Week 1 Preview: Can the LA Rams still defeat the Texans without a Legacy WR?

When the Los Angeles Rams host the Houston Texans in their Week 1 opener, it will mark the dawn of a new era for both franchises—but perhaps none more dramatically than for the Rams, who must prove they can maintain their championship aspirations without their longtime offensive cornerstone. 

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp has been dropped by the Rams after a successful 8-season run. Kupp split the stage in the 2024 season with second-year Puka Nacua for 12 games. In that time, Kupp was targeted for 100 receptions with 67 completions, gained 710 yards, averaging 10 and a half yards per reception, and scored six touchdowns. Greatly considered one of his weakest years, the WR still maintained his position as a threat to most opposing defenses. This wasn’t enough, though, for the LA Rams to keep him. In February and March of 2025, the Rams announced they were open to trades involving Cooper Kupp but failed to find any interest. Shortly after, they dropped the WR, and the rival team, the Seattle Seahawks, picked him up. Kupp will remain in the same division as the Rams, but this time likely with a vendetta against them and a determination to prove his worth. 

With one legacy WR gone, the Rams look forward to pushing forward Puka Nacua as the leading player. "Ankle and hamstring injuries and 2023 fifth-round pick Puka Nacua's emergence made the Rams comfortable moving on from Kupp," says Corry of MSN. In his second year on the field, Nacua received 79 receptions of 109 targets for 990 yards. The absolute powerhouse of a wide receiver has earned his rise to the official position of WR1 for the LA Rams. But still, without Kupp or a stronger WR2, will Nacua be able to make up for the difference? 

Adding another layer of intrigue to Sunday's opener is Matthew Stafford's health status. The veteran quarterback missed time with an aggravated disk in his back, though head coach Sean McVay confirmed he's expected to start against Houston. For a Rams team already adjusting to life without Kupp, having their franchise quarterback at less than 100% would compound their challenges significantly. 

Meanwhile, the Texans have added Nick Chubb to the starting lineup. This running back only played for eight games last season for the Cleveland Browns, but made himself known as a constant threat each time. In total, Chubb attempted 102 rushes and successfully gained 332 yards. He averaged a little over 3 yards per rush and successfully rushed at least one first down in every game, peaking at five first downs against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 11. While Chubb may not have been known for his touchdowns, he is a valuable RB and can make or break those 3rd down plays to get the Texans their needed conversion. Alongside Chubb is Texan legacy RB Joe Mixon. Mixon led the 2024 season with 245 carries for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns.

When the Rams and Texans take the field Sunday afternoon, they'll be writing the first chapter of what promises to be compelling seasons for both franchises. For Houston, it's about proving their 2024 success wasn't a fluke. For Los Angeles, it's about demonstrating that championship-caliber teams adapt and evolve rather than simply reload.

Tune in on Sunday at 4:35 PM EST to watch.