Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford's wife, Kelly Stafford, has publicly criticized the NFL for what she describes as a scheduling disadvantage that leaves the Rams without a true bye week this season. The league has scheduled a rare Wednesday night game on November 25, the night before Thanksgiving, between the Rams and the Green Bay Packers, forcing both teams to sacrifice their traditional bye week.
Compressed Schedule for Rams and Packers
Under the adjusted schedule, the Rams will have only 10 days off between games instead of the usual 14 during a bye week. Their stretch includes a Sunday game at the Arizona Cardinals on November 15, a designated bye on November 22, the Wednesday matchup against the Packers on November 25, and a Thursday night game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 3. The Packers face a similar compression but with a slightly more favorable window, playing the Minnesota Vikings on November 15, a bye on November 22, the Wednesday game at Los Angeles, and then a Sunday game at the New Orleans Saints on December 6, giving them one game over a 19-day period.
Kelly Stafford's Social Media Posts
Kelly Stafford took to Instagram to question the league's decision-making. "Just curious to hear the thought process behind making the Rams the only team in the NFL without a true bye week," she wrote. "Because damn, after 18 years around this league, even I need a week off during the season...and I have never played a single snap." She added, "I'm tired just watching from the stands. Can't imagine how the guys feel," and concluded by asking the NFL to explain the reasoning: "Anyway, feel free to leave that explanation right here."
Extensive Travel and Unusual Game Days
The Rams' 2026 schedule has been described as one of the wildest in the NFL. In addition to the Wednesday game, they are set to play a Friday game against the Seattle Seahawks on Christmas Day. If the team is flexed into a Saturday game in Week 17 or 18, they would become only the fourth team in 99 years to play on six different days of the week in a single season. The Rams also opened the season with the NFL's inaugural game in Australia, contributing to a travel schedule exceeding 34,000 miles, the second-highest in the league.
Despite the scheduling challenges, the Rams will be at home for Thanksgiving, allowing players to spend the holiday weekend with their families.
