2023 Los Angeles Rams schedule analysis

On Thursday night, the NFL released the complete Rams schedule. Per NFL research, Rams opponents had a 152-133-3 record in 2022, making their 2023 schedule the ninth-most difficult in the league. 

Circle the date: Week 3

On Sept. 25, the Rams visit the Cincinnati Bengals for a rematch of Super Bowl LVI, which the Rams won by a 23-20 margin. Joe Burrow. Aaron Donald. Super Bowl rematch. And on Monday night? That will be one of the must-see games of the season. 

Toughest stretch: Weeks 1 to 5

The Rams have a tough start to the season, and it could put them into a deep hole in a competitive NFC West if they are not able to successfully navigate it. The Rams' first five games feature them at Seattle, at home for San Francisco, at Cincinnati, at Indianapolis and home for Philadelphia. The Colts are the only team there with a losing record a year ago, while an early trip to Seattle is a tough draw to open the season. 

Easiest stretch: Weeks 11 to 16

After the Rams' Week 10 bye, they have a six-game stretch that could help propel them back into playoff contention (or keep them in it). That stretch includes games against Seattle, Arizona, Cleveland, Baltimore, Washington and New Orleans. Baltimore and Seattle are playoff teams, but neither of them won a game last year and four of those games are at home.

After five games, the Rams are...

They're only 1-4. The Colts are the only team during that stretch where L.A. should realistically be considered a favorite. Going to Seattle and Cincinnati, then playing San Francisco and Philadelphia at home is a brutal start to the season.