Steelers Great Jerome Bettis Backs Rams as NFC West Favorite Over 49ers

Published: Jul 3, 2025, 2:00 PM
5 min read
Updated: Jul 3, 2025, 2:00 PM
Jerome Bettis addresses fans

Jerome Bettis addresses Steelers fans (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

While most associate Jerome Bettis with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Hall of Fame running back actually began his career with the Los Angeles Rams. The 53-year-old running back spent three seasons with the Rams franchise (1993–1995), winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earning the first two of his six Pro Bowl bids.

The Rams were never contenders during Bettis’s tenure there, but they are now, during the Matthew Stafford/Sean McVay era. Los Angeles is just three years removed from winning the Super Bowl but features a completely reloaded roster, with just eight players remaining from the Super Bowl LVI team. They just moved on from Cooper Kupp, and Bettis explained earlier this year to RG why the Rams should have traded him a year ago before his release. 

Los Angeles gave the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles their stiffest competition during the playoffs, narrowly losing in Philadelphia, 28–23.

“When you look at the Rams, they are a dark horse,” Bettis says in a one-on-one interview with RG of his former team. 

“It’s hard to say how good they can be, because you’re not really sure. They’ve retooled—offensively, they should be really good. If the offensive line holds up, I think they’ve got a chance to be really good.”

The Rams advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs after a rough start to the season. Los Angeles started the year 1–4 but then went 9–2 in their next 11 games.

Because they have a “great” quarterback in Stafford, Bettis says the Rams always have a chance. However, he says they’re a cornerback—or an impact player in the secondary—away from being really special. Los Angeles also has budding star running back Kyren Williams, who continues to improve. 

“Whenever you’ve got a quarterback, you’ve got a chance,” says Bettis. 

“They have a great quarterback. They’ve got some really, really outstanding receivers. The running game is going to be solid. They’re maybe a cornerback away, an impact secondary guy away from being really, really special. When you’ve got a really good coach and a good quarterback, you’re going to be in the conversation. So yes, the Rams will be a really good football team this year.”

Although Bettis acknowledges the San Francisco 49ers will be a good team this season—they were decimated by injuries last year and went 6–11—he says the Rams are the favorites in the NFC West.

He also says they have a “chance” to beat the Eagles if they can slow down their running game, led by Saquon Barkley

Barkley is coming off one of the greatest single seasons by a running back in NFL history, rushing for over 2,000 yards while winning Offensive Player of the Year.

Jerome Bettis Says Rams Are The Favorites – Not The 49ers

“In their division, they are the favorites,” says Bettis of the Rams. “I think the Niners are going to be good, but not great. The Rams definitely have an advantage on that side. I think the team they’re going to have to beat is going to be the Eagles. They’re going to be right back at it again. They’re built to beat the Eagles, and if they can slow down the running game, they’ve got a chance.”

Bettis once again hammers home the need for a defensive playmaker to step up if the Rams are to emerge as a true Super Bowl contender. Los Angeles features young defensive playmakers in the front seven with Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, but they’re lacking playmakers in the defensive backfield.

“If they can find a way to get that playmaker on defense to really stand out,” says Bettis. “They’ve got a lot of really good players… but they need some big plays, right? Who’s going to manufacture those? That becomes the big question. We’ll see. Do they have the playmakers defensively to change the tide? That’s the question.”

Sports Reporter

DJ Siddiqi is a sports reporter who focuses on football, basketball and pro wrestling. He has covered some of the biggest sporting events, including the NBA Finals and Wrestlemania and often interviews high-profile athletes on a weekly basis. Siddiqi has interviewed the likes of Dan Marino, Emmitt Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, Tony Hawk and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His previous experience includes working as a lead NBA writer at CBS Sports and 247 Sports in addition to working as a beat reporter covering the NFL and the Denver Broncos at Bleacher Report. Follow Siddiqi for exclusive one-on-one interviews and analysis on key topics in sports

Interests:
NFL
NBA
NCAAF
NCAAB
NHL
Travel
Interviews

More RG Exclusive Interviews

Football
07/02/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Garrett Nussmeier Aims to Lead LSU Back to National Prominence

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier reflects on his growth, Drew Brees’ influence, and the Tigers’ desire to win another national championship.

Garrett Nussmeier Aims to Lead LSU Back to National Prominence
Football
06/26/2025
Paul M. Banks
Paul M. Banks
Justice Haynes Joins Michigan With NFL Goals And Business Moves

Former top RB Justice Haynes commits to Michigan, aiming for NFL success while building a business portfolio through innovative NIL equity

Justice Haynes Joins Michigan With NFL Goals And Business Moves
Football
06/20/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Xavier Legette Eyes Breakout Year As Panthers Target Playoffs

Panthers WR Xavier Legette wants to fix last year’s mistakes, build chemistry with Bryce Young, and lead Carolina back to the postseason

Xavier Legette Eyes Breakout Year As Panthers Target Playoffs
Football
06/19/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Dallas Goedert Ready to Defend Eagles’ Super Bowl Title in 2025 Season

Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert discusses his return to Philadelphia, priorities for the season, and excitement to chase another Super Bowl victory

Dallas Goedert Ready to Defend Eagles’ Super Bowl Title in 2025 Season
Football
06/11/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
“We’re Always Pushing Each Other”: Kyler Gordon’s Rise to Elite Status

Kyler Gordon opens up on his bond with Jaylon Johnson, his ballet background, and why the Bears defense is ready to shock the NFL in 2025

“We’re Always Pushing Each Other”: Kyler Gordon’s Rise to Elite Status
Football
06/10/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Exclusive: Tom Brady Details His Vision for Raiders Turnaround

In an exclusive interview with RG, Tom Brady shares how he plans to help turn the Raiders around with Pete Carroll, Geno Smith, and a championship mindset

Exclusive: Tom Brady Details His Vision for Raiders Turnaround
Football
05/30/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
“We Got To Go Get That Ring”: Ryan Williams Aims To Lead Alabama Back To National Championship Glory

Alabama star Ryan Williams wants to win it all, lead by example, and thrive under Kalen DeBoer’s offensive mindset

“We Got To Go Get That Ring”: Ryan Williams Aims To Lead Alabama Back To National Championship Glory
Football
05/25/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
“I’m Excited To See What The Future Holds”: Panthers Rookie Tetairoa McMillan Embraces Big Role

Panthers rookie Tetairoa McMillan eyes a major role with Bryce Young, drawing inspiration from Thielen and Nacua

“I’m Excited To See What The Future Holds”: Panthers Rookie Tetairoa McMillan Embraces Big Role
Football
05/15/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
"My Biggest Thing is to Attack Every Day": Rachaad White Embraces Pivotal Contract Year

Rachaad White enters his contract year with confidence, a leaner frame, and a dynamic duo forming with Bucky Irving

"My Biggest Thing is to Attack Every Day": Rachaad White Embraces Pivotal Contract Year
Football
05/12/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
“If I Can’t Find Cooper, He’s Always in the QB Room”: Darnold Excited for Seahawks’ Fresh Start

Sam Darnold talks joining Seattle, teaming up with Cooper Kupp, mentoring rookie QB Jalen Milroe, and building a new-look Seahawks offense

“If I Can’t Find Cooper, He’s Always in the QB Room”: Darnold Excited for Seahawks’ Fresh Start

NFL writers

Aaron WIlson
Aaron WIlson
NFL Reporter

Aaron Wilson is an award-winning Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and www.click2houston.com. He has covered the NFL since 1997, including previous stints for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. This marks his 10th year covering the Texans after previously covering a Super Bowl winning team in Baltimore. He has also covered the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. A Washington, D.C. native, Wilson played college football at East Carolina University where he was a linebacker. Aaron and his wife live in Houston and enjoy traveling and trying new restaurants.

Meet All Our Experts
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our
Privacy Policy
.