The Los Angeles Rams will open their 2026 preseason schedule Saturday afternoon against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The game is scheduled for August 15 at 4 p.m. ET, and with the Rams expected to keep their starters on the sideline, the focus will be less about the final score and more about evaluating the players fighting for roster spots.
Preseason games are about competition, development and establishing depth. For the Rams, there are several keys that could determine whether they walk away from Kansas City with a win—and, more importantly, whether they come away with positive answers heading into the rest of August. These might not be the most elaborate keys to victory against Kansas City, but sometimes we don’t need to get lost in the details when its only a preseason game…
1. Get Consistent Quarterback Play
With the starters expected to sit, the quarterback competition becomes one of the biggest storylines. Ty Simpson has been confirmed as part of the Rams’ preseason plans, while Stetson Bennett’s status has been less certain.
Whoever receives the majority of the snaps needs to demonstrate command of the offense. That means getting the team into the right plays, avoiding turnovers, and consistently moving the chains.
The Rams don’t need spectacular quarterback play. They need efficient quarterback play.
2. Win the Line of Scrimmage
This game could be decided by players who won’t necessarily receive much attention during the regular season.
The Rams need their backup offensive linemen to protect the quarterback and create running lanes. On defense, the young defensive linemen and edge rushers need to establish themselves against Kansas City’s offensive line.
Preseason games are often won by the teams that control the trenches. If the Rams can consistently generate pressure while keeping their own quarterbacks upright, they’ll put themselves in position to control the game.
The offensive line will likely feature AJ Arcuri, Wyatt Bowles, Dylan McMahon, Beaux Limmer, and Keagen Trost. There is some NFL starting experience with that group so their should be some expectation for the offense.
3. Create Turnovers
Mistakes will happen. It’s preseason football. The Rams just need to be on the winning side of those turnovers when they happen. The Rams’ defense has plenty of young and developing players who need opportunities to make plays.
One of the easiest ways for backups to separate themselves is by creating turnovers. A strip-sack, interception, or fumble recovery could dramatically change the game while also giving a player valuable momentum heading into the next preseason matchup.
The Rams don’t need their defense to unveil everything Sean McVay and the coaching staff have planned for the regular season. They simply need to play fast, tackle well and take advantage of mistakes.
4. Special Teams
Special teams could be one of the most important areas of the game.
Players competing for roster spots need to show they can contribute outside of their primary position. Coverage units, returners and specialists will all have opportunities to make an impression.
For a fringe roster player, one excellent special teams performance can be the difference between making the roster and becoming a practice-squad candidate.
In addition, the Rams need to get off on the right foot with their kicking game. Harrison Mevis returns this year as the starting place kicker and needs to make sure there are no question marks as the team enters the regular season.