cannot be a true Rams fan if you do not enjoy seeing them lose. They have the most obnoxious fanbase (after the Cowboys, of course) in the league, and it is always hilarious watching their fanbase talk so much trash despite the team not winning anything substantial since the ’90s. Fans hate them with a burning passion because the Niners are Satan’s gift to humanity. Needless to say, watching them choke two Super Bowls in the last few years has been the cherry on top.
BRB: FanDuel has the Rams as 2.5 point favorites. Are you comfortable picking them and giving the points? Are there any other prop bets you feel comfortable recommending?
EC: Assuming Matthew Stafford is good to go Sunday and he should be, I’m feeling comfortable picking the Rams. L.A. has started pretty slow the last two years, but I have a feeling they’ll have something to prove in what is likely Stafford’s last hurrah. Right now, Kyren Williams is at +440 to score two touchdowns, which should be very doable, especially since I have a feeling the Rams will try to run the ball more than usual to help take the pressure off Stafford.
We want to thank Evan for taking the time to answer our questions and being so cooperative throughout the process. It is always fun getting a little information from our opponents and as you might suspect, we get to know some of these beat writers well over the years. That is certainly true within the AFC South. However, we don’t get to see teams in the NFC quite as often, so it was enjoyable to catch up with someone new in this process. We would like to wish Evan and the Rams the best of luck this season. As per usual, we hope that luck begins on Monday morning.
