The defending Super Bowl champions take on the Cowboys in Week 5 this season. The Rams finished 12-5 last season, winning the NFC West and defeating the Cincinnati Bengals for their second Super Bowl championship in franchise history.
The last time these teams met was in the 2020 season when Los Angeles defeated Dallas 20-17 at SoFi Stadium. It was the first Rams game ever played in that stadium.
Matthew Stafford will play quarterback again. He’s coming off his first Super Bowl and threw for 4,886 passing yards and 41 touchdowns last season. Stafford also led the league in interceptions with 17.
Cam Akers will start at running back after missing most of last season with an Achilles injury. Darrell Henderson also returns after starting most of last season in Akers’ place. He rushed for 688 yards and five touchdowns.
After posting one of the best wide receiver seasons in NFL history, Cooper Kupp remains the Rams’ No. 1 receiver. His 1,965 scrimmage yards last season set an NFL record alongside his 16 touchdowns. Kupp also caught six scores in the postseason, including the game-winner in the Super Bowl. Newcomer Allen Robinson, signed from the Chicago Bears in free agency, will be their No. 2 receiver.
Van Jefferson is the Rams’ No. 3 receiver after recording 708 receiving yards and five touchdowns in his sophomore 2021 season. Tyler Higbee will start at tight end after scoring a career-high five touchdowns last season. He caught 61 passes for 560 yards in 2021.
Tackle Andrew Whitworth retired, but the Rams’ offensive line is still strong. Rob Havenstein will become the team’s primary tackle, while Brian Allen returns to start at center. David Edwards and Bobby Evans are the guards, and Joe Noteboom will start at left tackle.
After speculation about retirement, defensive tackles Aaron Donald is back after extending his contract. Donald recorded 12.5 sacks and a career-high 84 tackles in 2021. He leads a defensive line alongside edge rusher Leonard Floyd and fellow defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson. Floyd recorded a career-high 70 tackles last season.
After being released by the Seattle Seahawks, the Rams signed Bobby Wagner to start at linebacker. He posted a career-high 170 tackles last season alongside five passes defended and one interception.
Jalen Ramsey remains the Rams’ No. 1 cornerback. He recorded four interceptions and 16 passes defended last season. He leads a secondary alongside Troy Hill at cornerback and Jordan Fuller and Taylor Rapp at safety. Rapp and Fuller combined for 125 tackles last season while Rapp posted four interceptions.
Sean McVay enters his sixth season as the Rams’ head coach. He’s 55-26 during his tenure and is 4-1 against the Cowboys. Dallas plays Los Angeles on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 3:25 p.m. CT on Fox.
