The Los Angeles Rams delivered a convincing performance against the Los Angeles Chargers, earning a 20–9 victory at SoFi Stadium. The win improved the Rams’ record to 4–4 and gave them their first two-game winning streak of the 2026 season. Three themes stood out: a productive running game, a defense that controlled the contest, and a passing attack that still needs to find its rhythm.
## 1. The Rams’ Running Game Delivered
Kyren Williams and Blake Corum both made meaningful contributions on the ground, giving the Rams a balanced rushing attack.
Williams carried the ball 16 times for 56 yards and a touchdown, averaging 3.5 yards per attempt. Corum had 11 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown, averaging an impressive 6.6 yards per carry. Their workloads were relatively close, and both backs found the end zone.
That distribution is encouraging for Los Angeles. Using both Williams and Corum gives the offense two reliable options and helps keep the rushing attack productive throughout a game. If the Rams continue to share carries, opposing defenses will have to account for both runners rather than focusing on a single back.
A consistent ground game can also create better opportunities through the air. By making defenses respect the run, Los Angeles may be able to open up space for bigger passing plays. The Rams’ next step will be finding the right balance between Williams and Corum while continuing to build on this performance.
## 2. The Defense Controlled the Game
The Rams’ defense set the tone by limiting the Chargers’ offense, creating turnovers and shutting down the run. Los Angeles held its opponent to nine points, making it difficult for the Chargers to establish a consistent rhythm.
Justin Herbert threw two interceptions, one picked off by cornerback Trent McDuffie and the other by safety Quentin Lake. Wesley Bailey also forced a fumble when he stripped Herbert, although Aaron Donald was unable to recover it. The Rams did not turn every opportunity into a takeaway, but they repeatedly disrupted the Chargers and made important plays.
Los Angeles was equally effective against the run. The Chargers finished with 25 carries for 64 yards, an average of just 2.6 yards per attempt. The defensive front and linebackers helped limit those gains, with Bailey, Donald, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Nate Landman, Omar Speights and the rest of the unit contributing to the effort.
Forcing turnovers and stopping the run are two important ingredients in controlling a game. If the Rams can maintain that level of performance, their defense could become a major strength as the season continues. The unit may receive a further boost when Myles Garrett returns from injury.
## 3. The Passing Game Needs Better Rhythm
Although the win provided plenty of positives, the Rams’ passing game did not look fully synchronized. Matthew Stafford completed 17 of 25 passes for 157 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also missed some throws he would normally be expected to make, leaving the offense short of its usual efficiency through the air.
Puka Nacua was Stafford’s most reliable target. He caught 11 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown, giving the quarterback a dependable option throughout the game. Beyond Nacua, however, Stafford had more difficulty finding consistent completions.
The absence of Davante Adams leaves the Rams with a need for another dependable receiving option. Nacua can continue to play a central role, but the offense will benefit from having another target capable of producing regular gains. Without that added support, Los Angeles could have trouble moving the ball against stronger defenses.
The Rams do not need Stafford and the passing game to carry the offense in every contest, especially when the running game is working. Still, greater consistency through the air would make the attack more versatile and harder to defend.
## A Valuable Step Toward the Playoff Race
The victory moved the Rams to 4–4 and brought them back to .500. It was also their first time winning consecutive games this season, offering a confidence boost after a difficult start.
Los Angeles now turns its attention to the Washington Commanders and Arizona Cardinals, with both games providing an opportunity to improve its record to 6–4 before a tougher stretch begins. That run includes a Thanksgiving Eve matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
The win over the Chargers was a positive step, but the Rams will need to build on it. A dependable rushing attack and a defense capable of creating turnovers give the team a strong foundation. If the passing game becomes more consistent as well, Los Angeles could strengthen its position in the playoff race and potentially re-enter the NFC West conversation, particularly if the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers drop games.
For now, the Rams have reason to feel encouraged. They have won two in a row and shown they can control a game on both sides of the ball. Continuing that momentum will be essential as they look to recover from their early-season struggles.
