NFL Rumors: Rivals See Rams as Super Bowl Threat Due to Respect for Stafford, McVay

The Los Angeles Rams are now three years removed from winning Super Bowl LVI, but many around the NFL aren't ready to count them out just yet.

According to The Athletic's Jeff Howe, "There's so much respect around the league for [Matthew] Stafford and head coach Sean McVay that the Rams are expected to be NFC contenders once again."

The Rams are coming off a bounce-back year in which they reached the playoffs but fell to the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card Round. Stafford, who was limited to nine games in 2022 due to a back injury, rebounded in a big way and was selected to his second career Pro Bowl after throwing for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Howe explained that the 36-year-old could be in for another big year because his "handle on the offense is admired in the building." An instance in practice exemplified the way Stafford's command of the team can lead the Rams to success.

"This might be a small example, but he made a slight adjustment with a play call during one practice this summer that had the entire offense gushing on the sideline, including coaches and players who were listening on the headsets," Howe stated.

The path to the Super Bowl will not be easy this year in the competitive NFC, but the Rams should be confident in their chances as long as Stafford can stay healthy.

Los Angeles will face a tough test right out of the gate when it faces Detroit on Sunday Night Football in Week 1.