The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2026 NFL season with expectations of competing for a deep postseason run. Five games later, their 2-3 record has raised questions about whether their star power can translate into consistent wins.
Former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski is already skeptical. Speaking on Up & Adams with Kay Adams, Gronkowski said he was disappointed with the Rams’ performances and questioned whether the team had shown enough dominance to justify Super Bowl expectations.
His assessment followed Los Angeles’ 37-34 overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 12. The defeat left the Rams third in the NFC West, behind the unbeaten San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. Their playoff hopes remain alive, but the early results have increased the pressure.
Gronkowski questions the Rams’ early-season performances
Gronkowski did not simply point to the Rams’ losing record. He questioned how the team had played through its first 5 games, arguing that its performances had not demonstrated the level of control expected from a contender.
“I’m out on them,” Gronkowski said during his appearance on Up & Adams. He added that he was disappointed with the team’s play over 5 weeks and said the Rams had not shown dominance.
The comments reflect Gronkowski’s opinion rather than a definitive forecast. Los Angeles still has most of its regular-season schedule ahead, but the former tight end believes the early evidence does not support strong confidence in its championship prospects.
A 2-3 record puts pressure on Los Angeles
The Rams opened their season with a 27-7 loss to the 49ers, an especially difficult result because it came against a division rival. They responded by beating the New York Giants 28-6 in Week 2.
Los Angeles then lost 30-26 to the Denver Broncos before earning a 24-20 road victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. That win offered encouragement, but the team could not carry the momentum into its next game against Buffalo.
The overtime defeat to the Bills dropped the Rams to 2-3. Gronkowski remained unconvinced by the team’s performances, questioning whether its recognizable offensive talent could deliver the consistency needed for a playoff run.
The Bills loss exposed costly mistakes
The Rams came close to beating Buffalo in a game that featured strong offensive production from both teams. Los Angeles scored 34 points and forced overtime, but ultimately lost 37-34.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 383 yards and 3 touchdowns, giving the Rams a chance to keep pace with Buffalo. Wide receiver Puka Nacua also delivered a standout performance, recording 17 receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown.
However, the Rams could not finish the job. A blocked potential game-winning field goal in overtime helped turn the contest in Buffalo’s favor, allowing the Bills to secure the victory. The result underscored how small execution errors can decide close NFL games.
Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua remain key strengths
Stafford’s passing production against Buffalo offered a reason for optimism. His 383 yards and 3 touchdown passes demonstrated that the Rams can generate offense against a competitive opponent, even when the final result does not go their way.
Nacua was equally productive, finishing with a career-high 17 catches. His ability to create opportunities and consistently give Stafford a reliable target remains a major asset for an offense expected to compete at a high level.
Still, individual performances have not been enough to deliver a winning record. Los Angeles needs its offensive production to translate into victories, while reducing the mistakes that have allowed close games to slip away. The team’s challenge is turning talent into consistency.
The NFC West makes the road more difficult
San Francisco leads the NFC West at 5-0, while Seattle is 3-3 and the Rams are 2-3. The Seahawks fell to 3-3 after losing 17-14 in overtime to Denver on October 15.
Los Angeles remains third in the division and has already lost its opening meeting with San Francisco. Its upcoming game against Arizona offers an opportunity to improve its overall record and earn its first divisional victory of the season.
Winning the division is not the only route to the postseason. Wild-card berths also remain available, but the Rams need more consistent results to strengthen their playoff position.
Sean McVay must find more consistency
Head coach Sean McVay has guided the Rams through major personnel changes during his tenure. His ability to build effective offenses has been central to the team’s identity, but the opening weeks of this season have exposed issues that require attention.
The loss to Buffalo highlighted the importance of special teams execution. A blocked kick can alter the outcome of a close contest, and Los Angeles will need dependable performances in all three phases to avoid repeating that scenario.
McVay and his staff now face the task of correcting mistakes without losing the offensive strengths that have kept the Rams competitive. Their response over the next several games could determine whether the early losses become a temporary setback or a season-long problem.
The Cardinals game offers an immediate opportunity
Los Angeles is scheduled to host the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 18. The matchup gives the Rams an immediate chance to respond after the overtime defeat and improve their position before the schedule advances further.
Arizona entered the week at 1-4, making the game an important opportunity for Los Angeles to secure a win against a struggling division opponent. However, the Rams cannot assume that their record alone will determine the result.
A victory would move Los Angeles to 3-3 and provide some relief after an uneven opening month. Another loss would deepen concerns about the team’s ability to compete consistently, particularly with upcoming games against the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers.
Gronkowski’s playoff concern is a warning, not a verdict
Gronkowski’s criticism puts a spotlight on the gap between the Rams’ potential and their results. The roster features established players capable of producing big numbers, but a 2-3 record offers little margin for further setbacks.
His comments also reflect the expectations attached to a team led by Stafford and coached by McVay. When a franchise is viewed as a contender, close losses and inconsistent performances can attract scrutiny well before the playoff picture is settled.
Fun fact: Rob Gronkowski was a standout hockey player growing up in Buffalo and continued playing until ninth grade before switching his focus to basketball.
TL;DR
- Rob Gronkowski expressed disappointment with the Rams’ performances and questioned their playoff prospects.
- Los Angeles fell to 2-3 after losing 37-34 to Buffalo in overtime on October 12.
- Matthew Stafford threw for 383 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Puka Nacua had a career-high 17 catches for 138 yards and 1 touchdown.
- The Rams sit third in the NFC West behind the 5-0 49ers and 3-3 Seahawks.
- Los Angeles hosts the 1-4 Arizona Cardinals on October 18.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
