Matthew Stafford put Sean McVay, Les Snead, and Los Angeles Rams fans in a state of constant anxiety in the 2025 offseason. This time around, fans and the front office were thrilled to learn that Stafford would be returning just days after the end of the Rams’ season.
Stafford’s announcement at the NFL Honors predictably raises the floor for the team in 2026, but by how much is anyone’s guess. Of course, conventional wisdom holds that his presence is the difference between a Super Bowl window and a wait-and-see season. One Broncos insider appeared to agree, calling his presence pivotal for the upcoming Broncos matchup.
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In an exclusive conversation with LAFB on Feb. 3, Denver Broncos insider Mike Klis believed Stafford’s presence in 2026 to be the difference between winning and losing the upcoming matchup between Bo Nix and Los Angeles.
“If he (Stafford) is there, the Rams win,” Klis said. “If he isn’t, the Broncos win.”
The conversation took place before the NFL Honors, revealing all when Stafford announced his return. With Stafford back in action this season, at least one Broncos insider has predicted the team he covers to lose against Los Angeles.
When Do Los Angeles Rams Play Denver Broncos?
The official schedule hasn’t been announced yet. However, based on a recurring formula, teams know years in advance which teams they will play each regular season. According to Broncos media, the team will face eight opponents in Denver, including the Rams.
Based on the 2025 seasons of both teams, expect the NFL to prioritize the contest on whichever day it chooses. This is unlikely to be a game stuffed into the early morning window. Rather, it could easily be a primetime game.
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Denver and Los Angeles last faced off on Christmas in 2022 in a de facto prime-time slot. The contest featured Russell Wilson and the struggling Broncos against the reigning Super Bowl champions heading into the year, which may have explained why the game was given a prime-time slot.
Many analysts believed Denver was heading into a Super Bowl season, which might also have explained why the matchup was given the star treatment.
With both Denver and Los Angeles coming off AFC and NFC Championship appearances, expect similar star treatment of the contest, a contest in which Mike Klis has deep doubts.