Rams QB2 Race: McVay Holds Cards Close After Preseason Finale

As the Los Angeles Rams wrapped up their preseason with a 27-24 victory over the Denver Broncos on Thursday night, the most compelling storyline wasn't the scoreboard—it was the ongoing battle for the No. 2 quarterback job behind reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. Rookie Ty Simpson got the start and played the entire first half, while veteran Stetson Bennett did not suit up, leading many to speculate on a resolution. But head coach Sean McVay, ever the chess master, quickly doused those flames.

McVay's Calculated Ambiguity

Speaking after the game, McVay made it clear that the decision to start Simpson was about development, not a declaration of victory in the QB2 competition. "Continuing to get him experience," McVay explained, referencing Simpson's need for live reps as he transitions to the pro game. The Rams' head coach emphasized that the team is not ready to name a primary backup, keeping both Bennett and Simpson in the mix as the regular season approaches.

"Obviously, we've got the reigning MVP of the league, and then we got two guys that we feel really good about," McVay said via the team's website. "If you say, 'hey, what does that really mean?' That's what it means. We feel really good about those two guys. Not pigeon-holing myself into any sort of decision other than I feel really good about Stetson Bennett, feel really good about Ty Simpson."

This deliberate ambiguity is classic McVay—keeping opponents guessing while also fostering a competitive environment. For Bennett, a former fourth-round pick who showed flashes in 2023 before a rocky 2024, the preseason has been a chance to prove he can be a reliable backup. Simpson, the Rams' third-round pick in 2026 out of Alabama, has impressed with his arm talent and poise, but rookie mistakes remain a concern. The stats from Thursday tell a story: Simpson completed 14 of 22 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown, but also threw a costly interception. Bennett, who sat out, watched from the sideline, his status as the presumed veteran backup now less certain.

Australia Awaits: The Decision Looms

The Rams open the regular season against the San Francisco 49ers in Sydney, Australia, in two weeks—a marquee international matchup that will demand a clear QB hierarchy. With Stafford entrenched as the starter, the No. 2 role is more than a formality; it's an insurance policy for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. The decision will likely come down to trust: Bennett's experience in McVay's system versus Simpson's upside and raw talent.

As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk has noted, McVay's history suggests he values reliability in his backup quarterbacks, but the potential of a rookie like Simpson could sway him. The next two weeks of practice will be critical, with McVay hinting that a decision could come before the team departs for Australia. For now, the Rams are content to keep the competition alive, a luxury afforded by having a two-time Pro Bowler and MVP in Stafford leading the charge.

According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, this QB2 battle is one of the most intriguing roster questions heading into the season, not just for Rams fans but for fantasy managers and bettors alike. Whoever wins the job will be one snap away from leading a high-powered offense in a hostile international environment. The stakes are high, and McVay knows it.