Rams crush Buccaneers 34-7 on SNF, extend streak to six wins

The Los Angeles Rams didn’t just beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football — they erased them. On November 23, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the Rams rolled to a 34-7 demolition, extending their winning streak to six games and solidifying their grip atop the NFC. The game, broadcast nationally by NBC, ended with a cold, clinical finality: the Rams’ offense humming, their defense suffocating, and the Buccaneers looking every bit the team in freefall.

A Statement Made in the First Quarter

It didn’t take long for the Rams to send a message. Just 47 seconds into the game, Matthew Stafford, at 37 years old and playing with the poise of a veteran who’s seen it all, fired a 1-yard touchdown pass to Davante Adams. The connection was smooth, precise — the kind of play that makes you forget how long they’ve been in the league. By the end of the first quarter, the Rams had already doubled that lead, scoring 14 points while holding Tampa Bay to zero. The Buccaneers’ offense? Silent. Confused. Outmatched.

Stafford and Adams: The Engine of Dominance

This wasn’t a fluke. It was a blueprint. Stafford and Adams connected for two more touchdowns in the second quarter, turning what was already a strong partnership into a nightmare for opposing defenses. ESPN noted that the duo now has 11 touchdown connections this season — the most in the NFL. Adams, 32, caught seven passes for 98 yards and three scores, his route-running sharper than ever. Stafford, meanwhile, completed 24 of 31 passes for 283 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions. He didn’t just manage the game — he owned it.

The Defense That Broke Tampa Bay

While the offense dazzled, the Rams’ defense was the quiet assassin. Jared Verse, the 24-year-old outside linebacker, led the charge with a 3-yard sack of Baker Mayfield that sent a shockwave through the Buccaneers’ huddle. The Rams finished with three total sacks — all coming on critical third downs — and forced two turnovers, including a key interception by cornerback Darious Williams in the third quarter. Tampa Bay’s offense managed just 25 minutes of possession. They were never close to rhythm.

Mayfield, 30, looked rattled. His throws were off-target. His decisions, rushed. The lone Buccaneers touchdown came on a 7-yard pass to an unnamed receiver — their only bright spot in a night of frustration. Head coach Todd Bowles made adjustments at halftime, but they were too little, too late. The Rams’ defensive line simply overwhelmed Tampa Bay’s offensive line, which entered the game already shorthanded.

What This Means for the NFC Playoffs

With the win, the Rams improved to 9-2 — the best record in the NFC and the second-best in the entire NFL. They’re now three games clear of the second-place Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West and have a three-game lead over the Buccaneers in the NFC South. Their home record at SoFi Stadium is now 5-1. And here’s the kicker: they’ve won five of their last six games by double digits.

For the Buccaneers? The clock is ticking. At 6-5, they’re clinging to a wild-card spot, but their three-game losing streak has turned what was once a promising season into a survival mode. They’ve lost to the Rams, the 49ers, and now this — all by a combined 64 points. Their offense has scored just 34 points in those three losses. That’s not a slump. That’s a collapse.

What’s Next? The Road Gets Tougher

The Rams’ next game is on November 30 against an opponent yet to be confirmed, but their schedule doesn’t get easier. They’ll face the Eagles, Cowboys, and Packers in their final seven games. But here’s the thing: they’re playing like a team that believes it can go all the way. Stafford isn’t just playing well — he’s playing with purpose. Adams isn’t just catching passes — he’s making defenders look foolish. And Verse? He’s becoming the kind of pass-rusher that changes games.

The Buccaneers, meanwhile, face a critical stretch: they’ll host the Saints, then travel to Atlanta and New Orleans. Win two of those three, and they stay alive. Lose two? Their playoff dreams vanish by Christmas.

Why This Game Matters Beyond the Score

This wasn’t just another win. It was a statement. The Rams are no longer just contenders — they’re favorites. Their offensive line, once a liability, has stabilized. Their special teams have improved. Their coaching staff, led by Sean McVay, has found the right balance between aggression and control.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers’ struggles aren’t just about talent — they’re about identity. They’ve lost their offensive rhythm, their confidence, and now, their momentum. Mayfield isn’t the problem. The system around him is. The offensive line can’t protect him. The receivers drop critical passes. And the defense? It’s tired of playing catch-up.

One game doesn’t define a season. But when a 34-7 loss comes on national television, against the league’s hottest team, it tells you everything you need to know.