Matthew Stafford sets Rams TD pass record as Los Angeles rolls past Raiders 35-21

Matthew Stafford delivered an impressive performance, setting a career record for the Rams with three touchdown passes and throwing for 195 yards. Sunday's victory saw the Los Angeles Rams thrashing the Las Vegas Raiders 35-21, cementing their position as potential Super Bowl contenders despite still grappling with a sluggish start and numerous injuries.

Since the NFL playoffs expanded from 12 to 14 teams in 2020, only 10 of the 41 clubs have managed to make the playoffs after opening 3-4, with just 4 of 33 clubs making it after going 2-5. The Rams, boasting a 3-4 record, demonstrated their potential for a championship run early on, leading by 22 points at halftime and maintaining the lead in the fourth quarter.

Las Vegas native Puka Nacua contributed 68 yards and a touchdown with eight receptions, while tight end Davis Allen recorded two touchdown catches for the Rams, marking his first two TDs of the season. Meanwhile, the Raiders, led by their quarterback Kirk Cousins, finished with 295 passing yards and two touchdowns. Cousins also broke the NFL record for most touchdown passes in a single season, boasting 16 TDs.

However, the Raiders' efforts to rally in the final quarter were thwarted as they fell short on both 2-point conversions. The Rams, under Coach Sean McVay, who has a perfect 4-0 record against the Raiders, maintained control from kickoff, leading 28-6 by the end of the first half. Despite a scoreless third quarter, the Raiders made a valiant effort in the fourth, scoring two touchdowns to close the gap to 28-18, but ultimately fell short.

Injuries for the Rams included CB Trent McDuffie, who did not play for the second week in a row due to a groin injury and was deactivated before kickoff. The Los Angeles Rams will face off against their bitter rivals, the Chargers, next Sunday, while the Raiders will take on the New York Jets in the same matchup.