The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for a thrilling 2026 season, and while their schedule is one of the toughest in the NFL—a testament to their stellar performance last year—this team is built to rise to the challenge. With reigning MVP Matthew Stafford at the helm, a roster packed with returning stars, and Sean McVay's genius play-calling, the Rams are poised for greatness. The 2026 slate is loaded with epic matchups and juicy storylines. Here are five can't-miss games that will have fans on the edge of their seats.
1. Week 1: Rams vs. 49ers in Australia
This isn't just a game; it's an international spectacle. The Rams kick off the season Down Under against their NFC West rivals, the San Francisco 49ers. The storyline is electric: the Rams should be at full strength, while the 49ers are banged up, with stars like George Kittle, and possibly Nick Bosa and Mykell Williams, sidelined. A Week 1 win over a division foe would set the tone for the entire season. Plus, who doesn't love football with a side of kangaroos?
2. Week 5: Rams at Eagles
Revenge is a dish best served cold—or in this case, on the road in Philadelphia. The Rams are 0-2 against the Eagles over the past two seasons, with both losses coming in heartbreaking fashion. Remember the 2024 NFC Divisional Round collapse and the 2025 Week 3 nail-biter? Both ended in the final moments at Lincoln Financial Field. This year, the Rams return to Philly, and there's a wild card: will the Eagles have traded star receiver A.J. Brown by then? Either way, this is a grudge match you won't want to miss.
3. Week 8: Rams vs. Bills
Get ready for a quarterback showdown for the ages. Matthew Stafford, the reigning MVP, faces off against Josh Allen, another recent MVP winner. These two last met in 2022, when the Rams pulled off a wild 44-42 win at SoFi Stadium. That day, Allen went nuclear with 342 passing yards and six total touchdowns, while Stafford fired back with 320 yards and two scores, including a 162-yard connection to Puka Nacua. Expect fireworks again as these offensive juggernauts collide.
4. Week 12: Rams vs. Chiefs
This game is dripping with history and anticipation. It marks Stafford's first start against the Chiefs in a Rams uniform. The last time these teams met was in 2022, but Stafford was injured and didn't play. And who could forget the 2018 classic, when the Rams and Chiefs combined for 105 points in a wild shootout? With Patrick Mahomes on the other side, this matchup has all the makings of another instant classic.
5. Week 17: Rams at Seahawks
A late-season divisional battle that could decide playoff seeding. The Seahawks are always tough at home, and with Geno Smith leading their offense, this is no gimme. The Rams will need to bring their A-game to Lumen Field, especially if the NFC West race comes down to the wire. Expect physical play, loud crowds, and a game that could shape the entire postseason picture.