This prediction comes very early, but assuming the Les Snead is able to keep Kenny Britt and beef up the O-line, we can expect the NFC West to be a photo finish.
Despite not having all of the details to this point, there’s still plenty we do know to make an educated guess. Plus, the sooner the prediction is made, the better you feel about yourself when you get to say, “I told you so.”
Since it’s hard to speculate who will be back and who will be brought in, let’s start with what we do know.
The first thing to think about for an optimist is that Tavon Austin and Todd Gurley have too much talent to repeat their bad seasons.
Even though the Rams couldn’t move the chains on a regular basis, this off season provides a good opportunity for GM Les Snead to beef up the offensive line.
A better O-Line would give Goff a second or two more to stay in the pocket. It would also give the receivers more time to run routes, make bigger holes for Gurley and cut down on holding penalties.
Not to mention, we now have a offensive-minded coach at the helm who is ready to overhaul the schemes.
On the defensive side of the ball, LA was an above-average team anyways. Adding Wade Phillips is an added bonus, and by keeping the defense on the sidelines means players have more energy when they take the field.
Let’s also not forget that while the Rams were only a four-win team, they aren’t at the beginning of a rebuilding process. They are a few offensive linemen away from being an above-average team.
With that being said, lets take a look at the opponents we have.
The NFC West battles the NFC East, with Philly and Washington coming to LA and the Rams traveling to Dallas and New York.
Outside of the NFC West and East, the Rams will host the Texans, Colts and Saints, but will be on the road against the Jags, Titans and Vikings.
It’s safe to say the Rams are at least the second best team in the division, because the Cardinals fell off hard and San Francisco is a dumpster fire.
Since the Rams split the season series with the Seahawks this past season, we can (maybe) assume that will happen again, giving us one win.
The rest of the season could realistically look like this (opponents listed in random order):
LA v Philly: W
LA v Washington: L
LA v Houston: W
LA v Colts: L
LA v Saints: W
LA v 49ers: Two W’s
LA v Seahawks: W (at home), L (on road)
LA v Cardinals: Two W’s (Ram’s home game in London)
LA @ Cowboys: L
LA @ Giants: L
LA @ Jags: W
LA @ Titans: L
LA @ Vikings: L
Overall record: 9-6
The Seahawks won 10 games last season, but if they slip and the Rams win the game they are capable of, it could mean a trip to the postseason for the LA Rams.
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