Los Angeles Rams vs Las Vegas Raiders

Lore & Background

The Rams' 2026 season marks their 89th in the NFL, 90th overall, and 60th in the Greater Los Angeles Area. The team introduced a new primary logo and modified uniforms for the 2026 season, removing gradients and eliminating the 'bone' jersey and pants introduced in 2020. New alternate uniforms were unveiled in July, one replicating the uniforms of L.A.'s 1951 NFL Championship team and the other evoking the Fearsome Foursome defensive line of the late 1960s.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed over a sold-out crowd in SoCal. On one side, the blue and gold helmets glinted under the floodlights; on the other, silver stars shone against black. The air smelled of cut grass and anticipation as the teams lined up for kickoff. It was more than just an interconference game; it was a reminder of two franchises that once shared the same skyline before one moved west to Vegas.

Reader's Guide

The Rams' 2026 season includes a home game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne as part of the NFL International Series, and a home game against the Green Bay Packers at SoFi Stadium on the inaugural Thanksgiving Eve game. Both games are exclusive to KCBS-TV in the Los Angeles market.

Did You Know?

• The Rams will seek to improve upon their 12–5 record from the previous season.
• The Rams acquired All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2026.
• The Rams traded for reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in June 2026.
• Former three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald unretired to join the team in August 2026.
• Mike LaFleur departed as offensive coordinator to become head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in February 2026.

The Matthew Stafford Era and Roster Overhaul

The 2021 campaign marked a definitive turning point for the franchise, characterized by the historic acquisition of quarterback Matthew Stafford. This move ended Jared Goff's tenure with the team, as he was traded to Detroit in exchange for the veteran signal-caller and multiple draft picks. The Rams further fortified their roster through aggressive maneuvering, most notably securing cornerback Jalen Ramsey from Jacksonville via a significant trade involving first-round selections. Mid-season adjustments proved equally critical; the team acquired pass-rusher Von Miller from Denver and welcomed safety Eric Weddle out of retirement to bolster the defense for the postseason push. These personnel shifts were complemented by a new visual identity, as the organization unveiled a modern throwback white uniform that received positive fan reception and was ultimately worn during their Super Bowl victory.

A Historic Home-Field Playoff Run

The Rams embarked on an unprecedented playoff journey that culminated in them becoming only the second team in NFL history to host the Super Bowl at their own stadium. After clinching a division title for the first time since 2018, they navigated a grueling postseason path. Their run included a Wild Card victory over Arizona and a dramatic 30–27 elimination of the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round. The NFC Championship featured a tense 20–17 triumph against their divisional rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, setting the stage for Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. In a unique twist of league scheduling, despite playing on home turf, the Rams were designated as the visiting team because the Chargers shared the venue as the official hosts.

Super Bowl LVI Championship Triumph

In a thrilling conclusion to their season, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20 to secure their second Super Bowl title in franchise history. This victory held profound significance, representing the first championship won by the team since relocating back to Los Angeles in 1945 and their first since 1999 overall. It also marked the first time a California-based franchise had captured the league's premier trophy since the San Francisco 49ers' win in 1994. The triumph was sweetened by the fact that they achieved this feat while playing at SoFi Stadium, having previously overcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—the only other team to ever win a Super Bowl on their home field—to reach the final.

Coaching Staff Turnover and Strategic Shifts

The offseason preceding the 2021 season was defined by significant volatility within the coaching ranks, as several key staff members departed for opportunities elsewhere. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley left to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, prompting the hiring of Raheem Morris to fill his void. The offensive side saw similar changes with Shane Waldron and Andy Dickerson moving to Seattle, while Joe Barry joined Green Bay as defensive coordinator. Despite these departures, which included the loss of long-tenured staff members from the St. Louis era, head coach Sean McVay retained enough core talent to guide the team through a successful rebuild. This year also served as McVay's fifth season leading the franchise, demonstrating his ability to navigate major personnel flux while maintaining competitive excellence.