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The Houston Texans head into 2025 with something to prove. Last season, their hopes were dashed in the Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams were humbled by the eventual Super Bowl champions after advancing past Minnesota. Both teams enter the new campaign with championship aspirations and rosters built to contend. That makes Week 1 at SoFi Stadium more than just an opener. It’s a tone-setter for two of the NFL’s most ambitious franchises.
The Texans and Rams play on Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Rams’ SoFi Stadium in what may be one of the most compelling matchups of the opening weekend. Both teams finished with double-digit wins in 2024. Both also believe they’re capable of going even deeper into January this time around. Houston returns much of the group that captured the AFC South before faltering in the postseason. The Rams claimed the NFC West crown and leaned on Matthew Stafford and Kyren Williams in a valiant playoff run. Now, they’re back with reinforcements and a new offensive wrinkle. Davante Adams joins the receiving corps to pair with breakout star Puka Nacua.
For Houston, the strategy is clear: lean on CJ Stroud and trust either Adams, Williams, or Blake Corum to finish drives. The Rams’ biggest weakness remains their run defense. That’s something DeMeco Ryans’ staff will undoubtedly try to exploit. However, that doesn’t mean Los Angeles is short on firepower. Stafford has the weapons to run a high-octane passing attack, and Williams gives them a dangerous red-zone threat. If Week 1 is a battle of strengths, it’s Houston’s defensive front and rushing attack against LA’s firepower and opportunistic defense.
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Here we will look at and discuss some bold predictions for the game between the Texans and the Rams in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season.
The Texans’ defensive identity is built on the relentless pursuit of quarterbacks. Will Anderson Jr is the centerpiece of that effort. Surrounded by impact players like Danielle Hunter and Azihz Al-Shaair, Anderson is positioned to cause havoc against a Rams offensive line that is not impenetrable. Look for Anderson to notch at least one sack and one forced fumble in this game. He will remind fans and opponents alike why he’s considered one of the league’s rising defensive stars.
The problem for Houston? Anderson’s impact alone won’t be enough. Stafford is a savvy veteran who knows how to mitigate pressure. The Rams’ quick-passing scheme can neutralize even the most disruptive edge rushers. Anderson will make headlines with his performance. That said, unless Houston can consistently bottle up Williams and limit explosive plays from Adams and Nacua, his big day will feel more like a silver lining than a winning formula.
Sure, much of the spotlight shines on the Rams’ new-look offense. Their defense could be the...
