Highlights & Takeaways From Rams’ Week 12 Win Over Buccaneers

The Los Angeles Rams have arguably been the best team in the NFL at this juncture of the 2025 season, but they were afforded a golden opportunity to prove it in Week 12.

The Rams entered the weekend tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for first in the NFC, but the latter blew a 21-point lead to the Dallas Cowboys. This opened up a pathway to the No. 1 seed in the NFC, giving Los Angeles even more motivation for their primetime Sunday Night Football matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

L.A. hosted Aaron Donald and his family to celebrate the legend on his bobble head night, so there was already an expectation that the defensive line would show up. Not only did the defensive line do its job, but the offense took care of business early to let the Rams win in a 34-7 blowout over the Buccaneers.

Los Angeles is now in sole possession of the No. 1 seed and could have home field advantage throughout the 2026 NFL Playoffs if they can hold on.

The defense made its presence felt early as they were able to force a punt on the Buccaneers’ first drive. Matthew Stafford then led the Rams on their first scoring drive of the afternoon, leading an 80-yard drive that ended with a Davante Adams one-yard touchdown to make it 7-0.

L.A.’s defense has made its living off of splash plays and Cobie Durant added another one to the growing list as he ripped the football out of Cade Otton’s hands and ran it back for a touchdown. The Rams went up 14-0 but didn’t let up as they forced another Buccaneers possession to end with no points.

Stafford distributed the football to almost all of his receivers, capping things off with a pass to Colby Parkinson for a five-yard touchdown that made it 21-0. While Tampa Bay responded with their own touchdown drive, Stafford didn’t let them celebrate long as he marched Los Angeles down the field again.

Stafford found a streaking Adams on the right sideline for a 24-yard strike that had SoFi Stadium erupt and put L.A. ahead 28-7 at halftime.

Baker Mayfield was unfortunately ruled out for the remainder of the game due to a shoulder injury, so the Rams were never in danger of squandering the lead.

Harrison Mevis converted his first two career field goal attempts from 40 and 52 yards which led to Los Angeles beating Tampa Bay 34-7.

What’s next for the Rams

The Rams will be back on the road for their Week 13 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, going for their seventh straight win.