#Matthew Stafford

#Matthew Stafford

The Rams are regarded as a Super Bowl contender - but first they have to make the playoffs. Coach Sean McVay's team can clinch a playoff spot if they defeat the Detroit Lions on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. The Rams are 10-3, lead the NFC West and hold the No. 1 seed in the NFC. A win over the Lions would guarantee a playoff spot for the seventh time in McVay's nine seasons.

It was December 2020, and the Rams were in the midst of their third run to the playoffs in four seasons under coach Sean McVay. Their opponent: the 0-13 New York Jets. There was seemingly no way the hapless Jets could beat a 9-4 Rams team at SoFi Stadium. But the Rams came out flat and lost, 23-20. On Sunday, the Rams welcome the seemingly hapless New Orleans Saints, who arrive with a 1-7 record.

Los Angeles (2-0) have been just as efficient. The Rams started the year with a hard-fought 14-9 victory over the Houston Texans before flexing their offensive firepower in a 33-19 win over the Tennessee Titans. Matthew Stafford has looked sharp, and second-year receiver Puka Nacua has quickly emerged as one of the breakout stars of the league.

During Stafford's first throwing session, the 17th-year pro looked "awesome." However, Stafford did not begin practicing as scheduled after that session.