Rams defeat winless Chargers 24-9 to snap early-season struggles

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw a touchdown pass in a 24-9 victory over the San Diego Chargers on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, capping a second straight win for the Rams. The result improved Los Angeles to a 4-4 record and provided a rare burst of momentum for a team that began the season as a top contender for Super Bowl LXI. The win came after a sluggish start that saw the Rams generate only 24 yards in their first five possessions.

San Diego, meanwhile, fell to 0-7, the first time in the franchise’s history they have started a season with seven straight losses. The Chargers have now lost 10 consecutive games, a streak that dates back to the previous season. Their offense, already the lowest-scoring unit in the NFL, continued to struggle under coordinator Mike McDaniel, who remains under pressure despite recent roster changes.

Justin Herbert, the Chargers’ starting quarterback, completed 24 of 32 passes for 257 yards but threw his 10th interception of the season. The pick total leads the league and contributed to a drive that ended with receiver Ladd McConkey catching a 54-yard pass from Herbert on the final play of the first half. McConkey caught the ball at the one-yard line, a sequence that encapsulated the team’s ongoing offensive frustrations.

Los Angeles found its rhythm late in the first half and maintained control in the second. Kyren Williams rushed for a short touchdown in the final minute of the first half, giving the Rams a 10-9 lead at the break. In the third quarter, Blake Corum broke away for a 23-yard scoring run to extend the lead to 17-9. Cornerback Trent McDuffie intercepted a pass late in the third quarter, setting up Puka Nacua’s 18-yard receiving touchdown that made the score 24-9.

Stafford finished the game 17 of 25 for 157 yards and one touchdown, with one interception. Nacua led the Rams in receiving with 11 catches for 80 yards, while Corum added 73 rushing yards on 11 carries. Williams finished with 56 yards on 16 attempts.

Both teams suffered injury setbacks. Rams cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson left the game with back and shoulder injuries, respectively. Coach Sean McVay said earlier in the week that he did not care about the Chargers’ record, emphasizing the need for focus and urgency. That message did not initially land, but the Rams avoided a loss to their division rivals.

The Rams travel to Washington next Sunday before hosting Arizona the following week. They will take a short bye before facing the Green Bay Packers the night before Thanksgiving. McVay indicated the team will not be highly active at the upcoming trade deadline, relying instead on the return of injured players.