Nate Atkins
@nateatkins.bsky.social
Senior Writer covering the Los Angeles Rams for The Athletic | Formerly of the Colts, Lions and Bears beats | Hebrews 11:1
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/nate-atkins/
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/nate-atkins/
Pinned
With Matthew Stafford ‘on a heater,’ Rams get their revenge in blowout of 49ers
It was a win Los Angeles felt it had to have, not just for the NFC West standings but for a healing of the soul.
www.nytimes.com
The Rams had as angry of a locker room as I can recall seeing after their Week 5 OT loss to the 49ers.
The past month has been about righting wrongs on the field.
Sunday’s blowout was a healing of the soul.
“Screw this team.” 👀
On a revenge path:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
The past month has been about righting wrongs on the field.
Sunday’s blowout was a healing of the soul.
“Screw this team.” 👀
On a revenge path:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
If Matthew Stafford has played like an MVP all season, as Davante Adams says, what’s changed around him to build a historic stretch?
4 key areas jump out right now as an evolution of the Rams offense: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
4 key areas jump out right now as an evolution of the Rams offense: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
November 11, 2025 at 6:17 PM
If Matthew Stafford has played like an MVP all season, as Davante Adams says, what’s changed around him to build a historic stretch?
4 key areas jump out right now as an evolution of the Rams offense: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
4 key areas jump out right now as an evolution of the Rams offense: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
The Athletic’s playoff simulator set the stage for a *massive* Rams-Seahawks matchup:
The Rams are the current favorite for the No. 1 seed.
A win gives them a 78% chance of winning the NFC West and hosting a playoff game.
A loss drops that to 33%:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/nfl...
The Rams are the current favorite for the No. 1 seed.
A win gives them a 78% chance of winning the NFC West and hosting a playoff game.
A loss drops that to 33%:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/nfl...
How the Los Angeles Rams can make the playoffs through Week 10 - The Athletic
NFL playoff picture and forecast for the Los Angeles Rams. Track their playoff chances, win projections, and season outlook.
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:12 PM
The Athletic’s playoff simulator set the stage for a *massive* Rams-Seahawks matchup:
The Rams are the current favorite for the No. 1 seed.
A win gives them a 78% chance of winning the NFC West and hosting a playoff game.
A loss drops that to 33%:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/nfl...
The Rams are the current favorite for the No. 1 seed.
A win gives them a 78% chance of winning the NFC West and hosting a playoff game.
A loss drops that to 33%:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/nfl...
Reposted by Nate Atkins
The Rams had as angry of a locker room as I can recall seeing after their Week 5 OT loss to the 49ers.
The past month has been about righting wrongs on the field.
Sunday’s blowout was a healing of the soul.
“Screw this team.” 👀
On a revenge path:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
The past month has been about righting wrongs on the field.
Sunday’s blowout was a healing of the soul.
“Screw this team.” 👀
On a revenge path:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
With Matthew Stafford ‘on a heater,’ Rams get their revenge in blowout of 49ers
It was a win Los Angeles felt it had to have, not just for the NFC West standings but for a healing of the soul.
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:36 PM
The Rams had as angry of a locker room as I can recall seeing after their Week 5 OT loss to the 49ers.
The past month has been about righting wrongs on the field.
Sunday’s blowout was a healing of the soul.
“Screw this team.” 👀
On a revenge path:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
The past month has been about righting wrongs on the field.
Sunday’s blowout was a healing of the soul.
“Screw this team.” 👀
On a revenge path:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Just makes it easier on their special teams unit right now. Coverage is not their specialty.
Nate, why have the Rams decided to kick every kickoff into the end zone?
November 10, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Just makes it easier on their special teams unit right now. Coverage is not their specialty.
Let’s talk about Matthew Stafford. But also what’s evolving around him.
This is a historic run he’s on, and it’s come through 4 key evolutions in the supporting cast:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
This is a historic run he’s on, and it’s come through 4 key evolutions in the supporting cast:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
November 10, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Let’s talk about Matthew Stafford. But also what’s evolving around him.
This is a historic run he’s on, and it’s come through 4 key evolutions in the supporting cast:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
This is a historic run he’s on, and it’s come through 4 key evolutions in the supporting cast:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Sean McVay calls the Seahawks “as complete a team as I’ve seen.”
Seattle is 7-2 as well and leads the NFC in point differential. Sunday’s winner will take sole possession of first place in the NFC West.
Seattle is 7-2 as well and leads the NFC in point differential. Sunday’s winner will take sole possession of first place in the NFC West.
November 10, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Sean McVay calls the Seahawks “as complete a team as I’ve seen.”
Seattle is 7-2 as well and leads the NFC in point differential. Sunday’s winner will take sole possession of first place in the NFC West.
Seattle is 7-2 as well and leads the NFC in point differential. Sunday’s winner will take sole possession of first place in the NFC West.
The Rams are sticking with Harrison Mevis at kicker against the Seahawks. He was 6 for 6 on extra points in his NFL debut, though he has yet to attempt a field goal.
November 10, 2025 at 8:24 PM
The Rams are sticking with Harrison Mevis at kicker against the Seahawks. He was 6 for 6 on extra points in his NFL debut, though he has yet to attempt a field goal.
Rams snap counts from a win over the 49ers:
- All 4 TEs at 32% or better. Davis and Parkinson scored TDs
- Xavier Smith and Konata Mumpfield evenly split the WR3 role, just behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams
- Just 12 snaps for Darious Williams
- All 4 TEs at 32% or better. Davis and Parkinson scored TDs
- Xavier Smith and Konata Mumpfield evenly split the WR3 role, just behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams
- Just 12 snaps for Darious Williams
November 10, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Rams snap counts from a win over the 49ers:
- All 4 TEs at 32% or better. Davis and Parkinson scored TDs
- Xavier Smith and Konata Mumpfield evenly split the WR3 role, just behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams
- Just 12 snaps for Darious Williams
- All 4 TEs at 32% or better. Davis and Parkinson scored TDs
- Xavier Smith and Konata Mumpfield evenly split the WR3 role, just behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams
- Just 12 snaps for Darious Williams
The Rams had as angry of a locker room as I can recall seeing after their Week 5 OT loss to the 49ers.
The past month has been about righting wrongs on the field.
Sunday’s blowout was a healing of the soul.
“Screw this team.” 👀
On a revenge path:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
The past month has been about righting wrongs on the field.
Sunday’s blowout was a healing of the soul.
“Screw this team.” 👀
On a revenge path:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
With Matthew Stafford ‘on a heater,’ Rams get their revenge in blowout of 49ers
It was a win Los Angeles felt it had to have, not just for the NFC West standings but for a healing of the soul.
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:36 PM
The Rams had as angry of a locker room as I can recall seeing after their Week 5 OT loss to the 49ers.
The past month has been about righting wrongs on the field.
Sunday’s blowout was a healing of the soul.
“Screw this team.” 👀
On a revenge path:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
The past month has been about righting wrongs on the field.
Sunday’s blowout was a healing of the soul.
“Screw this team.” 👀
On a revenge path:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Point differential through 10 weeks (MNF not withstanding):
1. Indianapolis Colts +115
2. Seattle Seahawks +103
3. Los Angeles Rams +98
Nos. 2 and 3 will square off next Sunday with sole possession of first place in the NFC West on the line.
1. Indianapolis Colts +115
2. Seattle Seahawks +103
3. Los Angeles Rams +98
Nos. 2 and 3 will square off next Sunday with sole possession of first place in the NFC West on the line.
a man in a red jacket is eating a sandwich
ALT: a man in a red jacket is eating a sandwich
media.tenor.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:27 AM
Point differential through 10 weeks (MNF not withstanding):
1. Indianapolis Colts +115
2. Seattle Seahawks +103
3. Los Angeles Rams +98
Nos. 2 and 3 will square off next Sunday with sole possession of first place in the NFC West on the line.
1. Indianapolis Colts +115
2. Seattle Seahawks +103
3. Los Angeles Rams +98
Nos. 2 and 3 will square off next Sunday with sole possession of first place in the NFC West on the line.
Reposted by Nate Atkins
The postgame video recap after the Rams blew out the 49ers to improve to 7-2.
No place to start but the offense and a QB playing on another level right now:
No place to start but the offense and a QB playing on another level right now:
November 10, 2025 at 1:37 AM
The postgame video recap after the Rams blew out the 49ers to improve to 7-2.
No place to start but the offense and a QB playing on another level right now:
No place to start but the offense and a QB playing on another level right now:
The Davante Adams connection is one of four big shifts in the offense around Matthew Stafford that I highlighted in a story coming tomorrow @theathletic.com.
We’re witnessing a really cool midseason evolution in different ways right now.
We’re witnessing a really cool midseason evolution in different ways right now.
It really did seem to come down to Stafford and Adams getting on the same page. Once that happened, a lot of other things seemed to open up.
November 10, 2025 at 4:01 AM
The Davante Adams connection is one of four big shifts in the offense around Matthew Stafford that I highlighted in a story coming tomorrow @theathletic.com.
We’re witnessing a really cool midseason evolution in different ways right now.
We’re witnessing a really cool midseason evolution in different ways right now.
The talking point earlier this Rams season was about how much they moved the ball and couldn't finish in the red zone.
Over the past three weeks, they are 13 of 15 (87%) on touchdowns there.
And one of the two misses was today's kneel-down to end the game.
Over the past three weeks, they are 13 of 15 (87%) on touchdowns there.
And one of the two misses was today's kneel-down to end the game.
November 10, 2025 at 3:31 AM
The talking point earlier this Rams season was about how much they moved the ball and couldn't finish in the red zone.
Over the past three weeks, they are 13 of 15 (87%) on touchdowns there.
And one of the two misses was today's kneel-down to end the game.
Over the past three weeks, they are 13 of 15 (87%) on touchdowns there.
And one of the two misses was today's kneel-down to end the game.
The postgame video recap after the Rams blew out the 49ers to improve to 7-2.
No place to start but the offense and a QB playing on another level right now:
No place to start but the offense and a QB playing on another level right now:
November 10, 2025 at 1:37 AM
The postgame video recap after the Rams blew out the 49ers to improve to 7-2.
No place to start but the offense and a QB playing on another level right now:
No place to start but the offense and a QB playing on another level right now:
Some quick takeaways from the Rams’ blowout over the 49ers, along with @VicTafur and @mattbarrows with the SF perspective.
I touched on the heater Matthew Stafford is on and how the defense needs the pass rush to be the engine:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
I touched on the heater Matthew Stafford is on and how the defense needs the pass rush to be the engine:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Stafford, Rams cruise over 49ers in key NFC West showdown: Takeaways
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:20 AM
Some quick takeaways from the Rams’ blowout over the 49ers, along with @VicTafur and @mattbarrows with the SF perspective.
I touched on the heater Matthew Stafford is on and how the defense needs the pass rush to be the engine:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
I touched on the heater Matthew Stafford is on and how the defense needs the pass rush to be the engine:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Davante Adams has an oblique injury. The Rams are hopeful that he’ll be all right and Sean McVay thinks he probably could have come back in had the game been close.
November 10, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Davante Adams has an oblique injury. The Rams are hopeful that he’ll be all right and Sean McVay thinks he probably could have come back in had the game been close.
FINAL:
Rams 42
49ers 26
Los Angeles wins a fourth straight game with a fourth straight dominant offensive showing. Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level and the Rams are 7-2 heading into a huuuuuuuge NFC West battle with a surging Seahawks team next Sunday.
Rams 42
49ers 26
Los Angeles wins a fourth straight game with a fourth straight dominant offensive showing. Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level and the Rams are 7-2 heading into a huuuuuuuge NFC West battle with a surging Seahawks team next Sunday.
November 10, 2025 at 12:21 AM
FINAL:
Rams 42
49ers 26
Los Angeles wins a fourth straight game with a fourth straight dominant offensive showing. Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level and the Rams are 7-2 heading into a huuuuuuuge NFC West battle with a surging Seahawks team next Sunday.
Rams 42
49ers 26
Los Angeles wins a fourth straight game with a fourth straight dominant offensive showing. Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level and the Rams are 7-2 heading into a huuuuuuuge NFC West battle with a surging Seahawks team next Sunday.
Quentin Lake with an interception to seal this thing. He's having a great season and an even better past month.
November 10, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Quentin Lake with an interception to seal this thing. He's having a great season and an even better past month.
Touchdown, Colby Parkinson.
Matthew Stafford finds him *wide open* for a 16-yard touchdown pass -- his 3rd straight game with 4+ TD throws.
This one got interesting for the middle quarters, but it's a blowout again. Great responses from the O and D.
Rams 42, 49ers 20, 5:10 4Q.
Matthew Stafford finds him *wide open* for a 16-yard touchdown pass -- his 3rd straight game with 4+ TD throws.
This one got interesting for the middle quarters, but it's a blowout again. Great responses from the O and D.
Rams 42, 49ers 20, 5:10 4Q.
November 10, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Touchdown, Colby Parkinson.
Matthew Stafford finds him *wide open* for a 16-yard touchdown pass -- his 3rd straight game with 4+ TD throws.
This one got interesting for the middle quarters, but it's a blowout again. Great responses from the O and D.
Rams 42, 49ers 20, 5:10 4Q.
Matthew Stafford finds him *wide open* for a 16-yard touchdown pass -- his 3rd straight game with 4+ TD throws.
This one got interesting for the middle quarters, but it's a blowout again. Great responses from the O and D.
Rams 42, 49ers 20, 5:10 4Q.
Davante Adams has a back injury and is questionable to return.
I have a feeling they keep him on ice with this lead like with Puka Nacua last week.
I have a feeling they keep him on ice with this lead like with Puka Nacua last week.
November 9, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Davante Adams has a back injury and is questionable to return.
I have a feeling they keep him on ice with this lead like with Puka Nacua last week.
I have a feeling they keep him on ice with this lead like with Puka Nacua last week.
Emmanuel Forbes. Second straight week with an interception. Hell of a tip back to himself.
Feels like a good time to plug this one again:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Feels like a good time to plug this one again:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
How Emmanuel Forbes Jr. went from a project to a player the Rams believe in
www.nytimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Emmanuel Forbes. Second straight week with an interception. Hell of a tip back to himself.
Feels like a good time to plug this one again:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Feels like a good time to plug this one again:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Third straight week with 34+ points for the Rams offense.
These dudes are locked in. Credit starts with Matthew Stafford, obviously, but the move to 13 personnel and the play of the offensive line can't be understated.
It's all working in tandem right now.
These dudes are locked in. Credit starts with Matthew Stafford, obviously, but the move to 13 personnel and the play of the offensive line can't be understated.
It's all working in tandem right now.
November 9, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Third straight week with 34+ points for the Rams offense.
These dudes are locked in. Credit starts with Matthew Stafford, obviously, but the move to 13 personnel and the play of the offensive line can't be understated.
It's all working in tandem right now.
These dudes are locked in. Credit starts with Matthew Stafford, obviously, but the move to 13 personnel and the play of the offensive line can't be understated.
It's all working in tandem right now.
Touchdown, Kyren Williams.
What a freaking hole for the 7-yard score. And what an answer to the 49ers' scoring drive.
The Puka Nacua screen seemed to get everything going. Nice Terrance Ferguson sighting, too.
Time for the pass rush to deliver.
Rams 35, 49ers 20, 10:04 4Q.
What a freaking hole for the 7-yard score. And what an answer to the 49ers' scoring drive.
The Puka Nacua screen seemed to get everything going. Nice Terrance Ferguson sighting, too.
Time for the pass rush to deliver.
Rams 35, 49ers 20, 10:04 4Q.
November 9, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Touchdown, Kyren Williams.
What a freaking hole for the 7-yard score. And what an answer to the 49ers' scoring drive.
The Puka Nacua screen seemed to get everything going. Nice Terrance Ferguson sighting, too.
Time for the pass rush to deliver.
Rams 35, 49ers 20, 10:04 4Q.
What a freaking hole for the 7-yard score. And what an answer to the 49ers' scoring drive.
The Puka Nacua screen seemed to get everything going. Nice Terrance Ferguson sighting, too.
Time for the pass rush to deliver.
Rams 35, 49ers 20, 10:04 4Q.
Touchdown, 49ers.
The Rams left Luke Farrell completely uncovered in the flats.
And the Rams finally are the one blocking an extra point. Jared Verse.
Rough stuff from the Rams defense at the moment tho. The pass rush has been nonexistent.
Rams 28, 49ers 20, 12:29 4Q.
The Rams left Luke Farrell completely uncovered in the flats.
And the Rams finally are the one blocking an extra point. Jared Verse.
Rough stuff from the Rams defense at the moment tho. The pass rush has been nonexistent.
Rams 28, 49ers 20, 12:29 4Q.
November 9, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Touchdown, 49ers.
The Rams left Luke Farrell completely uncovered in the flats.
And the Rams finally are the one blocking an extra point. Jared Verse.
Rough stuff from the Rams defense at the moment tho. The pass rush has been nonexistent.
Rams 28, 49ers 20, 12:29 4Q.
The Rams left Luke Farrell completely uncovered in the flats.
And the Rams finally are the one blocking an extra point. Jared Verse.
Rough stuff from the Rams defense at the moment tho. The pass rush has been nonexistent.
Rams 28, 49ers 20, 12:29 4Q.
Matthew Stafford's past 5 games:
19 touchdowns
0 interceptions
19 touchdowns
0 interceptions
November 9, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Matthew Stafford's past 5 games:
19 touchdowns
0 interceptions
19 touchdowns
0 interceptions