NFL predictions: Rams, 49ers class of NFC West
By David Ruiz
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ mentality this offseason has been sign everyone. With one of the game’s best one-two punch in Jared Goff and FANTASY MONSTER Todd Gurley, the Rams clicked on offense last year as Goff finished with 28 touchdowns and 3,804 yards. While Gurley tallied 13 touchdowns and 1,305 rushing yards.
However, an early exit against the Falcons during Wild Card Weekend, left a sour taste for a team that had higher expectations.
Now with the additions of CB Sam Shields, DT Ndamukong Suh, ILB Ramik Wilson, CB Aqib Talib and WR Brandin Cooks, the Rams are in win-now mode for the foreseeable future.
Is this the year they put it altogether and put Los Angeles back on the map? We’ll see.
For now, let’s look at their schedule.
Home Opponents: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles.
Road Opponents: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, New Orleans Saints.
Being the powerhouse that they’ve turned into, the Rams have a pretty favorable schedule heading into September. They’ll play well against the division, NFC North with Green Bay could be a challenge, and AFC West against the Chargers and Raiders.
Though they will lose a “home game” against the Chiefs, as that game will be played in Mexico.
Prediction: 12-4.
On paper, the Rams match up exceedingly well with every team they’ll play this season. An improved roster lead by a young head coach in Steve McVay with talent all around, it’ll be hard not to root for them, unless you reside in the NFC West.