2015 St. Louis Rams season | |
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Owner | Stan Kroenke |
General manager | Les Snead |
Head coach | Jeff Fisher |
Home field | Edward Jones Dome |
Local radio | WXOS-FM |
Results | |
Record | 7–9 |
Division place | 3rd NFC West |
Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
Pro Bowlers | Aaron Donald, DT Todd Gurley, RB Johnny Hekker, P |
Uniform | |
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The 2015 season was the St. Louis Rams' 78th in the National Football League (NFL), their fourth under head coach Jeff Fisher, and their 21st and final season in St. Louis, Missouri, their home since the 1995 season.
The Rams improved on their 6–10 record from 2014 by going 7–9 for the 2015 season, but tied a record set between 1956 and 1966 by missing the playoffs for the eleventh consecutive season.
After the season, an arbitral tribunal gave permission for the Rams to void their lease on the Edward Jones Dome. Rams owner Stan Kroenke filed a formal application with the league to relocate the Rams to their long-time home of Los Angeles, California, where the team played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for four seasons at until their stadium in Inglewood, California was complete. They were originally slated to play at the Coliseum for only three seasons; delays in the construction of the new venue resulted in the added season for which they would play at the historic Coliseum. Kroenke's request to move the team to Los Angeles was approved on January 12, 2016, at a meeting in Houston, Texas. [1]
The Rams' starting quarterbacks during the season, Nick Foles and Case Keenum, started against each other at quarterback in the 2017 NFC Championship Game, for the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings, respectively. [2] The Eagles won that meeting and Super Bowl LII, with Foles being named Super Bowl MVP.
2015 St. Louis Rams Draft | ||||
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Round | Selection | Player | Position | College |
1 | 10 | Todd Gurley | RB | Georgia |
2 | 57 | Rob Havenstein | OT | Wisconsin |
3 | 72 | Jamon Brown | OT | Louisville |
89 | Sean Mannion | QB | Oregon State | |
4 | 119 | Andrew Donnal | OT | Iowa |
6 | 201 | Bud Sasser | WR | Missouri |
215 | Cody Wichmann | OG | Fresno State | |
7 | 224 | Bryce Hager | ILB | Baylor |
227 | Martin Ifedi | DE | Memphis |
Compensatory selection |
Draft trades
The Rams selected Clemson offensive tackle Isaiah Battle in the 2015 Supplemental draft. As a result, the team will forfeit their fifth-round selection in the 2016 draft. [3]
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
| Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
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Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
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1 | August 14 | at Oakland Raiders | L 3–18 | 0–1 | O.co Coliseum | Recap |
2 | August 23 | at Tennessee Titans | L 14–27 | 0–2 | Nissan Stadium | Recap |
3 | August 29 | Indianapolis Colts | L 14–24 | 0–3 | Edward Jones Dome | Recap |
4 | September 3 | Kansas City Chiefs | L 17–24 | 0–4 | Edward Jones Dome | Recap |
Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
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1 | September 13 | Seattle Seahawks | W 34–31 (OT) | 1–0 | Edward Jones Dome | Recap |
2 | September 20 | at Washington Redskins | L 10–24 | 1–1 | FedExField | Recap |
3 | September 27 | Pittsburgh Steelers | L 6–12 | 1–2 | Edward Jones Dome | Recap |
4 | October 4 | at Arizona Cardinals | W 24–22 | 2–2 | University of Phoenix Stadium | Recap |
5 | October 11 | at Green Bay Packers | L 10–24 | 2–3 | Lambeau Field | Recap |
6 | Bye | |||||
7 | October 25 | Cleveland Browns | W 24–6 | 3–3 | Edward Jones Dome | Recap |
8 | November 1 | San Francisco 49ers | W 27–6 | 4–3 | Edward Jones Dome | Recap |
9 | November 8 | at Minnesota Vikings | L 18–21 (OT) | 4–4 | TCF Bank Stadium | Recap |
10 | November 15 | Chicago Bears | L 13–37 | 4–5 | Edward Jones Dome | Recap |
11 | November 22 | at Baltimore Ravens | L 13–16 | 4–6 | M&T Bank Stadium | Recap |
12 | November 29 | at Cincinnati Bengals | L 7–31 | 4–7 | Paul Brown Stadium | Recap |
13 | December 6 | Arizona Cardinals | L 3–27 | 4–8 | Edward Jones Dome | Recap |
14 | December 13 | Detroit Lions | W 21–14 | 5–8 | Edward Jones Dome | Recap |
15 | December 17 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W 31–23 | 6–8 | Edward Jones Dome | Recap |
16 | December 27 | at Seattle Seahawks | W 23–17 | 7–8 | CenturyLink Field | Recap |
17 | January 3 | at San Francisco 49ers | L 16–19 (OT) | 7–9 | Levi's Stadium | Recap |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
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Seahawks | 7 | 3 | 3 | 18 | 0 | 31 |
Rams | 0 | 10 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 34 |
at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
Game information | ||
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The Rams opened their 2015 season at home against Seattle. In Nick Foles' Rams debut, he threw for 297 yards and a touchdown.
The defense, for the most part, sacked Russell Wilson several times and limited Marshawn Lynch to just 73 rushing yards.
The game was hard fought and the Rams would win in overtime, 34-31.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Rams | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
Redskins | 10 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 24 |
at FedExField, Landover, Maryland
Game information | ||
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The Rams traveled to Maryland to take on the Redskins. They struggled offensively and defensively all game. The defense, for the most part, struggled to contain Matt Jones on the ground as Jones had a big day with 123 yards rushing along with two touchdowns.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Steelers | 3 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 12 |
Rams | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
Game information | ||
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Prior to kickoff, the game was delayed due to the turf being caught on fire, coming from the fireworks.
The Rams struggled offensively and defensively all game long. The defense, for the most part, sacked Ben Roethlisberger until he left the game with an apparent knee injury. Michael Vick took over for the rest of the game.
Late in the fourth quarter Kenny Britt's catch was overturned. The Steelers would go on to beat the Rams, 12-6.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Rams | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
Cardinals | 3 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 22 |
at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Game information | ||
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The Rams traveled to Phoenix to meet the red-hot Cardinals, the 2nd highest-scoring team in the league. Todd Gurley earned his first start as Rams' running back and he finished the game with 146 rushing yards. After the game, Bruce Arians commented that Gurley, "played like a rookie". The Rams defense, for the most part, held the Cardinals to field goals, and sacked Carson Palmer four times. With the close win, the Rams improved to 2-2.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Rams | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Packers | 14 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 24 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Game information | ||
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Traveling to Lambeau, the Rams looked to end the Packers' hot streak at 4-1. However, they failed to do this, as Nick Foles was intercepted four times. On defense, James Laurinitis intercepted a pass from Aaron Rodgers, Rodger's first interception thrown in Lambeau in 20 games. However, the defense, for the most part, struggled to contain the Packers explosive receiving corps all day long. With the loss, the Rams dropped to 2-3.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Browns | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
Rams | 10 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
Game information | ||
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For the first time since Week 8 of 2007, the Rams hosted the Cleveland Browns in St. Louis. In the first quarter, Rodney McLeod returned a fumble to the end zone to give the Rams the game's first points. Todd Gurley was limited to just 45 yards in the first half, but he managed to turn things around in the second half, rushing for 83 yards and two touchdowns.
With the win, the Rams went to 3-3.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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49ers | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Rams | 2 | 18 | 0 | 7 | 27 |
at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
Game information | ||
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The Rams wore their 1973-1999 throwbacks against the San Francisco 49ers for the first time in the season. Todd Gurley had another productive day, and he rushed for 133 yards, including a 71-yard run for a touchdown. The Rams used two Tavon Austin touchdowns for the final score. Although Chris Long did not play, the Rams executed defensively, putting pressure on Colin Kaepernick all game long.
With the win, the Rams improved to 4-3, making it the first time since 2012 the Rams were above .500 excluding a Week 1 victory.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
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Rams | 6 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 18 |
Vikings | 10 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 21 |
at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Game information | ||
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Nine years after Week 17 of 2006, the Rams traveled to Minnesota to take on the Vikings. In that game, the Rams easily defeated the Vikings, 41-21, which stunned the Vikings fans. The game was played at the Metrodome.
In the duel of running backs, between Todd Gurley and Adrian Peterson, Gurley was held to just 89 yards. Peterson was the game's leading rusher with 125 yards.
Without several defensive starters including Robert Quinn, the Rams defense struggled to contain the Vikings offense, especially their explosive receiving corps, all game long.
In the second quarter, Greg Zuerlein nailed a 61-yard field goal to give the Rams a 12-10 lead. The field goal put Zuerlein 7th in NFL history for longest field goal made, and as the only kicker in NFL history besides Sebastian Janikowski to have more than one field goal of 60 yards or longer in his career.
In the second half, Lamarcus Joyner hit Teddy Bridgewater in the head, forcing Teddy to leave the game with a concussion. Thom Brennaman called the hit on Bridgewater "dirty". Shaun Hill, who played for the Rams last year and returned to Minnesota for his second stint in the off-season, took over for Teddy for the game's remainder.
With the Rams trailing 18-15 in the fourth quarter, Zuerlein booted another field goal, forcing the game into overtime. However, in that period, Minnesota's Blair Walsh nailed the game-winning field goal to give the Vikings the final score.
With the narrow loss, the Rams dropped to 4-4.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Bears | 10 | 14 | 0 | 13 | 37 |
Rams | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
Game information | ||
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Two years after Week 12 of 2013, the Rams hosted the Chicago Bears.
Prior to Week 10, Stedman Bailey was suspended for 4 games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Later, the Rams acquired free agent Wes Welker, who last played for the Denver Broncos last season. He helped the Broncos to the Super Bowl in 2013.
The Rams struggled all game especially on defense in which they could not contain the Bears offense, especially the running game despite an injury to Matt Forte. Nick Foles struggled all day and this time it would force Case Keenum to take over late in the fourth quarter. Much like last week at Minnesota, Todd Gurley was once again held to 89 yards. Newly acquired Welker was no help, either.
With the embarrassing loss, the Rams dropped to 4-5.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Rams | 7 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 13 |
Ravens | 0 | 3 | 0 | 13 | 16 |
at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
Game information | ||
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Case Keenum started in place of the incumbent Nick Foles.
Late in the fourth quarter, with the game tied at 13, Greg Zurlien missed a 52-yarder which would have sealed the Rams victory. With a second left, Justin Tucker nailed a 41-yarder to give the Ravens the final score.
The Rams defense could not contain the Ravens offense all game, especially the running game.
With the loss, the Rams fell to 4-6, extending their losing streak to 3 games.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Rams | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Bengals | 7 | 10 | 14 | 0 | 31 |
at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
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The Rams suffered a blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
A rejuvenated Nick Foles got his starting job back after being benched in favor of Case Keenum, who suffered a concussion after last week's loss in Baltimore. However, Foles' return was marred as he struggled to find open receivers and was picked off three times by the Bengals ranked defense. He also took hits throughout the game and he was sacked a few times. The only Rams score was a 5-yard run by Tavon Austin on a reverse play in the second quarter.
St. Louis' defense was not a factor all game as they struggled to stop the high-powered Bengals offense led by quarterback Andy Dalton, and receivers A. J. Green, and Tyler Eifert, (the latter left the game with a stinger) who is leading the league in touchdown catches.
With the loss, the Rams extended their losing streak to 4 games, making their record 4-7.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Cardinals | 7 | 3 | 14 | 3 | 27 |
Rams | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
Game information | ||
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This game was the second time in the season the Rams wore their 1999 throwbacks and the second time the Rams face the Cardinals.
Although they did put pressure on Carson Palmer, St Louis' defense overall failed to stop Arizona's much-hyped offense, especially the running game. As for the Rams offense, Todd Gurley was limited to just 41 rushing yards.
With the loss, the Rams dropped to 4-8. A day after, the Rams fired offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Lions | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
Rams | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
Game information | ||
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The Rams finally snapped their 4-game losing streak by defeating the Detroit Lions.
A photo of rapper and Roc Nation founder Jay Z in the Rams locker room along with his client Todd Gurley, and several Rams players was released shortly after.
With the win, the Rams went up to 5-8.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Buccaneers | 3 | 0 | 3 | 17 | 23 |
Rams | 14 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 31 |
at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
Game information | ||
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The Rams hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by rookie quarterback Jameis Winston.
The "Color Rush" jerseys was used for this game. It was the first time the Rams wore the Color Rush Jersey. [4]
In what ultimately turned out to be their final game played in St. Louis, before returning to Los Angeles for next season, Rams fans were seen holding signs saying, "Keep the Rams in St. Louis" and chants of "Keep the Rams" were heard after the game.
Despite offensive production from Tampa Bay, the Rams still managed a 31-23 victory and went to 6-8 with Case Keenum throwing for 234 yards and 2 touchdowns, Todd Gurley rushing 48 yards, Tavon Austin rushing 32 yards and a touchdown, Kenny Britt receiving for 71 yards and 1 touchdown, and Jared Cook receiving for 64 yards. The Rams offense dominated this game as well the defense also put pressure on the Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston.
With the win, the Rams improved their record to 6-8.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Rams | 10 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 23 |
Seahawks | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
Game information | ||
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The Seahawks win over Cleveland in Week 15 eliminated the Rams from playoff contention for the 11th consecutive season. The Rams were able to sweep their division rival, the Seattle Seahawks in their regular season series. The last time the Rams did this was 2004.
With that win, the Rams record improved to 7-8, riding a 3-game winning streak.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
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Rams | 3 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
49ers | 0 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 19 |
at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Game information | ||
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This Rams faced the 49ers in the season in what was their final game as the St. Louis Rams before moving to Los Angeles. Unlike in Week 8 at home, the Rams lost the game 16-19 in overtime. The Rams were without Todd Gurley, who suffered a foot injury in the third quarter of Week 16's win at Seattle.
With that loss, the Rams finished the 2015 NFL season at 7-9, making the season the ninth consecutive losing season for the Rams in St. Louis.
NFC West | |||||||||
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W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK | |
(2) Arizona Cardinals | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 4–2 | 10–2 | 489 | 313 | L1 |
(6) Seattle Seahawks | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 3–3 | 7–5 | 423 | 277 | W1 |
St. Louis Rams | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 4–2 | 6–6 | 280 | 330 | L1 |
San Francisco 49ers | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 4–8 | 238 | 387 | W1 |
# | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK |
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Division Leaders | |||||||||||
1 | Carolina Panthers | South | 15 | 1 | 0 | .938 | 5–1 | 11–1 | .441 | .438 | W1 |
2 | Arizona Cardinals | West | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 4–2 | 10–2 | .477 | .457 | L1 |
3 | Minnesota Vikings | North | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 5–1 | 8–4 | .504 | .449 | W3 |
4 | Washington Redskins | East | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 4–2 | 8–4 | .465 | .403 | W4 |
Wild Cards | |||||||||||
5 [lower-alpha 1] | Green Bay Packers | North | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 3–3 | 7–5 | .531 | .450 | L2 |
6 [lower-alpha 1] | Seattle Seahawks | West | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 3–3 | 7–5 | .520 | .431 | W1 |
Did not qualify for the postseason | |||||||||||
7 | Atlanta Falcons | South | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 1–5 | 5–7 | .480 | .453 | L1 |
8 [lower-alpha 2] | St. Louis Rams | West | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 4–2 | 6–6 | .527 | .482 | L1 |
9 [lower-alpha 2] | Detroit Lions | North | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 3–3 | 6–6 | .535 | .429 | W3 |
10 [lower-alpha 2] | Philadelphia Eagles | East | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 3–3 | 4–8 | .508 | .473 | W1 |
11 [lower-alpha 2] | New Orleans Saints | South | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 3–3 | 5–7 | .504 | .402 | W2 |
12 [lower-alpha 3] | New York Giants | East | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 2–4 | 4–8 | .500 | .396 | L3 |
13 [lower-alpha 3] | Chicago Bears | North | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 1–5 | 3–9 | .547 | .469 | L1 |
14 [lower-alpha 3] | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | South | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 3–3 | 5–7 | .484 | .406 | L4 |
15 | San Francisco 49ers | West | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 4–8 | .539 | .463 | W1 |
16 | Dallas Cowboys | East | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 3–3 | 3–9 | .531 | .438 | L4 |
Tiebreakers [lower-alpha 4] | |||||||||||
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Recipient | Award(s) |
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Aaron Donald | Week 1: NFC Defensive Player of the Week Week 14: NFC Defensive Player of the Week |
Tavon Austin | Week 1: NFC Special Teams Player of the Week |
Benny Cunningham | Week 15: NFC Special Teams Player of the Week |
Todd Gurley | NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year |
The 2000 season was the St. Louis Rams' 63rd in the National Football League (NFL) and their sixth in St. Louis. For the first time in franchise history, the Rams entered the season as the defending Super Bowl champions. The Rams finished the regular-season with a record of 10–6 but would go on to lose to the New Orleans Saints 31–28 in the wild-card round of the playoffs. They led the NFL in scoring for a second straight year with 540 points. The Rams became the first team in NFL history to score more than 500 points on offense, while allowing more than 450 points on defense.
The 2013 season was the New Orleans Saints' 47th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 38th playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. It also marked the seventh season under head coach Sean Payton, who returned to the team after serving a one-year suspension for his involvement in the team's 2012 bounty scandal.
The 2013 season was the St. Louis Rams' 76th in the National Football League (NFL), their 19th in St. Louis and their second under head coach Jeff Fisher. The Rams equaled their win total from 2012, but missed the playoffs for a ninth consecutive season.
The 2014 season was the St. Louis Rams' 77th in the National Football League (NFL), their 20th in St. Louis and their third under head coach Jeff Fisher. The Rams attempted to reach a playoff berth for the first time since their 2004 season, but were officially eliminated in their loss against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15. The Rams failed to improve on their 7–9 record from 2013, finishing 6–10 in 2014. The Rams' 2014 season was notable for their numerous starting quarterbacks including Austin Davis, Shaun Hill, and Sam Bradford, the last of whom was injured before the season began. Despite the lack of stability at the position, the Rams defeated both defending conference champions, Super Bowl participants, and 2014 division winners, the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos, plus also shutting out two teams in consecutive weeks: the Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins. This represents the most recent last-place finish in the NFC West for the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams.
The 2014 season was the Arizona Cardinals' 95th in the National Football League (NFL), their 27th in Arizona and their second under head coach Bruce Arians. Following an explosive 9–1 start to the regular season, they finished at 11–5, achieving their highest win total since 1975 when they were still in St. Louis. The Cardinals clinched their first playoff berth since 2009, and had a chance to become the first team to try to play the Super Bowl on their own home field, University of Phoenix Stadium. However, after season-ending injuries to Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton, they were forced to start third-string quarterback Ryan Lindley in the wild-card round, losing to the Carolina Panthers, 27–16, which was the first time since 1982 when they were in St. Louis that the Cardinals went one-and-done.
The 2014 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 55th season in the National Football League (NFL), the sixth playing their home games at AT&T Stadium and the fourth full season under head coach Jason Garrett.
The 2014 New York Giants season was the franchise's 90th season in the National Football League (NFL), the fifth playing their home games at MetLife Stadium and the eleventh under head coach Tom Coughlin. The team failed to improve on their 7–9 mark from 2013, finishing 6–10.
The 2014 Philadelphia Eagles season was the franchise's 82nd season in the National Football League (NFL) and the second under head coach Chip Kelly. The Eagles led the NFC East for most of the year, but when the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Indianapolis Colts in week 16, they were eliminated from playoff contention.
The 2014 season was the New Orleans Saints' 48th in the National Football League (NFL), their 39th playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their eighth under head coach Sean Payton.
The 2015 season was the Arizona Cardinals' 96th in the National Football League (NFL), their 117th overall, their 28th in Arizona, their 10th playing home games at University of Phoenix Stadium and their third under head coach Bruce Arians. The Cardinals clinched their first NFC West title since 2009, in addition to the first 13-win season in franchise history. They also clinched a first round bye for the first time in franchise history.
The 2015 season was the New Orleans Saints' 49th in the National Football League (NFL), their 40th playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their ninth under head coach Sean Payton. On November 16, 2015, the Saints hired Dennis Allen to replace fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. However, the Saints still missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season. The Saints set a new league record for the most passing touchdowns allowed with 45.
The 2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 40th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the second and final under head coach Lovie Smith. The offseason was marked by the draft selection of All-American Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston first overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. The team wore a patch to commemorate the club's 40th season.
The 2016 season was the San Diego Chargers' 47th in the National Football League (NFL), their 57th overall, their 56th and final season in San Diego, California and their fourth and final season under head coach Mike McCoy.
The 2016 season was the New Orleans Saints' 50th in the National Football League (NFL), their 41st playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and their 10th under head coach Sean Payton. The Saints matched their 7–9 record from 2014 and 2015, and missed the playoffs for the third year in a row. One highlight from the season includes quarterback Drew Brees' first return to San Diego for the first time since the Chargers released him at the end of the 2005 season, also where Brees played his first five seasons in. This came 10 years after the Chargers released Brees after the Saints' previous regular season meetings with the Chargers were home games for the Saints, and including a 2008 meeting at Wembley Stadium in London, a game which New Orleans was designated as the home team.
The 2016 season was the Arizona Cardinals' 97th in the National Football League (NFL), their 118th overall, their 29th in Arizona, their 11th at University of Phoenix Stadium and their fourth under head coach Bruce Arians.
The 2016 Los Angeles Rams season was the franchise's 79th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the fifth and final under head coach Jeff Fisher. It was the franchise's 50th season in the Greater Los Angeles Area and the first since 1994. The team returned to Los Angeles after 21 seasons in St. Louis. The Rams decided from 2016 to 2019 to return to wearing white uniforms at home in Los Angeles as a nod to the Fearsome Foursome era. In Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks, their NFC West divisional rival, the Rams wore white horns on their helmet just for the one game only, a move which would be repeated for the entire following season.
The 2017 season was the Los Angeles Rams' 80th in the National Football League (NFL), their 81st overall, their 51st in the Greater Los Angeles Area and their first under head coach Sean McVay. The Rams improved on their 4–12 record from the previous season. With a win over the Arizona Cardinals, the Rams ended a decade-long drought and clinched their first winning season since 2003 and first playoff appearance since 2004, when the club was based in St. Louis. The team played a game in London, England at Twickenham Stadium against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7 as one of the NFL London Games.
The 2017 season was the New Orleans Saints' 51st in the National Football League (NFL), their 42nd playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their 11th under head coach Sean Payton. The team improved on their 7–9 output from the previous season, while achieving an eight-game winning streak after losing their first two contests, their longest streak since 2009, when they won Super Bowl XLIV. In Week 13 the Saints clinched their first winning season since 2013 and swept the Carolina Panthers for the first time since 2011. In Week 16, the Saints clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2013 by defeating the Atlanta Falcons. In Week 17, the Saints clinched the NFC South for the first time since 2011 with the Panthers loss to the Falcons. This was the first of four consecutive NFC South titles for the Saints. On January 7, 2018 the Saints played their divisional rival Carolina Panthers in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. They beat Carolina 31–26 in the Wild Card, but lost 29–24 to the Minnesota Vikings in the Divisional Round in a shocking ending.
The 2018 season was the Atlanta Falcons' 53rd in the National Football League (NFL), their second playing their home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and their fourth under head coach Dan Quinn. The Falcons attempted to be the first team to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium as an expected Super Bowl contender. However, the Falcons were riddled with injuries, losing 7 starters to IR with the Falcons stumbling to a 1–4 start.
The 2018 season was the New Orleans Saints' 52nd in the National Football League (NFL), their 43rd at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their 12th under head coach Sean Payton.