The Los Angeles Rams have a star squad like hardly any other NFL team. Head Coach Sean McVay’s franchise is therefore under massive pressure – participation in the home Super Bowl is actually mandatory.

Los Angeles/Munich – It is probably the biggest dream of every NFL player to win the Super Bowl in their own stadium.

Last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers achieved this feat at Raymond James Stadium – the first franchise ever to do so. This season, it is still possible for the host team to reach the NFL final in its own arena.

On 13 February, the biggest sporting event in the world will take place at the newly built SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. For the Los Angeles Rams, who are based there, reaching the Super Bowl would not just be a nice bonus or simply their second appearance in four years, no. For the team led by head coach Sean McLaughlin, it would be a great achievement.

For head coach Sean McVay’s team, the final in their own stadium is actually a must.

L.A. brought in costly top stars

“Now – or not for a very long time,” recently headlined the Los Angeles Times. A statement of which most people in the metropolis are probably aware.

Because compared to many other teams, the Rams do not rely on a slow build or the long-term development of talent. Instead, the franchise is putting all its eggs in one basket, the oft-quoted “All In” in the Rams’ case.

For previous quarterback Jared Goff, who did not always provide full satisfaction, Matthew Stafford was signed expensively from the Detroit Lions. The first-round pick in this year’s and next year’s NFL drafts was sacrificed for that.

The signing of Von Miller was similar. The linebacker came from the Denver Broncos – second- and third-round picks were surrendered in exchange.

Rams under a lot of pressure

The Rams rely on star power like few other teams. Wide receiver Cooper Kuppver pulverised NFL records this season, plus Odell Beckham Jr, released by the Cleveland Browns, was signed and made to shine again. In addition to Miller, defensive tackle Aaron Donald in particular spreads fear and terror on defence.

All the top players have one thing in common: the knowledge that great success is needed.

So far, the Rams are on the right track. After a weak phase in the middle of the season, they reached the playoffs as winners of the NFC West. In the Wild Card Round, they also managed a 34:11 demonstration against division rival Arizona Cardinals.

Strong performance against the Cardinals

Playmaker Matthew Stafford, who had never reached the postseason before, delivered a strong performance with two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Receivers Kupp and Beckham Jr. each added to their stats with a successful trip to the end zone, OBJ even managed an impressive trick play as a passer. The defence also did its job well and made life difficult for Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.

But as successful as the first playoff round was for the Rams, this duel was certainly not a true test of maturity. Arizona’s performance was too weak and the team was not competitive enough.

That should change on Sunday. Head coach Sean McVay’s team will then have to play the Super Bowl winners Tampa Bay Buccaneers with superstar Tom Brady.

The Bucs have already shown in their 31-15 win over the Philadelphia Eagles that they are hot for the mission of defending their title.

Rams warned after loss to 49ers

The game in the Divisional Round will be the first real yardstick, which could also quickly become the final stop. L.A. should be aware of this at least since the last game in the regular season, which was surprisingly lost to the San Francisco 49ers, which enabled the division rival to make the playoffs in the last few metres.

Against the Bucs, the Rams have to show a different face, preferably their playoff face from the Wild Card weekend. Only then can the team live up to the enormous pressure to succeed and continue to dream the dream of a home Super Bowl.