The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Minnesota Vikings 27-9, advancing to the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs. The team looked dominant in victory and found success on both sides of the ball. They scored points on offense and put Sam Darnold through the wringer defensively with nine sacks and an interception.
While the Rams do not have the top-to-bottom talent of the best rosters in the NFC, like the Lions or Eagles, they are one of the most formidable opponents left who can give any contender trouble. After their Super Bowl win in 2022, many expected the Los Angeles Rams to fall off due to age, but they have quietly retooled their roster for more playoff success.
The Los Angeles Rams Post-Super Bowl

NFL fans and media members thought it would take years for the Los Angeles Rams to contend again after their Super Bowl win. The biggest reason for that was how they constructed their roster.
The Rams went all in on a championship, trading for star players like Matthew Stafford, Jalen Ramsey, Von Miller, and others. Doing this, they traded away first and second-round draft picks like they were nothing to fill their roster with aging stars. But this worked out for Los Angeles, and they won the Super Bowl, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Los Angeles Rams have only had one losing season since their Super Bowl win. The 2022 season was derailed due to injuries and the Rams had to get rid of some of their stars. Jalen Ramsey and Von Miller left the team, among others through trades or free agency, and many believed the time for the Rams had passed. Aaron Donald retired, and there were rumors that head coach Sean McVay would retire. But in 2023, the team rebounded, going 10-7 and making the playoffs.
The Los Angeles Rams Strong Foundation

The Los Angeles Rams remained competitive despite their roster overhaul because of the pieces they kept. With a good head coach and quarterback, almost any NFL team can be successful. The Rams have that with Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford. Despite injuries and age, Stafford has continued to play like an elite quarterback. He can make all the throws he needs to and runs an efficient offense. This season, he threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Meanwhile, McVay is still one of the best coaches in the NFL. Even with offensive and defensive coordinators constantly leaving Los Angeles for new jobs, McVay has kept the Rams consistent on offense and defense, with innovative play calling and game plans.
Success in the NFL Draft

Outside of Stafford and McVay, the Rams have found great success in the NFL Draft. When they traded for star players during their Super Bowl run, they gave up first and second-round picks but have been nailing their draft picks in the later rounds.
Two of their best weapons on offense, Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams, were both drafted in the fifth round. Then, their defense in a post-Aaron Donald world has been almost entirely composed of late-round picks. Byron Young, Kobe Turner, Cobie Durant, Quentin Lake, and others were all drafted outside the first two rounds.
Now that the Los Angeles Rams are back to picking in the first round, they selected Jared Verse, who has been an elite rookie edge rusher. Now, instead of a roster full of big names and star players, the Rams have rebuilt into a team full of unknown, but great contributors. These young players were a big reason for their dominant win in the Wild Card round and their successful 10-7 season. Now, the Los Angeles Rams will travel to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.