On Sunday, November 23, 2025, the Los Angeles Rams didn’t just beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — they dismantled them. At SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the Rams cruised to a 34-7 victory in Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season, turning what was expected to be a competitive NFC showdown into a one-sided clinic. Matthew Stafford, the Rams’ veteran quarterback, threw three first-quarter touchdowns — two to Davante Adams — and finished with his 29th touchdown pass of the season. But the moment that lit up the sideline? Cobie Durant’s 47-yard interception return for a touchdown. Stafford, arms raised, couldn’t stop grinning. "That’s the kind of play that changes everything," he said afterward.
Early dominance sets the tone
The Rams didn’t wait. On their first drive, Stafford hit Adams on a 12-yard slant for a touchdown. Two possessions later, he found him again — this time on a crossing route that turned into a 28-yard score. By the 8:12 mark of the first quarter, Los Angeles led 14-0. The Buccaneers, who entered the game with playoff hopes still alive, looked lost. Their offense stalled repeatedly, and when they finally got on the board in the second quarter — a 1-yard run by Rachaad White — it felt more like a mercy than a momentum shift.
Then came the dagger. With 3:14 left in the half, Stafford launched a 42-yard bomb down the left sideline. Adams, who’s now tied for the NFL lead in receiving touchdowns this season, outleaped safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and landed in the end zone with both feet in bounds. The crowd roared. The Rams led 20-7. By halftime, it was 31-7. The game was over. The Rams’ offense had amassed 287 yards before the break — 182 of them through the air.
Defense steals the spotlight
While the offense was surgical, the Rams’ defense was downright brutal. Cobie Durant, a second-year cornerback out of Oregon State, didn’t just make a play — he made a statement. With 1:18 left in the second quarter, he read Baker Mayfield’s eyes on a slant route, jumped the pass, and sprinted untouched into the end zone. The play wasn’t just a score; it was a psychological blow. Durant’s interception was the Rams’ third of the game and the first by a Rams defensive back since Week 5.
"I’ve been waiting for this moment all season," Durant said postgame. "I knew he was going to that side. I just had to trust my preparation."
The Buccaneers’ offense, already struggling with inconsistent line play, collapsed further after the turnover. They managed just 92 total yards in the second half. The Rams held them to 2.8 yards per play after halftime.
Mayfield’s injury casts a shadow
But the most alarming development came late in the third quarter. With the game already out of reach, Baker Mayfield took a sack from linebacker Terrell Lewis and landed awkwardly on his right shoulder. He stayed down for over three minutes before being carted off. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers later confirmed he suffered a sprained AC joint — the same injury that sidelined him for four games last season.
"It’s a big blow," said head coach Todd Bowles in his postgame presser. "Baker’s our guy. We’ll have to figure out the next steps. But right now, we’re focused on his recovery. We can’t afford to think about playoffs if he’s not healthy."
Backup quarterback Kyle Trask, who hadn’t thrown a pass in over a year, entered the game. He completed 3 of 8 passes for 17 yards and threw an interception. The Buccaneers’ offense was completely neutralized.
Standings shift: Rams soar, Buccaneers sink
The win improved the Los Angeles Rams to 9-2, maintaining their lead in the NFC West and securing the top spot in the entire NFC. Their 306 points scored this season are the most in the conference, and their 179 points allowed are the fewest. They’re now the only team in the NFC with a winning percentage above .800.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers fell to 6-5, one game behind the Carolina Panthers for the final playoff spot in the NFC South. With a 4-3 road record and now a banged-up quarterback, their path to the postseason looks increasingly narrow. Their next four games include matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and a home game against the New Orleans Saints — all teams with winning records.
"We’re not out of it," said wide receiver Mike Evans after the game. "But we’re not fooling ourselves. This one hurts. We have to fix it — fast."
What’s next for both teams?
The Rams host the Arizona Cardinals next week, a game that could clinch their first division title since 2021. With Stafford playing the best football of his career — 29 TDs, just 5 interceptions — and Adams on a tear (78 receptions, 1,032 yards, 11 TDs), Los Angeles looks like a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
For the Buccaneers, the focus shifts to health. If Mayfield misses time, Trask or rookie third-stringer Ben DiNucci may start. Neither has started an NFL game since 2022. Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes now hinge on a three-game win streak and a favorable tiebreaker scenario — a long shot.
Why this matters
This wasn’t just another Week 12 win. It was a statement. The Rams, once written off after their 2023 collapse, are now the NFC’s most balanced team — elite quarterback play, a dominant receiving duo, and a defense that can create turnovers on demand. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers, who made the playoffs last year with a 9-8 record, are now in danger of missing the postseason entirely. The gap between contender and pretender is narrowing — and it’s widening fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Matthew Stafford’s performance impact the Rams’ playoff chances?
Stafford’s 29th touchdown pass of the season solidified his status as one of the NFL’s top performers in 2025. With a 118.4 passer rating and only five interceptions, he’s playing at an MVP level. His chemistry with Davante Adams has given the Rams the most reliable red-zone threat in the NFC, making them a nightmare for playoff defenses. This performance puts them in prime position for a first-round bye — and possibly home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
What does Cobie Durant’s interception return mean for the Rams’ defense?
Durant’s 47-yard pick-six wasn’t just a highlight — it was a turning point. The Rams’ defense had been strong all season, but lacked game-changing plays. Durant’s ability to read quarterbacks and make explosive plays adds a new dimension. He now has three interceptions and two defensive touchdowns this season. If he continues this trend, the Rams could have the league’s most dangerous secondary by January.
How serious is Baker Mayfield’s shoulder injury?
The AC joint sprain Mayfield suffered is graded as a moderate (Grade 2) injury, typically requiring 3-6 weeks of recovery. He’s expected to miss at least the next two games. The Buccaneers have no proven backup — Kyle Trask has started just one NFL game in his career. Without Mayfield’s mobility and decision-making, Tampa Bay’s offense becomes predictable and easily contained, especially against teams like Kansas City and Buffalo on the horizon.
What are the Rams’ chances of winning the Super Bowl this year?
With a 9-2 record, the best defense in the NFC, and a quarterback-receiver duo that’s clicking at peak efficiency, the Rams are now one of the top three Super Bowl favorites. Their schedule eases after Week 14, and they’ve yet to lose at home. If their offensive line holds up and the defense continues forcing turnovers, they’re a legitimate threat to reach the title game — and potentially win it.
How does this loss affect the NFC South race?
The Buccaneers now trail the Carolina Panthers by a full game in the division, with the Falcons and Saints also ahead of them in tiebreakers. With three of their final five games against playoff-caliber teams, Tampa Bay needs to win out — and hope for multiple upsets — to make the playoffs. Even a 9-8 record may not be enough if the Panthers win their next two games. The window for this core group is closing fast.
Why didn’t the Buccaneers’ offense get going at all?
The Rams’ defensive front, led by Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd, consistently pressured Mayfield before he could find open receivers. Tampa Bay’s offensive line allowed five sacks and 11 quarterback hits. Their running game managed just 58 yards on 21 carries. Without a rhythm, Mayfield was forced into risky throws — which led to Durant’s pick and two other interceptions. The game plan was sound, but execution collapsed under pressure.