The rivalry between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints stands as one of the most compelling cross-conference measuring sticks in modern professional football. Rooted in decades of divisional familiarity, high-scoring offensive explosions, and heartbreaking postseason drama, these two NFC powerhouses consistently deliver high-stakes football. Whether they're colliding on Monday Night Football or battling for crucial postseason positioning, matchups between Los Angeles and New Orleans rarely fail to shape the conference landscape.
Understanding this matchup requires looking past routine regular-season pairings to examine a shared history filled with explosive offensive records, legendary players, and unforgettable playoff controversies. From the early days of the NFC West to modern primetime showcases, this historic clash influences how both franchises build their rosters to survive the conference gauntlet.
Roots of the Rivalry: From Division Foes to Cross-Town Contenders
The historical ties between these two franchises run deep, originating when the Saints entered the NFL as an expansion franchise in 1967 and played their very first game against the Rams. For decades, both teams shared the NFC West, breeding deep familiarity through regular divisional battles. During the 1970s and 1980s, these games set the tone for physical, hard-nosed football as the Saints attempted to scale the mountain against established contenders like the Rams.
The rivalry took on cultural significance during the infamous 1980 season. When the Saints stumbled to a 1–15 record, a home game against the Rams served as the backdrop for fans donning paper bags over their heads in frustration. This gave birth to the enduring "Aint's" moniker. Yet, the pendulum swung repeatedly over the decades. By the late 1980s and through the 1990s, the series featured legendary offensive showcases, including a historic 1989 overtime thriller where Rams receiver Flipper Anderson racked up 336 receiving yards and quarterback Jim Everett threw for 454 yards.
Primetime Stages and Modern Showdowns
As the NFL shifted toward maximizing television audiences with marquee slots, the Rams and Saints regularly drew prime placement. Games under the lights frequently delivered offensive fireworks, contrasting tactical chess matches between innovative coaching minds, and intense physical play.
When the NFL realigned in 2002, the Saints moved to the NFC South while the Rams remained in the NFC West. Despite losing annual divisional status, the rivalry didn't cool off. Instead, the frequency of their meetings settled into regular conference rotations and frequent battles for wild-card tiebreakers. Because both organizations historically prioritize explosive passing attacks and aggressive defensive fronts, their primetime encounters often feature massive statistical outputs and lead changes that keep playoff implications hanging in the balance deep into December.
The Definitive Playoff Clash: The 2018 NFC Championship
No single game defines the modern chapter of this rivalry quite like the 2018 NFC Championship Game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. With a trip to Super Bowl LIII on the line, the Rams and Saints played a brutal, tactical masterpiece that extended into overtime.
The game remains etched in NFL lore due to a pivotal, missed pass-interference call late in the fourth quarter that altered the trajectory of regulation. Los Angeles capitalized on the breathing room, tied the game, and subsequently won 26-23 in overtime courtesy of a Greg Zuerlein field goal. That single contest poured gasoline on an already competitive dynamic, turning regular season games between the two squads into heated affairs laden with lingering animosity from players and fan bases alike.
Roster Construction and Tactical Chess Matches
Front offices in both Los Angeles and New Orleans view matchups against one another as a litmus test for conference supremacy. Building a roster capable of winning this specific game requires addressing unique structural challenges:
- Securing the Perimeter: Both teams historically emphasize dynamic wide receiver play and elite coverage cornerbacks. Stopping vertical threats dictates the defensive game plan.
- Pass Rush Disruption: Containing mobile or rhythm-based quarterbacks means investing heavily in edge rushers who can collapse the pocket without needing extra blitzers.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Because these games often come down to a single possession, converting third downs and punching the ball in from inside the twenty-yard line separates winners from losers.
When examining how these strategic priorities manifest on the field, coaching staffs must continuously adapt to shifting personnel trends across the conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the all-time head-to-head record between the Rams and Saints?
The Rams hold a narrow lead in the all-time series, winning 46 out of 81 total meetings, while the Saints have claimed 35 victories. Their postseason record stands tied at 1–1.
Were the Rams and Saints always in the same division?
Yes. From the inception of the Saints franchise in 1967 until the NFL realignment in 2002, both teams played together in the NFC West.
Why is the 2018 NFC Championship considered so controversial?
Late in the fourth quarter, a blatant uncalled pass interference penalty against the Rams prevented a potential Saints first down that likely would have run out the clock and secured a New Orleans victory. Instead, the game went to overtime, where the Rams won.
How often do the Rams and Saints play each other now?
Outside of potential playoff meetings, they play once every three years based on the NFL's rotating divisional scheduling matrix, plus additional games if both teams finish in the exact same place in their respective divisions the prior season.
