Rams game-by-game predictions after 2024 NFL schedule release

The Los Angeles Rams head into the 2024 campaign coming off an eventful offseason that included retirements, high-profile free-agent signings, and shrewd draft picks. The Rams made their first first-round selection in eight years in April’s draft.

Los Angeles helped make up for the retirement of superstar defensive lineman Aaron Donald by taking edge rusher Jared Verse out of Florida State with the 19th overall pick. The club’s eight-year run without a first-round selection was the second-longest in NFL history, next to the Washington Commanders’ streak between 1969 and 1979. The Rams’ last first-round selection was quarterback Jared Goff in 2016.

This streak came about because of numerous trades, as the organization sacrificed young talent for older veterans who could help chase immediate rings. The strategy worked, as the Rams appeared in both the 2019 and 2021 Super Bowls, winning the latter one. However, it was time for the organization to start developing young studs again, Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams non-withstanding.

On top of that, Los Angeles acquired cornerbacks Tre’Davious White and Darious Williams to bolster the secondary. It also signed Jimmy Garoppolo to back up 36-year-old signal-caller Matthew Stafford, who’s suffered from several different injuries over the years.

How will the new acquisitions mesh with the returning players? With the team’s official schedule now released, let’s predict how the Rams will fare in the regular season.

Week 1 at Detroit Lions (SNF)

Los Angeles travels to Detroit for a prime-time matchup to start the season in a game that will see both Stafford and Goff face their former teams. The Lions sport a stacked offense with the likes of Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. It may take some time for the new-look Rams defense to come into its own, so expect Detroit to get the win at home in this NFC Wildcard rematch. LOSS

Week 2 at Arizona Cardinals

Coming off the Week 1 loss, the Rams will be desperate for a win when they travel to Glendale, Arizona. Luckily, the Cardinals don’t have an imposing defense, so Stafford and company should be able to put up at least 24 points in this one. While Arizona will have a healthy Kyler Murray to go with exciting rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., that won’t be enough to land them the victory. WIN

Week 3 vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Niners return many of their core players from last year’s squad that was just a few plays away from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. Although the Rams will be charged up for their home opener, it’s hard to bet against a Christian McCaffrey-led offense when it’s playing a new-look defense. LOSS

Week 4 at Chicago Bears

The Bears are a prime candidate to be the NFL’s most-improved squad if Caleb Williams lives up to expectations. The USC alum will have had three weeks of regular-season experience under his belt at this point, so this could be a coming-out party at home for him and the stacked Chicago offense. LOSS

Week 5 vs. Green Bay Packers

At 1-3, the Rams’ playoff hopes will already be on life support by the time the Packers roll into town to begin October. Luckily, Los Angeles’ defense will finally have had time to take shape, and Stafford is still very much capable of outplaying Jordan Love. WIN

Week 7 vs. Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders, who sport one of the weakest quarterback rooms in the NFL, may have a hard time keeping up with the Rams’ talented offense on the road. While Davante Adams and rookie tight end Brock Bowers may present a challenge for Los Angeles’ secondary, that won’t be enough to secure an upset victory. WIN

Week 8 vs. Minnesota Vikings (TNF)

The Vikings have a similar predicament to Las Vegas, as the trio of JJ McCarthy, Sam Darnold, and Zach Wilson all pale in comparison to Stafford. Tre’Daivious White against Justin Jefferson will be a prime-time matchup, but expect the Rams to get the better end of it here. WIN

Week 9 at Seattle Seahawks

Riding high off a three-game win streak, Los Angeles’ momentum may finally slow down in Seattle. Seahawks’ receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba is a prime candidate to take the next step in his development by this point in the season, not to mention the presence of veteran playmakers DK Metcalf and Kenneth Walker III. LOSS

Week 10 vs. Miami Dolphins (MNF)

In a prime-time matchup that will see plenty of offensive fireworks, fans will be treated to seeing two of the best wide receivers in NFL history in the same game. Cooper Kupp and Tyreek Hill should both have good outings, but expect the Rams to pull this one out in a close shootout at home. WIN

Week 11 at New England Patriots 

The Patriots have a lot to figure out in the Jerod Mayo era, including how to win games again. Don’t expect it to happen against a far superior roster, even at home. WIN

Week 12 vs. Philadelphia Eagles (SNF)

The Eagles will have some demons to shake off in the post-Jason Kelce era, as they suffered an embarrassing late-season collapse last year. Don’t expect it to happen, as Jalen Hurts and company are too talented to wilt away a second consecutive year. LOSS

Week 13 at New Orleans Saints

As long as the Rams are still healthy by this point, they should be able to take care of business fairly easily against an unimpressive Saints roster, even on the road. WIN

Week 14 vs. Buffalo Bills

With the departure of Stefon Diggs, it remains to be seen how the Bills will replace that production. As of now, it’s hard to pick them against a Rams offense that will probably have more balance and explosiveness. WIN

Week 15 at San Francisco 49ers (TNF)

Playing a Super Bowl-caliber team on the road, on a short week, and late in the season when injuries pile up is not a recipe for victory on paper. LOSS

Week 16 at New York Jets

The Rams will face an uphill battle to score against a dangerous Jets defense on the road, especially in the cold weather. LOSS

Week 17 vs. Arizona Cardinals

With a possible playoff berth on the line, don’t expect the Rams to blow it at home against an inferior roster. Stafford has been in these moments plenty of times, so Los Angeles will be in safe hands. WIN

Week 18 vs. Seattle Seahawks

Ditto for the regular-season finale, as the Rams are too good to get swept by the Seahawks. Seattle has promise, but it’ll be tough for Geno Smith or Sam Howell to beat Los Angeles on the road in a must-win for the West Coast outfit. WIN

Final Record: 10-7