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Matthew Stafford and Kyren Williams have built one of the most efficient quarterback-running back connections in the NFL, according to new Pro Football Focus data measuring EPA per play among pass-catching backs.
Among all qualifying running backs with at least 18 targets, Stafford-Williams ranks second in the league at 0.51 EPA per play, trailing only Justin Fields-Breece Hall with the New York Jets. The Rams' version comes with real volume behind it, as Williams saw 53 targets from Stafford, more than double Hall's sample size, while still producing at an elite per-play clip.
Williams caught 44 of his 53 targets for 351 yards and five touchdowns, and the pairing didn't produce a single turnover-worthy play all season. PFF called it the safest high-end connection at the position in 2025, and the numbers back that up: Stafford posted a 125.7 passer rating when targeting Williams, a mark that would rank among the league's best if applied across a full season sample.
The touchdown rate is especially notable. Five scores on 53 targets works out to a touchdown roughly every 10.6 throws his way — production typically reserved for featured receivers rather than running backs operating primarily out of the backfield. It's a testament to how the Rams have schemed Williams into scoring position, whether on wheel routes, checkdowns near the goal line or designed swing passes that put him in space against slower defenders.
The efficiency also speaks to Stafford's continued precision at 37. Zero turnover-worthy plays on 53 targets to any receiver, let alone a running back who has to adjust to different types of throws than a traditional route-runner, reflects the kind of clean decision-making that's kept the Rams' offense humming even as the surrounding cast has changed year to year.
For a Rams offense that has leaned on Williams as both a runner and a receiving weapon, the data makes clear his value in the passing game isn't just about volume — it's about what happens when the ball actually gets to him. Few backfield connections in football are getting more out of fewer mistakes.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Matthew Stafford-Kyren Williams ranks among most efficient QB-RB duos
Continue reading...
Among all qualifying running backs with at least 18 targets, Stafford-Williams ranks second in the league at 0.51 EPA per play, trailing only Justin Fields-Breece Hall with the New York Jets. The Rams' version comes with real volume behind it, as Williams saw 53 targets from Stafford, more than double Hall's sample size, while still producing at an elite per-play clip.
Williams caught 44 of his 53 targets for 351 yards and five touchdowns, and the pairing didn't produce a single turnover-worthy play all season. PFF called it the safest high-end connection at the position in 2025, and the numbers back that up: Stafford posted a 125.7 passer rating when targeting Williams, a mark that would rank among the league's best if applied across a full season sample.
The touchdown rate is especially notable. Five scores on 53 targets works out to a touchdown roughly every 10.6 throws his way — production typically reserved for featured receivers rather than running backs operating primarily out of the backfield. It's a testament to how the Rams have schemed Williams into scoring position, whether on wheel routes, checkdowns near the goal line or designed swing passes that put him in space against slower defenders.
The efficiency also speaks to Stafford's continued precision at 37. Zero turnover-worthy plays on 53 targets to any receiver, let alone a running back who has to adjust to different types of throws than a traditional route-runner, reflects the kind of clean decision-making that's kept the Rams' offense humming even as the surrounding cast has changed year to year.
For a Rams offense that has leaned on Williams as both a runner and a receiving weapon, the data makes clear his value in the passing game isn't just about volume — it's about what happens when the ball actually gets to him. Few backfield connections in football are getting more out of fewer mistakes.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Matthew Stafford-Kyren Williams ranks among most efficient QB-RB duos
Continue reading...
