The Los Angeles Rams didn’t just beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—they dismantled them. On Sunday night, November 23, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the Rams delivered a statement performance, routing the Buccaneers 34-7 in front of a roaring home crowd. The win extended Los Angeles’ winning streak to six games, while the Buccaneers’ season took a brutal turn after Baker Mayfield exited with a significant injury. This wasn’t just another win. It was a coronation for a team playing like a Super Bowl contender—and a wake-up call for a franchise losing its way.
The Rams’ Offensive Machine Hits Its Stride
From the opening snap, the Rams looked like a team on a mission. Matthew Stafford, the frontrunner for MVP with +150 betting odds, was surgical. He didn’t just manage the game—he owned it. With play-action fakes that froze Tampa Bay’s linebackers and quick slants that exploited the absence of injured cornerback Jamel Dean, Stafford threw for three touchdowns and ran for another. The Rams scored on their first four drives, a pattern that’s become routine this season: they’ve scored first in six of their eight wins, and their plus-43 first-quarter margin leads the NFL.
But it wasn’t just Stafford. Puka Nacua, the league’s third-best receiver in yards after catch, turned short passes into long gains, racking up 127 yards and a touchdown. Demarcus Adams added another 89 yards and a score, exploiting the Buccaneers’ league-worst 1,322 yards allowed after the catch. Tampa Bay’s secondary, already thin without Dean, looked lost. They gave up 1,146 yards to outside receivers this season—nearly 100 more than the next worst team. The Rams made them pay.
Defensive Domination and the Mayfield Injury
While the offense stole headlines, the Rams’ defense was the silent assassin. Led by Jared Verse, who had four interceptions against Sam Darnold just a week earlier, the pass rush was relentless. Mayfield was under pressure on 18 of his 31 dropbacks. He was sacked three times, hit seven more, and threw two interceptions—one returned for a touchdown by rookie linebacker Trevor Williams.
The injury came late in the third quarter. After a sack by Verse, Mayfield stayed down clutching his right shoulder. He tried to return for one more play, but couldn’t complete a pass. He was carted off, and the Buccaneers’ offense, already struggling, collapsed completely. Initial reports suggest a possible torn rotator cuff, though the team has not confirmed a diagnosis. His status for Week 13 against the Saints is in serious doubt.
"You can’t replace Baker Mayfield with a backup in this offense," said former Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman on ESPN’s postgame show. "This team doesn’t have the weapons to win with a guy who can’t throw deep. And right now, they don’t have a guy who can even throw accurately under pressure."
Why the Buccaneers Crumbled
The Buccaneers entered the game at 6-4, clinging to the NFC South lead. But their flaws were glaring: fourth-worst in yards after catch allowed, 27th in red zone defense, and a pass rush that generated just 19 sacks all season. Against a Rams team that converts 65.96% of red zone trips into touchdowns, that was suicide.
Statistically, the mismatch was absurd. The Rams averaged 5.8 yards per play to Tampa Bay’s 5.1. They scored 0.451 points per play to the Bucs’ 0.375. Their offensive line held firm, giving Stafford just one sack—while allowing him time to pick apart a secondary that couldn’t cover a man in a phone booth.
"This wasn’t a fluke," said ESPN analyst Liz Loza. "Tampa Bay’s defense is built on hope, not scheme. And when you’re missing your best corner, and your edge rushers are ghosts, you’re not just losing—you’re being exposed."
What This Means for the Playoff Race
The Rams (8-2) are now tied for the best record in the NFC. They’ve won their last six games by an average of 17.5 points. Their schedule softens after this—only one remaining opponent has a winning record. They’re not just a contender. They’re the team everyone else should fear.
For Tampa Bay? The outlook is grim. At 6-5, they’re now tied for second in the NFC South. A loss to New Orleans next week could drop them out of playoff contention entirely. And without Mayfield? They’re a 4-6 team pretending to be 6-4. Backup quarterback Ben DiNucci, who hasn’t thrown a regular-season pass since 2021, will likely start. The Bucs’ offense, already one of the least efficient in the league, will be even more predictable.
Looking Ahead: Can the Rams Keep It Up?
The Rams have the defense, the quarterback, and the momentum. Their offensive line has improved dramatically since Week 5. Their special teams are reliable. And their coaching staff, led by Sean McVay, has mastered the art of peaking in December.
But the real test comes in January. Can they handle a physical team like the Eagles or a high-powered offense like the Chiefs? They’ve beaten good teams this season—but not elite ones. Still, this win over Tampa Bay wasn’t just about points. It was about presence. The Rams looked like the team that belongs in the Super Bowl.
For now, they’re the team to beat. And the Buccaneers? They’re just trying to survive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is Baker Mayfield’s injury, and what’s his prognosis?
Initial medical reports suggest Mayfield may have a torn rotator cuff, which typically requires 4–6 months of recovery. He’s expected to miss at least the remainder of the regular season, and possibly the playoffs. Even if he returns for Week 18, his ability to throw with velocity and accuracy will be severely limited. The Buccaneers have no reliable backup, making their playoff hopes extremely unlikely without him.
Why did the Rams’ offense dominate so thoroughly?
The Rams exploited Tampa Bay’s league-worst defense against outside receivers and yards after the catch. With Jamel Dean out, Puka Nacua and Demarcus Adams had open lanes on crossing routes and slants. Matthew Stafford’s play-action efficiency neutralized Tampa Bay’s weak linebackers, and Jared Verse’s pass rush kept Mayfield off balance. The Rams converted 66% of red zone trips—nearly double Tampa Bay’s 34% success rate in defending them.
What does this loss mean for Tampa Bay’s playoff chances?
Tampa Bay’s playoff odds dropped from 58% to 22% after this loss, according to FiveThirtyEight. They now trail the Falcons and Panthers in the NFC South and need to win three of their final four games—including road trips to New Orleans and Minnesota—to have a realistic shot. With Mayfield out, and no proven backup, their offense is no longer viable in high-stakes games.
Is Matthew Stafford still the MVP favorite?
Yes. Stafford’s +150 odds remain the best in the league, and his performance against Tampa Bay—3 TDs, 0 INTs, 285 yards, plus a rushing score—cemented his case. He’s now tied for second in passing touchdowns (29) and leads all QBs in fourth-quarter comeback wins (5). While Justin Jefferson and Saquon Barkley are in the conversation, Stafford’s leadership and efficiency make him the most complete candidate.
How does this win affect the Rams’ Super Bowl odds?
The Rams’ Super Bowl odds improved from +1000 to +550 after this win, per DraftKings. They’re now the second-favorite NFC team behind the Eagles. Their schedule eases in December, and their defense is peaking. If they can beat the 49ers in Week 14, they’ll likely clinch a first-round bye. A deep playoff run is now very plausible.
What’s the biggest takeaway from this game?
The Rams aren’t just good—they’re dangerous. They’ve won six straight by averaging 31.5 points and holding opponents to 13.2. Their offense is balanced, their defense is aggressive, and their coaching is elite. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers’ season is unraveling faster than expected. This wasn’t just a loss. It was a turning point—for one team’s rise, and another’s fall.