The Los Angeles Rams enter Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season with their eyes firmly set on one goal: winning. But in pursuit of that victory, the team could find itself climbing up some of the NFL’s most prestigious all-time leaderboards. From Matthew Stafford’s chase for career passing milestones to the continued legacy of head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead, Sunday’s matchup against the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium promises to be more than just another game.
Matthew Stafford Nearing Rare Company
All eyes will once again be on quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is entering his 17th NFL season. The 36-year-old has already cemented his place as one of the most productive passers of his era, but this weekend could add another layer to his Hall of Fame résumé. Stafford needs just 191 passing yards to eclipse 60,000 career passing yards, a mark reached by only nine quarterbacks in NFL history. Should he achieve it against Houston, he would become just the 10th player ever to do so.
Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur admitted he wasn’t even aware of how close Stafford was to such a historic number.
“I didn’t even know that,” LaFleur said. “It just shows how consistent he’s been throughout his career. He’s always played really good football. It’s awesome to have him back out there. I know he enjoys this game for many reasons. Maybe one day he’ll look back at all the personal accolades he has. But he loves playing, just being in that huddle, being with the guys, being with the locker room, and you’re not going to find a better competitor out there.”
For Stafford, the personal milestone may take a backseat to the team’s success. But in the long-term discussion about his Hall of Fame candidacy, these statistical landmarks will carry significant weight. With a Super Bowl ring already on his finger, adding milestones like 60,000 yards only strengthens his case to be enshrined in Canton one day.
McVay and Snead’s Lasting Partnership
While Stafford’s chase for history is one storyline, another belongs to the Rams’ leadership duo. Sunday will mark the ninth consecutive season opener for Sean McVay and Les Snead as the team’s head coach and general manager. In today’s NFL, where turnover is constant and patience is limited, that kind of continuity is rare and noteworthy.
Even more, with one more victory, McVay and Snead would record their 89th win together, moving them into a tie for 18th place all-time among head coach-general manager duos. They would sit alongside Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett, who helped guide the Dallas Cowboys through much of the 2010s.
McVay, who has built a reputation as one of the league’s brightest young minds, spoke Friday about the mindset he expects from his team heading into the season opener.
“What I would hope that you feel from our operation is there’s a sense of urgency and an enjoyment,” McVay explained. “I think that is a real delicate balance to be able to walk. I’ve never seen anything done that was worth it without a sense of urgency. You just see that more than anything you can say and you can kind of feel that.”
That balance of urgency and joy has defined the McVay era. From their Super Bowl victory in 2021 to the playoff pushes that have kept them relevant in a competitive NFC, the Rams’ consistency reflects the leadership at the top.
Puka Nacua Steps Into Leadership
Year three also brings new expectations for breakout wide receiver Puka Nacua. After setting rookie records and becoming Stafford’s go-to target in 2023, Nacua enters 2025 as both a playmaker and a leader. With Cooper Kupp providing veteran guidance and Houston’s defense posing a challenge, Nacua will be looked upon not only to produce but also to inspire confidence in the Rams’ young offensive core.
The Bigger Picture
The Rams aren’t just chasing wins in 2025; they’re chasing legacy. Stafford’s climb into the 60,000-yard club, McVay and Snead’s ascent into historic company, and Nacua’s continued rise as a cornerstone player all reflect an organization that has built something lasting.
While the immediate focus will be on beating Houston, the ripple effects of Sunday’s game could echo far beyond Week 1. History, after all, often gets written in the moments when teams are simply focused on doing their job.
For the Rams, Sunday presents a chance to do both: win now and cement their place among the greats.