The Los Angeles Rams will be tested by a good Houston Texans team this Sunday when they open their 2025 season at home. Both teams have made the playoffs in each of the last two years, and each squad boasts a young core that’s set up for long-term success.
Historically, the Rams have gotten the better of Houston over the years, but that’s not something any coach or player in Houston or L.A. will care much about this week. They’re focused on the task at hand: winning on Sunday.
Here are eight stats and facts to know for this weekend’s tilt at SoFi Stadium.
Rams have 3rd-best Week 1 record since 2017
Since Sean McVay became the Rams’ head coach in 2017, Los Angeles has been excellent in season openers. The Rams have a 6-2 record in their last eight Week 1 games, with their only losses coming to the Bills in 2022 and the Lions in overtime last year.
Only two teams have better Week 1 records than the Rams since 2017: the Chiefs and Eagles, who are each 7-1.
Rams have owned all-time series vs. Texans
With the Texans being a newer franchise and in the opposite conference, the Rams have only faced them five times. They’ve owned the all-time series, however. The Rams are 4-1 against the Texans, outscoring Houston 155-85 – or an average of 14 points per game.
Houston’s only win against the Rams was in 2009, a narrow 16-13 victory. The Rams’ biggest win came in 2017 when they beat Houston, 33-7. The last time they met was in 2021, a 38-22 win by Los Angeles.
Matthew Stafford is 1-3 vs. Texans despite having great numbers
Stafford has only faced the Texans once as a member of the Rams, which was in 2021 when Los Angeles won 38-22. Prior to joining the Rams, Stafford played the Texans three times and came away winless in those three contests.
In his career against Houston, Stafford may only be 1-3 but he has great numbers: 320.3 yards per game, seven touchdown passes, one interception, 94.0 passer rating. His Lions defenses did him no favors, allowing 34, 20 and 41 points in those three losses.
Texans have two former Rams coaches on their staff
The Texans followed the trend of teams poaching coaches from the Rams’ staff this offseason by hiring two former assistants from Los Angeles. Houston hired Nick Caley as its offensive coordinator and Jerry Schuplinski as a senior offensive assistant, prying both coaches away from the Rams.
They both have a good knowledge of Sean McVay’s offense, so that could help Houston in the game-planning process.
Texans picked off 2nd-most passes in NFL last season
There’s a reason the Texans’ defense is viewed as one of the best heading into 2025, and it’s largely because of how frequently they take the ball away with their excellent secondary. Houston picked off 19 passes last season, which was good for second in the NFL. Derek Stingley Jr. and Calen Bullock tied for the team lead with five picks each.
The Rams, by comparison, had 13 interceptions, which was 12th in the NFL.
Texans had 4th-most sacks in 2024
The Texans didn’t have much trouble generating pressure last season, ranking 13th in pressure rate, according to Pro Football Reference. They frequently got quarterbacks on the ground, recording 49 total sacks in the regular season, good for fourth in the league.
The Rams’ offensive line is in great shape but it’ll be tested by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter on the edges.
Matthew Stafford is 191 yards away from 60,000
Stafford is within striking distance of a huge milestone this week: 60,000 career passing yards. That’s a number only nine other quarterbacks in NFL history have reached in their careers, which would make him the 10th all-time.
He continues to build his Hall of Fame resume and although it’s a given that he’ll hit 60,000 at some point, it’d be cool to see him do it at home on Sunday.
Rams and Texans have each of the last two Defensive Rookies of the Year
The last two Defensive Rookies of the Year have come from the Rams and Texans, which is a testament to how well both teams drafted. Jared Verse won the award last year and Will Anderson Jr. took home the honor in 2023, edging out Kobie Turner that year.
The Texans also have the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year in C.J. Stroud, who won the award over Puka Nacua despite the Rams receiver’s record-setting season.
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This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 8 stats and facts to know for Rams vs. Texans in Week 1
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
