NFL Legend Backs ‘Dark Horse’ Rams over NFC West Rival

The Los Angeles Rams have quickly reestablished themselves as one of the NFL’s most intriguing contenders. Just three seasons removed from their Super Bowl LVI triumph, the Rams have undergone a dramatic roster overhaul, losing players like Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp, while maintaining the essential pillars of championship-caliber football: an elite quarterback, an innovative head coach, and a culture built on winning. Despite their early struggles last season, the Rams surged back into the playoff picture, proving that even a retooled roster can deliver results.

Their resurgence hasn’t gone unnoticed by former Rams great and Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis, also known as The Bus, who recently endorsed his old team as the favorites to win the NFC West title in 2025.

Jerome Bettis on Rams: “When You Look at the Rams, They are a Dark Horse”

While many fans still associate Bettis with his glory days as a Pittsburgh Steeler, it was Los Angeles where his professional journey began. And Bettis sees something special in the Rams’ current squad.

“When you look at the Rams, they are a dark horse,” Bettis said in a conversation with RG. “They’ve retooled — offensively, they should be really good. If the offensive line holds up, I think they’ve got a chance to be really good.”

That optimism isn’t just blind loyalty to his former team. The Rams’ 9-2 finish after a 1-4 start last season demonstrated just how resilient and talented this roster has become.

“They have a quarterback. They’ve got some really outstanding receivers. The running game is going to be solid. They’re maybe a cornerback away, an impact secondary guy away from being really, really special.”

Read More: Top Cornerback Options After Failed Reunion for the Rams

49ers, Eagles in the Rams’ Path?

GettyThe San Francisco 49ers are not a threat for the Los Angeles Rams, according to Jerome Bettis.

The Rams fell short in the divisional round against the Philadelphia Eagles last season and seem to be the final boss in the NFC. However, Bettis brings in the San Francisco 49ers into the conversation, who have been a force in the NFC West until a disappointing 6-11 finish last season.

“In their division, they are the favorites,” Bettis emphasizes regarding the Rams. “I think the Niners are going to be good, but not great. The Rams definitely have an advantage on that side. I think the team they’re going to have to beat is going to be the Eagles. They’re going to be right back at it again. They’re built to beat the Eagles, and if they can slow down the running game, they’ve got a chance.”

Fitting that a Hall of Fame running back believes the Rams’ key to stopping the Eagles is slowing down the running game. Plus, 49ers fans will surely bookmark Bettis’ comments in hopes that the team proves him wrong next season.

Besides all the opponents the Rams will face next season, the biggest test will be with themselves. Can the team gel together and overcome the adversities that will inevitably come next season? Time will tell.