Rams Bolster Secondary, Eye Playoff Push After Bye Week

The Los Angeles Rams are making moves to solidify their roster after a hot 5-2 start to the 2025 NFL season [5]. Coming off their Week 8 bye, the Rams are looking to establish themselves as top-tier title contenders [5]. The team's front office, led by Les Snead, wasted no time addressing team needs, particularly in the secondary [7, 8].

McCreary Acquisition and Trade Deadline Strategy

The Rams addressed their need at cornerback by trading with the Tennessee Titans for Roger McCreary [8]. The Rams acquired McCreary from the Titans in exchange for a conditional 2026 fifth-round draft pick [6]. This move is seen as a clear message to NFC contenders that the Rams are serious about making a deep playoff run [7]. While the Rams appear relatively healthy and balanced, the acquisition of McCreary suggests they are looking to bolster their defense for the second half of the season [2, 4]. The Rams may still be looking to add talent before the NFL trade deadline [2, 11, 15, 18].

NFC West Dominance and Playoff Outlook

The Rams find themselves in the thick of playoff contention [9]. The NFC West is proving to be the NFL's best division, with three teams sporting a 5-2 record through the first seven weeks [13]. After their win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, the Rams will look to secure another NFC West title [9]. Despite early-season concerns about Matthew Stafford's health, the Rams offense has been explosive [12, 19]. The Rams are favored by a -13.5 margin in their Week 9 home game against the New Orleans Saints, who have struggled to a 1-7 record [16]. Notably, the Rams are the only team to have defeated the Indianapolis Colts this season [1].

TL;DR

  • The Rams acquired cornerback Roger McCreary from the Tennessee Titans for a conditional 2026 fifth-round draft pick, strengthening their secondary [6, 8].
  • At 5-2, the Rams are in a strong playoff position in the competitive NFC West, with their defense playing a key role [5, 13].
  • The Rams are favored to win their Week 9 matchup against the Saints, as they aim to continue their momentum after a Week 8 bye [16].
  • Davante Adams's breakout season has validated the Rams' decision to bring him in, replacing long-time favorite Cooper Kupp [10].