The Los Angeles Rams kicked off their preseason slate on Saturday night with a matchup against their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers. While the preseason scoreboard rarely holds lasting significance, the Rams’ victory in this contest offered more than just bragging rights—it provided clarity on several pressing questions surrounding the team as it prepares for the 2025 NFL season.

Head coach Sean McVay and his staff have been using these exhibition games not only to evaluate talent but also to test depth, confirm roles, and build confidence heading into Week 1. And while wins in August don’t necessarily predict regular-season success, the Rams’ ability to respond to uncertainty was on full display. With veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford’s health looming as one of the most significant storylines of the year, the Rams needed to see positive signs from other areas of the roster. Saturday night provided them.

Here are five critical questions the Rams began to answer in their victory over the Chargers.

1. Can the Rams Survive Without Matthew Stafford?

Stafford’s durability is arguably the most important factor in Los Angeles’ postseason hopes. The 36-year-old veteran has battled injuries in recent years, and his ability to remain on the field is uncertain. Against the Chargers, the Rams gave extended reps to their backup quarterbacks, who delivered a steady, mistake-free performance.

While no one expects the backups to replicate Stafford’s production, their ability to keep the offense moving showed that the Rams might have enough in the tank to weather short-term absences. More importantly, the offensive line gave the quarterbacks time to throw, a critical sign after last year’s struggles in pass protection.

2. Who Will Step Up in the Receiving Corps Behind Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua?

The Rams’ wide receiver room is top-heavy, with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua forming one of the NFL’s most dynamic duos. But depth has been a concern. Against the Chargers, younger receivers had a chance to shine, and they did not disappoint.

Several wideouts flashed their potential, creating separation and making contested catches. The Rams may not have discovered a household name yet, but the performance suggested that a reliable third option is emerging. That could prove crucial for Stafford—or whoever is under center—throughout the season.

3. Is the Defense Ready to Handle Life Without Aaron Donald?

The retirement of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald left a massive hole in the Rams’ defense, both in production and leadership. Saturday’s game gave fans their first real glimpse of how the defensive line would respond.

While it’s impossible to replace Donald’s dominance, the defensive front showed a relentless motor and the ability to disrupt the Chargers’ backfield. The pass rush by committee approach looked promising, with multiple players contributing pressure. The secondary, meanwhile, capitalized on that pressure with a turnover—an encouraging sign that the defense can still be opportunistic without its longtime anchor.

4. Can the Run Game Finally Find Consistency?

One of the Rams’ biggest issues last season was inconsistency on the ground. Too often, they were forced to lean on Stafford’s arm because the rushing attack couldn’t establish itself. Against the Chargers, however, the Rams’ backfield delivered a balanced performance.

Running backs hit the holes with authority, and the offensive line created lanes that allowed the ground game to find rhythm. If this success can carry into the regular season, it will not only help preserve Stafford’s health but also open up the passing game for Kupp and Nacua.

5. Do the Rams Have Enough Depth to Compete in the NFC?

Finally, the preseason is always about depth evaluation, and the Rams got plenty of opportunities to test theirs against the Chargers. From special teams contributors to rotational defensive players, the younger guys showed energy and discipline.

What stood out most was the team’s overall cohesion. Even with backups on the field, the Rams looked organized and motivated—a reflection of both coaching and locker room culture. For a team with playoff aspirations, depth and unity are non-negotiable, and Saturday night suggested the Rams are trending in the right direction.

Final Thoughts

Yes, it was just a preseason game, but for the Los Angeles Rams, their victory over the Chargers went beyond the final score. It answered critical questions about quarterback depth, receiving options, defensive resilience, the rushing attack, and overall roster strength.

No one can predict how the regular season will unfold, especially with Matthew Stafford’s health being such a central concern. But for now, Rams fans can breathe a little easier. The team looks competitive, hungry, and more than capable of surprising in 2025.

If Saturday night was any indication, this group is prepared to prove doubters wrong once the games start to count.