The Los Angeles Rams are heading into the 2021 NFL season hoping to take a big step forward from where they were last season. Even though they made the playoffs, they stood no chance against the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round of the playoffs. Now, they have Matthew Stafford at quarterback and many believe that alone will catapult them into contention in the NFC.

Stafford was acquired in a massive blockbuster trade with the Detroit Lions. In the trade, Jared Goff was sent to the Lions after a roller coaster tenure with the Rams.

Last season with the Lions, Stafford ended up completing 64.2 percent of his pass attempts for 4,084 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He put those numbers up with an average supporting cast at best. Getting a new fresh opportunity with the Rams could be exactly what Stafford needs to become a Super Bowl contender.

All of that being said, let’s dive in and take a look at two bold predictions for Matthew Stafford in his first season with the Rams.

2. He Throws At Least 35 Passing Touchdowns

Making the jump from the Lions to the Rams, Stafford will have a much better supporting cast. In Detroit, he would have been without Kenny Golladay, who signed with the New York Giants in free agency this offseason.

With the Rams, Stafford will have Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, DeSean Jackson, Van Jefferson, and Tutu Atwell at the wide receiver position. He will also have Tyler Higbee at the tight end position and the backfield duo of Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson Jr.

Due to having an improved supporting cast, Stafford’s numbers will rise organically. When everything is said and done, he will end up throwing for at least 35 touchdowns. That kind of an improvement is big and the Rams are going to have a very dangerous all-around offense.

1. The Rams Make A Run To The NFC Championship Game

There couldn’t be a more bold prediction that we could make than predicting that the Rams will make a run to the NFC Championship Game.

Stafford alone makes the Rams a much better football team. He makes players better around him and has been one of the NFL’s most underrated star quarterbacks over the last few years. Sean McVay now has a quarterback who can run his offense more consistently and at a higher level.

Los Angeles is going to be a threat in the NFC. We aren’t predicting that they will make it to the Super Bowl, but a run to the NFC Championship Game is a bold but reasonable prediction.