Stafford’s Rams Start Strong to Beat Saints—Contend for Playoffs

Puka Nacua (17) of the Los Angeles Rams scores a touchdown against Paulson Adebo (29) and Pete Werner (20) of the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of the game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Dec. 21, 2023. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

INGLEWOOD, Calif.—Matthew Stafford passed for 328 yards and two touchdowns, rookie Puka Nacua had nine catches for a career-high 164 yards and a score, and the Los Angeles Rams surged forward in the NFC playoff race with a 30–22 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night, Dec. 21.

Kyren Williams rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown, and Demarcus Robinson added 82 yards receiving and another score in the fifth victory in six games for the Rams (8–7), who are above .500 for the first time since Week 1.