Rams Running Game Powers Playoff Push After Top Regular Season

The Los Angeles Rams head into the NFL playoffs with a running game that carried them through a 12-5 regular season. In Los Angeles, this ground attack ranked as the second-most efficient over the past 10 years, just behind their own 2018 unit. Players like Kyren Williams made it work week after week, and it showed in their wild-card win over the New Orleans Saints.

Background

The Rams started the 2025 season with a clear plan to lean on the run. From week one, they put the ball on the ground often. In their opener on September 7, they ran for solid yards in a close 14-9 win. Week two brought a 33-19 victory where the run game kept drives alive. By week three, a 26-point win showed the same pattern.

Over the full regular season, the Rams racked up 2,152 rushing yards, more than most teams. They scored touchdowns on the ground and controlled the clock. This came after years of building the line and backs. Kyren Williams emerged as the main guy, carrying the load game after game. Backup Blake Corum stepped in too, adding depth.

In the past decade, only the 2018 Rams topped this group's efficiency. That year set a high bar, but 2025 matched it close. The team finished second in the NFC West, earning a home wild-card spot. Their total offensive yards hit 6,709, with rushing making up a big part at 2,152.

Key Details

Kyren Williams led the rushers. In the regular season finale against New Orleans, he ran 25 times for 114 yards and a touchdown. Blake Corum added 58 yards on 13 carries in that game. Against the Cardinals on January 4, the Rams had 31 rushing attempts.

Playoff Opener Breakdown

In the wild-card game on January 10, a 34-31 thriller, Williams ran 13 times for 57 yards. Blake Corum had 11 carries for 45 yards. Puka Nacua even chipped in three rushes for 14 yards and a score. The Rams controlled the line of scrimmage, holding opponents to fewer rushing yards overall.

Postseason stats show Williams with 57 rushing yards as the team leader. Matthew Stafford passed for 304 yards in playoffs, but the run set up those plays. In the regular season closer, Williams had his best output: 114 yards on 25 carries. The offense averaged strong yards per carry, often over four yards.

The Rams faced tough defenses but stuck to the plan. Against Baltimore in week six, Williams caught a key 30-yard pass on fourth down during a scoring drive. Later games saw him grind out tough yards. The team had 396 total first downs, many from rushing.

"Kyren has been our workhorse all year. He sets the tone up front." – Sean McVay, Rams head coach

Defensively, they limited foes. Opponents managed 1,884 rushing yards, but Rams held firm in big spots. Jared Verse stopped a key run in one game. Nate Landman forced a fumble late against New Orleans.

What This Means

A strong run game gives the Rams balance for deeper playoff runs. They can control games, rest Stafford, and wear down defenses. In the divisional round, this approach could face stiffer tests, but the numbers suggest it works.

Williams and Corum provide options. If injuries hit, depth holds up. The 2018 comparison shows this style wins in January. Rams scored 65 total touchdowns, many tied to ground success.

Playoff experience matters. Stafford threw for big yards, Nacua caught 111 in postseason. But rushing first downs and clock control keep leads. Opponents averaged under 55 rushing yards per game against them late.

This setup positions Los Angeles well. They won 12 games by running first. Playoffs demand that edge. Next opponent will test if the ground game holds in colder weather and tighter fields.

The Rams practiced this all year. Stafford often handed off on early downs. Linemen blocked for big runs. Kicker Joshua Karty added points, but rushing set up short fields.

Fans in Los Angeles packed SoFi Stadium for the wild-card win. The crowd saw Williams plunge for a late touchdown against New Orleans. That sealed a 34-10 lead before a close finish.

Rams now prepare for the next round. Their run game, second-best in a decade, gives them a real shot. Teams that run well advance far. Los Angeles proved it over 17 games and one playoff test.