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Sean McVay Dismisses Chargers Rivalry as Rams Hand Winless Crosstown Foe Another Loss
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- Sean McVay Dismisses Chargers Rivalry as Rams Hand Winless Crosstown Foe Another Loss
The Los Angeles Rams entered the season as Super Bowl favorites and the Chargers as contenders, but both have been disappointing in different ways.
The Rams, once considered capable of going undefeated in the regular season, have dealt with constant injuries, questionable coaching and costly self-inflicted mistakes.
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The Chargers, who were expected to take the next step after pairing new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel with quarterback Justin Herbert, instead have gone sideways.
The two Los Angeles teams met Sunday at SoFi Stadium, where the Rams won 24-9 to improve to 4-4 while the 0-7 Chargers remain the NFL's only winless team. The Rams once again leaned on the running game to overcome a sluggish start, as Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined for 129 yards and each ran for a score. Matthew Stafford went 17 of 25 for 157 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Puka Nacua caught 11 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown.
The Rams defense held the Chargers' offense to just three field goals, extending a touchdown drought that dates to Week 5. Herbert now leads the league in interceptions after throwing two Sunday, to safety Quentin Lake and cornerback Trent McDuffie, that led to 10 Rams points. The Chargers' worst start since 2000, when head coach Jim Harbaugh was the team's starting quarterback , continued.
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No rivalry for McVay
Nov 1, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
After the game, Rams coach Sean McVay was blunt when asked whether he considered the Chargers a crosstown rival .
"Kevin Demoff does. I don't," McVay said, referring to the Rams' president.
The Chargers and Rams rarely meet since they play in different conferences, and the Rams have usually come out on top, including Sunday.
The Chargers' season offers McVay little reason to view them as rivals, with their playoff chances slim to none .
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A pivotal stretch ahead
Nov 1, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) is congratulated by wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) after a touchdown in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
McVay and the Rams, meanwhile, have won two straight and have a 50% chance of making the playoffs , according to Kalshi Sports. The goal is to build on that momentum and string together wins in the second half to avoid becoming the latest preseason Super Bowl favorite to miss the playoffs.
The push starts with back-to-back road games at Washington on Nov. 8 and at Arizona on Nov. 15. After a Week 11 bye, the Rams host two primetime games at SoFi Stadium, against the Packers on Nov. 25 and the Chiefs on Thursday Night Football on Dec. 3.
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It's a four-game stretch that could decide whether 2026 ends in a playoff run or a disappointment.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
