5 video games into the brand new NFL season, and it is honest to say that not many Rams followers anticipated to be the place they presently discover themselves. Los Angeles slipped to 2-3 after an extra time loss to the Buffalo Payments the place they’d a game-winning discipline purpose blocked.
It’s hardly a report befitting the supposed favorites for the Tremendous Bowl, no matter whether or not they have been lacking key gamers like Myles Garrett or not. And it was no shock when Sean McVay described how indignant each he and the workforce have been within the wake of their most up-to-date defeat.
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Nevertheless, the scenario is in no way a catastrophe for the Rams. For one, the most recent Tremendous Bowl odds listed by sportsbooks nonetheless have them at +700 to be topped champions in February 2027, with solely Buffalo having shorter odds amongst some operators.
Moreover, the sport towards the Payments additionally marked the tip of a severely tough gauntlet for LA to start out the season. A schedule that has already included San Francisco, Denver, Philadelphia, and Buffalo – all of whom have been playoff groups final 12 months – now provides strategy to a lot less complicated issues within the coming weeks.
Rams can construct momentum within the coming weeks
Between Week 6 and the bye in Week 11, the Rams have an extremely lenient energy of schedule towards 4 upcoming opponents who maintain a mixed report of 5-14-1. That features a pair of video games towards divisional rival Arizona in Weeks 6 and 10, which has allowed 162 factors via its first 5 video games of the season.
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Within the final 10 conferences between the 2 groups, LA has misplaced simply twice, and the Cardinals’ woes this 12 months ought to imply the Rams dominate the NFC West’s weakest workforce. A visit to Las Vegas follows the primary of the 2 video games towards Arizona, and whereas the Raiders have impressed below new head coach Klint Kubiak, Los Angeles ought to have sufficient expertise to choose up a win on the street.
After going 0-5 via the primary 5 video games of the season, the Chargers are missing confidence, and the Rams’ protection will relish the prospect to go up towards an offensive line that has allowed 17 sacks in 5 video games. After which LA is again on the street towards Washington, with the Commanders on the backside of the NFC East.
Every of the following 5 opponents is an opportunity to construct momentum and probably shut the hole on San Francisco on the high of the division. Contemplating the tip to the Rams’ season, it is essential that they just do that.
LA might really feel the warmth from Week 12 onwards
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Whereas three of LA’s subsequent 4 opponents have dropping information, from Week 12 to Week 18, simply two of these seven video games contain groups that sit under .500. These are towards Dallas and Tampa Bay, two franchises which have succesful offenses that may pull off upsets as underdogs.
Moreover, three of these video games are towards divisional opponents San Francisco and Seattle. Contemplating how properly the 49ers have began the 12 months, the Rams can’t afford to lose in Week 14 as they give the impression of being to complete first within the West. And whereas the Seahawks have had their fair proportion of struggles on offense, their defensive unit stays formidable.
With dwelling video games towards Inexperienced Bay and Kansas Metropolis too, McVay’s roster has one other gauntlet nonetheless to play. There is not any have to panic simply but, as LA has alternatives to win developing and star edge rusher Garrett is ready to return after a six-week restoration interval – nevertheless it’s crucial the Rams construct momentum earlier than the stress ramps up in late November and December.