Why The Los Angeles Rams will finish 5-11

Rams @ Jets 11/13

Each team has seen their share of highs and lows this season. The New York Jets, 3-6 and at the bottom of the AFC East, play host to the Los Angeles Rams, 3-5. The Jets’ offense has fared slightly better than the Rams’ offense this season in total points and yards per game.

Turnovers have been an issue for New York however. Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown 13 interceptions on the season, which leads the league. Case Keenum sits behind Fitzpatrick with 11 picks thrown. The Jets have also fumbled the ball 14 times, losing 5 of those fumbles. With a Rams defense coming off of back to back dominant performances, the Jets should be hard pressed to find production and points.

Stops and turnovers created by the defense need to be taken advantage of by the Rams offense. In a game that pits two mediocre teams against each other, field position, time of possession, and who controls the ball last will determine the winner. Rams get a welcomed, yet futile win improving their record to 4-5.

Dolphins @ Rams 11/20

Prior to the Dolphins’ 11/13 matchup with the Chargers, they were riding an impressive three game win streak. Victories over the Steelers, Bills, and Jets, helped move the Dolphins to 4-4. With the emergence of Jay Ajayi, the Dolphins offense has seen an increase in production. With a capable quarterback in Ryan Tannehill and competent receivers, the Rams defense will be tested.

With the Buccaneers, Bills, and Lions, all posting 30+ point games against the Rams, it is obvious they can be exploited. With a middle of the road Miami defense, the Rams should be able to produce some points themselves. In typical Rams’ fashion, a late turnover or poor coaching decision, will see the Rams drop yet another game moving them to 4-6 on the season.

Rams @ Saints 11/27

Drew Brees and the high-powered Saints’ offense will be far too much for the Rams’ defense. Although the Saints are often involved in high scoring shootouts, the Rams’ offense does not have what it takes to keep up. In a game that may get out of hand early, the Rams will do their best to claw their way back. The hope for a comeback will be too little too late. This will be the first of three games that may be hard to watch for Rams’ fans. The Saints will celebrate a win in The Big Easy causing the Rams to fall  to 4-7. 

Rams @ Patriots 12/4

Do I really need to write anything here? Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and the New England offense will be uncontainable for the Rams. The Rams may get points in garbage time but overall this game will never be close. Rams lose their third in a row leading to a 4-8 record.

Falcons @ Rams 12/11

This will be the third game in a row in which the Rams’ defense will be routed. The number one offense in the NFL will be hard to contain in the Coliseum. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones will end up seeing great success. Similar to the Saints, the Falcons’ defense is far from stellar so points will be available for the Rams.

However, similar to the Saints’ game, the Rams’ offense will not be able to keep up. Four losses in a row for the lowly Rams will see them fall to 4-9.

 Rams @ Seahawks 12/15

The Rams got the W back in September in a defensive minded 9-3 victory. This game will be in Seattle and the Seahawks will be hungry for a playoff position. Although the Rams have success against their division foes, the noise and stout defense of Seattle will shut down the Rams.

The game will be closer than the previous games for the Rams, but the Rams’ defense will not be able to match the success of the Seattle D. Another loss will drop the Rams to 4-10

 49ers @ Rams 12/24

Oh, what a Christmas gift it will be! After losing five straight games, the Rams will enjoy the sweet taste of victory and revenge against the 49ers. After being shut out 28-0 in the season opener, the Rams should be hungry for payback. The Rams will secure 3^rd place in the NFC West with a dominant win over the 49ers. The Rams should see production from both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. With one more in the win column, the Rams would be 5-10

Cardinals @ Rams 1/1

New Year’s Day will have the Rams and their fans preparing for a new season. The Rams will be long out of playoff contention and will simply be playing for pride. The Cardinals should still be in the hunt and hungry for a playoff spot. The first matchup between the two teams led to a 17-13 win for the Rams in Arizona.

The Rams will come close to going 2-0 against the Cardinals on the season, but with the Cardinals having more on the line, they will squeak out an important victory. Rams finish a disappointing season with a 5-11 record.