Los Angeles Rams Notebook: Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams Dominate, Improve Playoff Positioning

The Los Angeles Rams won at the hands of another promising offensive performance both on the ground and through the air. What went right against the Washington Commanders?

It will go down as a one-possession win, but make no mistake, the Los Angeles Rams were in full control all game long.

On Sunday, they beat the Washington Commanders 28-20 to improve to 7-7 before a Thursday Night Football clash with the New Orleans Saints. They outgained Washington by nearly 150 yards and, despite losing the turnover battle, never let this one get close doubtful.

It was another banner day for the offense, which was to be expected against such an atrocious Commanders defense. On the other side of the ball, they made Washington quarterback Sam Howell look uncomfortable for three quarters before backup Jacoby Brissett made an appearance.

What can be taken away from Los Angeles’ win?

Rams RB Kyren Williams attempts to make a Washington Commanders defender miss / USA TODAY Sports

1. Matthew Stafford was dialed in.

He won’t receive many votes during award season, but few quarterbacks are playing better football than Matthew Stafford right now. Just a week after going shot-for-shot with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, he remained as dangerous against the Commanders’ Swiss-cheese secondary.

In all, he completed 25-of-33 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns. He fueled a big day from veteran receiver Cooper Kupp, who he repeatedly turned to on third down. Kupp’s 111 yards were emblematic of how much upside that connection retains on any given Sunday.

Stafford also hit receiver Demarcus Robinson for a deep touchdown and kept the ball out of harm’s way.

This isn’t particularly surprising, but it’s a good sign that the Rams handled business against an inferior opponent.

2. The Kyren Williams Show goes on.

There isn’t some grand revelation to take away from Los Angeles’ win. Head coach Sean McVay’s offense is rumbling and its well-designed runs put his players in position to win.

His favorite new toy, Kyren Williams, continues to show he’s deserving of the attention – and the touches that keep heading his way.

Another week, another strong showing from the second-year back.

Williams ran 27 times for 152 yards in Week 15, adding a touchdown to fantasy managers’ delight. Despite losing two fumbles - a temporary benching (or worse) for most of the league’s backs - Williams kept McVay’s trust.

He saw a combined 21 looks (rushes, targets, and two-point conversion attempts), after losing his second fumble of the day. That includes the time he spent ending the game when Washington was within one score.

Williams has the trust of his head coach. With his production, it’s hard not to see why.

Rams Extend Playoff Hopes With Win Over Commanders

3. There are not seven NFC teams better than the Rams.

Los Angeles (7-7) and New Orleans (7-7) will play a playoff game in four days.

The Rams may stumble, and there’s a good chance they look silly against a dominant San Francisco 49ers team in a few weeks. Even so, it is getting increasingly difficult to think of Los Angeles and not see them as a Wild Card team.

Stafford is playing so well, the run game is both steady and explosive, and Kupp looks healthy after a mid-season slump. The defense is far from perfect, but well-coached and still headlined by some guy named Aaron Donald.

In a playoff system that will let the NFC South host a playoff game, the Rams could very well miss the playoffs. But nobody will want to play them if they get there.

The Minnesota Vikings seem to unveil a new quarterback every week. Those aforementioned NFC South teams trip over each other every chance they can get. None offer a unit as productive as the Rams, and they certainly don’t have the quarterback to match.

This is the fifth-best team in the NFC. The next three weeks will be about turning that into a playoff appearance.