Who were the biggest winners and losers of the NFL schedule release? Jeff Howe has you covered.
After a better-than-expected 2023 season, the Los Angeles Rams are hoping to carry that momentum into 2024.
While future Hall of Fame defensive lineman Aaron Donald retired this offseason, the roster still features veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford coming off his best season in years, and a healthy veteran receiver Cooper Kupp. Added to the mix are second-year players who emerged as key starters during their rookie season — receiver Puka Nacua, defensive lineman Kobie Turner, center Steve Avila and outside linebacker Byron Young — and a crop of free agents and drafted rookies that includes plug-and-play starters Jonah Jackson (left guard), tight end Colby Parkinson, cornerbacks Darious Williams and Tre’Davious White, safety Kam Curl and first- and second-round picks Jared Verse (outside linebacker) and Braden Fiske (defensive tackle). Oh, and they finally have a kicker.
The Rams, on paper, look like a tough team to beat and a playoff contender. But it’ll ultimately come down to Stafford’s health, and the sustained success of their run game behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
| WEEK | DATE | OPPONENT | TIME (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sept. 8 | 8:20 p.m. | |
2 | Sept. 15 | 4:05 p.m. | |
3 | Sept. 22 | 4:25 p.m. | |
4 | Sept. 29 | 1 p.m. | |
5 | Oct. 6 | 4:25 p.m. | |
6 | Bye | ||
7 | Oct. 20 | 4:05 p.m. | |
8 | Oct. 24 | 8:15 p.m. | |
9 | Nov. 3 | 4:25 p.m. | |
10 | Nov. 11 | 8:15 p.m. | |
11 | Nov. 17 | 1 p.m. | |
12 | Nov. 24 | 8:20 p.m. | |
13 | Dec. 1 | 4:05 p.m. | |
14 | Dec. 8 | 4:25 p.m. | |
15 | Dec. 12 | 8:15 p.m. | |
16 | Dec. 22 | 1 p.m. | |
17 | Dec. 28-29 | TBD | |
18 | TBD | TBD |
Week 1 keys to victory
My oh my, are spectators in for a treat right out of the gates with another Rams trip to Ford Field — the scene of a bitter wild-card loss just a few months ago. Los Angeles must not lose the physical matchup here, regardless of any other circumstances. Two seasons ago, their fate for the year seemed immediately decided after the Buffalo Bills beat them up in Week 1. If Stafford plays like he did in Week 1 in 2023 against Seattle, the Rams could make a statement against a Super Bowl favorite.
Advertisement
Must-watch game: at San Francisco 49ers, Dec. 12 (Thursday night), Week 15
If history is any indication, this game will likely have heavy playoff implications (possibly for both teams). Further, the Rams will still have two more NFC West games on their schedule at this time (Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks in Weeks 17 and 18) that will either help or hurt their positioning. Sean McVay against Kyle Shanahan is always a must-watch, even if historically lopsided in favor of Shanahan specifically during the regular season.
Find the best deals on tickets to see your favorite teams.
Toughest stretch: Weeks 14-15
The Rams must prepare for their NFC West nemeses on a short week, after playing the Bills — typically one of the more physical teams in the league. While AFC-NFC wouldn’t usually be cause for huge concern late in the year in terms of playoff positioning, the Thursday night games get very dangerous for players and the physicality both opponents will demand is not an insignificant factor here. The silver lining is that the Week 15 game will be played on a natural grass surface up in Santa Clara, Calif.
Weeks 1-5, which feature the Detroit Lions, Cardinals, Chicago Bears, 49ers and Green Bay Packers will also likely have playoff implications down the backstretch.
GO DEEPER
Stefon Diggs, OBJ and lots of QBs: 32 players to watch at NFL offseason workouts
Game that has gotten tougher: at Chicago Bears, Sept. 29, Week 4
I mean, this is obvious, right? A team that now has Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen on it versus not in 2023 …?
One game the Rams can’t afford to lose: at Detroit Lions, Sept.8, Week 1
Even though there could eventually be playoff implications out of this game over the course of a long season, it will also be — for either side — about pride and making a statement to start the year. Combine the bitterness of last year’s Rams’ wild-card loss, Stafford’s twilight seasons and connections to the city, Jared Goff’s new contract, and well, this one feels as must-win as anything.
GO DEEPER
'Finding Rams': One year behind the scenes of the NFL Draft scouting process, Part I
Best offense the Rams will face: San Francisco 49ers (Weeks 3 and 15)
The 49ers continuously ranked among the top teams in offensive DVOA, overall production and EPA in 2023, and obviously the Rams (who also fared among the top 10 in those metrics through most of the year) will play them twice. The Miami Dolphins are another candidate here.
Best defense the Rams will face: Minnesota Vikings (Week 8)
McVay against Brian Flores. Enough said.
GO DEEPER
Rams' post-draft depth chart: OLB, DL filled out while CB depth remains a question
Predicted record: 11-6
I think the Rams will be even better than they ended up last season, and I think Stafford will not go quietly into that good night.
Predicted NFC West finish: First
1. Rams, 2. 49ers, 3. Seahawks, 4. Cardinals
It has been a while since I have projected the Rams to win the NFC West, but in consideration of their still-emerging talent, last year’s momentum and this year’s potential — when healthy — this is not a crazy thought.
(Photo: Scott W. Grau / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
