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After the Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals 13-9 last week, they clinched the NFC West following some help from a few teams. It is an impressive feat as Los Angeles overcame a 1-4 start and multiple early season injuries to win its first division title since 2021.
As a result, the Rams will play a mostly meaningless Week 18 game against the Seattle Seahawks. However, Los Angeles could potentially move down to the No. 4 seed with a loss, so there is still some motivation to pick up a victory over the Seahawks.
So, will the Rams rest their starters in Week 18 against the Seahawks? Let's dive in and find out.
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Will The Los Angeles Rams Rest Starters In Week 18?
Head coach Sean McVay has already announced that quarterback Matthew Stafford and many other starters will not play Sunday against Seattle.
Sean McVay announced Matthew Stafford will rest Sunday vs. the Seahawks and that the Rams will start QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 1, 2025
There was some speculation the Rams might play for the win, as there are some seeding implications this weekend, but McVay ultimately decided to play things safe. This is not particularly surprising, as this has traditionally been the approach taken by McVay whenever the team has secured a playoff berth before the season's end.
UPDATE: Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Kyren Williams are listed as doubtful to play in Week 18.
Who Will Start For The Los Angeles Rams In Week 18?
Jimmy Garoppolo is set to start at quarterback for the Rams. He flamed out as a starter for the 49ers and Raiders but is an experienced veteran more than capable of leading the Rams to a victory here. McVay was also recently quoted as saying he is "excited about seeing Blake Corum get a heavy workload." This suggests Kyren Williams will either be inactive or have a very minor role.
It sounds like #Rams HC Sean McVay will rest his starters on Sunday, even if the Rams are in a position to move up from the #4 seed (in case of a Bucs victory) to the #3 seed with a win
McVay also stated that he’s “excited about watching Blake Corum get a heavy workload” pic.twitter.com/82mAiNele5
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) December 31, 2024
We have yet to receive official word on receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, but it seems safe to assume they won't be playing much, either. That could put rookie Jordan Whittington in a position to lead the team's receivers. Veterans Tutu Atwell and Demarcus Robinson should also see increased roles as well. We should expect star pass-rusher Jared Verse and other key members of the Rams defense to sit as well.
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