Videos

Highlights & Takeaways From Rams’ Week 1 Win Against Texans

Matt Peralta
Matt Peralta
Kyren Williams, Matthew Stafford, Rams, Texans
Sep 7, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) celebrates after scoring a touchtown during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

After an offseason of stewing over their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 NFL Playoffs, the Los Angeles Rams finally hit the field for the 2025 season.

For Week 1, the Rams drew a tough opponent in the Houston Texans. Houston is loaded with talent on both sides of the football, though under head coach DeMeco Ryans they have become lauded for their fearsome defense.

Houston boasts superstars at all three levels of its defense, most notably edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. and defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. On the other side, C.J. Stroud commands the offense while Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz make up his primary receiving options.

The first week is typically a rough watch from an offensive standpoint as teams are still in the process of installing their respective playbooks and getting meaningful reps. The Texans-Rams game was no different as the defenses dictated the action for most of the afternoon.

Fortunately for Los Angeles, they outlasted Houston in a thrilling 14-9 finish to earn their first victory of the 2025 season.

From the opening kick, it was a physical game as both teams made sure to send a message. Puka Nacua was forced to briefly check out of the game after taking a hit to the helmet and getting cut above the eye while Davante Adams absorbed a huge hit after coming down with his first reception with the Rams.

Houston struck first when Ka’imi Fairbairn converted on a 51-yard field goal in the first quarter, giving them an early 3-0 lead. The Rams’ were forced to punt on their next possessions while Fairbairn knocked in another field goal to push the Texans lead to six.

Kyren Williams finally got Los Angeles on the board when he rushed into the end zone late in the second quarter, giving the team a 7-6 lead. However, Houston and Fairbairn responded with another field goal in the 2-minute drill to give them a 9-7 lead into halftime.

The Texans’ lead didn’t last long after the break as Matthew Stafford led a drive to open the second half that resulted in a 13-yard touchdown to Davis Allen, giving the Rams a 14-9 lead. That wound up being the final score of the game as the defenses locked the other team down the rest of the way.

Los Angeles should feel lucky to win as Colby Parkinson fumbled the ball in the red zone, giving Houston one more shot to win it late in the fourth quarter. Nate Landman saved his new team, though, as he punched out the football from Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale and sealed the contest.

Nacua led all players in receptions and yards with 10 and 130, respectively, while Williams recorded 66 rushing yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile, Stafford eclipsed 60,000 passing yards for his career and had 245 yards on the day.

Much was made about Stafford’s back injury that he dealt with in training camp, but the most important thing is that he looked healthy in this one and came out of the game feeling good.

What’s next for the Rams

The Rams head out on the road for their first away game in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans, led by first overall pick Cam Ward.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:
By Matt Peralta
Matt was born and raised in Long Beach, Calif. and is a lifelong Lakers and Rams fan. Because of his love for sports, Matt successfully pursued a degree in journalism at California State University, Long Beach (#GoBeach) and is now a Staff Writer for RamsNewsWire.com. He is also a Staff Writer for LakersNation.com and RaidersNewsWire.com. Contact: mattp@mediumlargela.com Twitter: @_MatthewPeralta Instagram: @matthewperalta