The Los Angeles Rams have dropped to 2-4 this season and tumbled to 18th in the NFL power rankings after a string of injuries and disappointing performances. Their latest setback came in a 18-16 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, a game they entered as double-digit favorites but failed to close out.
The Rams started the season as heavy Super Bowl favourites, bolstered by reigning MVP quarterback Matt Stafford and offseason additions including elite edge rusher Myles Garrett and top cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Coach Sean McVay’s team was expected to correct defensive issues that plagued them in 2025. Instead, the defence remains porous and the offence inconsistent.
Los Angeles ranks 17th in scoring offence and 21st in scoring defence, placing them last in the NFC West. Garrett has missed all but the opener with a knee injury, leaving the Rams tied for 26th in the league with just eight sacks through six games. Their offence, lacking speed, has struggled to keep up with opponents.
Their hopes suffered another blow when receiver Davante Adams was sidelined with a hamstring injury, expected to keep him out for 6-10 weeks. Adams’ absence further weakens a unit already under pressure to produce.
Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals, who entered the game with just one victory, extended the Rams’ poor run after losing a shootout to the Buffalo Bills the previous Monday night. The game ended with a last-second field goal, denying Los Angeles a chance to bounce back against an opponent they were favoured to beat.
The next four games could define the Rams’ season. They face the Las Vegas Raiders on the road, then the Los Angeles Chargers at home, followed by trips to Washington and back to Arizona. A record of at least 3-1 over this stretch is seen as necessary to keep playoff hopes alive.
The schedule was initially considered manageable but recent results suggest the Rams cannot afford further slip-ups. Their slow start and injury issues have raised questions about whether the team can recover before the more challenging fixtures arrive later in the season.
At 2-4 and sitting 18th in the power rankings, Los Angeles faces mounting pressure on both sides of the ball. The loss to the Cardinals and the absence of Adams highlight the struggles as the Rams attempt to regain their footing.
According to CBS.
