Matthew Stafford tabbed as the Rams' 'biggest problem' (and it makes sense)

The Los Angeles Rams play the Houston Texans in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season, and their biggest problem might be one of their best players.

The Rams could end up being one of the best teams in the NFL in 2025 - they got better in the offseason and did win nine of their final 12 games, so their 10-7 record from 2024 is honestly a bit misleading.

Starting QB Matthew Stafford has been dealing with a hurt back for much of the offseason, and it does feel like a serious injury that could linger with him during the season. He's slowly approaching 40 years old and is surely approaching the final couple of years of his career. And unfortunately, while he's one of the team's best players, he also might be their biggest problem.

Like it or not, Matthew Stafford is the LA Rams' biggest problem right now

Here is Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report on the LA Rams' biggest problem heading into Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season:

Problem: A hurting Matthew Stafford and his linchpins

Left tackle Alaric Jackson has been dealing with blood clot issues all summer, and his now-former go-to receiver, Cooper Kupp, finds himself representing a division rival in Seattle.

Jackson at less than 100 percent and the loss of Kupp could make it extra hard on the 37-year-old Stafford, who is well beyond his prime and has been battling disc issues with his back throughout the offseason.

Outlook: Stafford and Jackson do look as though they'll be good to go for Sunday's opener against Houston, and the QB at least has Davante Adams to work with instead of Kupp. Still, these are ailments that could easily linger well into the season, which the Rams can't afford.

This is a fair but scary assessment, as Stafford's back injury could surely emerge as something bigger if he were to get hit the wrong way. Furthermore, he's typically played pretty banged up during his NFL career and isn't the most mobile of players.

You get the sense that the Rams may have another year or two of an 'all-in' push with Stafford under center, but him dealing with this back injury all season could bury those hopes. He did play in just nine games back in the 2022 NFL Season and has missed significant time in a few other seasons.

Like it or not, Matthew Stafford is the team's biggest problem approaching Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season.