Los Angeles Rams Power Rankings Roundup After Week 1

NFL.com: 7
PFF: 1
SI: 7
USA Today: 5

What do experts say about the Rams?

“Is it a bit dramatic of me to drop the Rams six spots after a season-opening loss? You could make that case. But the offseason darlings certainly haven’t done themselves any favors in the last week, appearing unprepared and somewhat fatigued in an important divisional showdown with the 49ers that ended in a lopsided defeat. Myles Garrett’s placement only worsens things for them. Fortunately, there are still 17 weeks left to course correct,” NFL.com’s Nick Shook wrote.

“Los Angeles returns almost the entirety of the star-studded core of players that helped the team earn the best single-season team grade in PFF history, and additions like Garrett, McDuffie and Jaylen Watson figure to turn any potential weaknesses into strengths. Getting back both offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and defensive coordinator Chris Shula under the league’s best head coach sets up the Rams as the Super Bowl favorite in SoFi Stadium,” Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker said.

“Like we’d said before, even without Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald, this is supposed to be a Super Bowl contending team. The Rams laid an egg in Australia, but the circumstances are such that I’m allowing a pass until we see the team at something closer to optimal. Still, I thought this defense, which was full of credentialed run stuffers, would not be so bullied,” Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr wrote.

“Woof. At least you couldn’t blame the special teams for this loss? But the Rams scored their fewest points of the Matthew Stafford era, while WR Puka Nacua had more tackles (1) than ballyhooed offseason acquisition Myles Garrett, who will be out at least the next month. Apparently he should’ve stayed in L.A. with Aaron Donald. This was likely an anomalous defeat, if a reminder that the Lombardi Trophy is guaranteed to no team,” USA Today’s Nate Davis said.

Questions still facing the Rams

Heading into Week 2, the Rams have had a rough start. It’s only September, with much football left to play, but the next few games without Garrett will factor into their season outcome. Can others step up on defense? When will Donald make his debut and, more importantly, how fast can he return to the dominant version he used to be?

Will the secondary continue to run mostly man coverage despite having Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson at its disposal, along with the question on offense, and whether it can resemble the unit that was No. 1 in several offensive categories? The Rams don’t need any more injuries these next few weeks.

Adding everything together, it factors into the Rams’ Super Bowl or Bust season.