In the latest Saints vs Rams matchup, the Los Angeles Rams delivered a commanding 34–10 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford led the Rams with four touchdown passes, completing 24 of 32 attempts for 281 yards. The Rams improved to 6–2, while the Saints dropped to 1–8 — marking their toughest start in decades.
Game Recap
From the opening drive, the Rams showed complete control. Stafford engineered a 12-play, 88-yard touchdown drive, finishing it off with a 1-yard pass to tight end Tyler Higbee to make it 7–0 early in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Stafford continued his dominance. He connected with Davante Adams for a 3-yard touchdown and later found Puka Nacua on a 39-yard strike to extend the lead to 20–3. Before halftime, the Saints managed a field goal and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Juwan Johnson, cutting the deficit to 20–10 at the half.
The second half was all Rams. Stafford once again connected with Adams for a red-zone touchdown, pushing the score to 27–10. In the fourth quarter, running back Kyren Williams sealed the win with a 1-yard rushing touchdown following a Saints turnover. Williams dominated the ground game, recording 114 rushing yards on 25 carries.
The Rams controlled the tempo throughout the game, holding possession for nearly 44 minutes compared to just 16 for the Saints. Their offense ran 77 plays, while New Orleans managed only 40.
Key Player Performances
- Matthew Stafford (Rams): 24 completions on 32 attempts, 281 yards, 4 touchdowns. A vintage, efficient performance that showcased elite accuracy and leadership.
- Puka Nacua (Rams): 7 receptions for 95 yards and 1 touchdown before leaving the game in the third quarter with a rib injury.
- Kyren Williams (Rams): 25 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown, providing balance and consistency to the Rams offense.
- Davante Adams (Rams): 8 receptions for 79 yards and 2 touchdowns, establishing strong chemistry with Stafford.
- Tyler Shough (Saints): In his first NFL start, the rookie completed 15 of 24 passes for 176 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.
- Juwan Johnson (Saints): The tight end was one of the few bright spots, scoring the team’s only touchdown of the night.
Injury and Availability Notes
Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough started for the Saints after the team made a midseason quarterback change, benching Spencer Rattler following several poor performances. Shough showed flashes of potential but was pressured throughout by the Rams’ defensive front.
For the Rams, wide receiver Puka Nacua sustained a rib injury in the third quarter after a tough hit but was later reported to be okay. Head coach Sean McVay mentioned postgame that Nacua could have returned if necessary, but the team decided to rest him given the comfortable lead.
Standings and Implications
The win pushed the Rams’ record to 6–2, firmly placing them in the playoff conversation within the NFC. Their offensive efficiency, defensive pressure, and Stafford’s veteran leadership have become key factors in their resurgence.
For the Saints, the loss dropped them to 1–8, their worst start since 1980. It has been a frustrating season for New Orleans, marked by quarterback instability, inconsistent defense, and a lack of offensive rhythm. The team faces major questions heading into the second half of the season, particularly regarding the future of its offensive line and quarterback rotation.
Rams’ Strengths That Made the Difference
- Offensive Balance: The Rams executed a perfect mix of passing and running, keeping the Saints defense guessing.
- Clock Management: Controlling the ball for nearly 44 minutes helped wear down the Saints defense.
- Execution in the Red Zone: Stafford’s composure under pressure allowed the Rams to convert drives into touchdowns rather than field goals.
- Defensive Pressure: The Rams’ defensive front, led by Aaron Donald, consistently disrupted the Saints’ pocket, forcing hurried throws and limiting explosive plays.
Saints’ Struggles Continue
- Limited Offensive Production: Running just 40 plays highlighted how little time the Saints’ offense spent on the field.
- Inconsistent Quarterback Play: While Shough showed promise, the lack of protection and minimal running support made it hard to sustain drives.
- Turnovers and Missed Opportunities: Costly mistakes and lack of execution on key downs prevented any momentum.
- Defensive Fatigue: Spending the majority of the game on the field led to exhaustion and breakdowns late in the second half.
Game Statistics Summary
| Category | Rams | Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 34 | 10 |
| Total Plays | 77 | 40 |
| Time of Possession | 43:53 | 16:07 |
| Passing Yards | 281 | 176 |
| Rushing Yards | 136 | 62 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Third-Down Conversions | 8/12 | 3/10 |
Postgame Insights
For Los Angeles, this victory sends a strong message across the league. The Rams continue to establish themselves as legitimate contenders, driven by veteran leadership and a dynamic offense. Matthew Stafford’s performance showed that he remains one of the most dependable quarterbacks in the NFL when healthy.
Kyren Williams’ ability to dominate on the ground has made the Rams’ offense multidimensional. Even without Cooper Kupp in peak form, the team’s combination of Adams, Nacua, and Higbee has kept opposing defenses off balance.
For the Saints, it’s back to the drawing board. Despite showing flashes of potential under rookie QB Shough, the team’s offensive identity remains unclear. The lack of protection and consistent running game continues to limit their ability to compete. Defensively, New Orleans struggled to contain Los Angeles’ fast-paced attack, revealing issues in coverage and stamina.
What’s Next
The Rams will take their momentum into next week’s divisional matchup against the San Francisco 49ers — a test that could determine control of the NFC West. If they continue to execute with the same precision, Los Angeles could emerge as a top seed heading into December.
The Saints, meanwhile, face an uphill battle as they prepare for their next contest. Their focus will be on finding offensive rhythm and preventing further defensive collapses. Improving third-down conversions and sustaining longer drives will be crucial to avoid another lopsided defeat.
Team Outlooks
Los Angeles Rams (6–2):
The Rams are firing on all cylinders. With Stafford healthy, a productive backfield, and a confident defense, they’ve positioned themselves as serious playoff contenders. Their mix of experience and youthful energy — especially with stars like Nacua — gives them balance and depth.
New Orleans Saints (1–8):
New Orleans is entering a rebuilding phase. While the coaching staff’s decision to start Tyler Shough indicates a look toward the future, the present challenges are evident. The Saints must regroup quickly to restore morale and competitiveness before the season spirals further.
Game Takeaways
- Stafford is still elite when fully healthy.
- Kyren Williams’ consistency is giving the Rams balance they lacked last season.
- The Saints’ offensive rebuild will take time, and patience will be key.
- Los Angeles’ defensive dominance could make them dark-horse Super Bowl contenders.
Final Thoughts
The Saints vs Rams clash in Week 9 showcased two teams on completely different paths. The Rams are surging with confidence and execution, while the Saints are searching for answers amid a rebuilding year. With Stafford commanding the offense and Williams providing stability on the ground, Los Angeles looks poised for a deep postseason run. For New Orleans, the focus shifts to development, evaluation, and building a stronger foundation for the future.
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