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Rams Strength of Schedule Aided by Return of Matthew Stafford

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Scott Salomon | Last updated May 7, 2025 4:46 PM ET

The return of quarterback Matthew Stafford for the 2025 season is good news for the Los Angeles Rams as it relates to where they rank in terms of strength of schedule. The Rams are obviously a much better team with Stafford behind center.

Los Angeles will have the 16th strongest schedule according to a study prepared by Pro Football and Sports Network. PFSN believes the Rams can handle the schedule fairly well, which includes games against the Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles.

The teams that the Rams will face were determined at the end of the regular season based upon their finish in the division, but the full schedule including dates and times will be released on May 14.

"Games against the Lions and Ravens will serve as speed bumps, but the Rams are in win-now mode with Matthew Stafford back under center, and the schedule, depending on what you think of the division as a whole, isn’t overly daunting," PFSN said.

It was also noted Sean McVay's team performed well in close games last year and that experience should help them this season.

"The Rams were one of three teams to not lose a game by three or fewer points last season (two such wins) – more nail-biting games this year than last is likely, and their success rate in those games will likely swing their season, for better or worse," PFSN said.

Los Angeles will face each of its typical division teams twice, which include the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals.

The balance of their road games will include the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Ravens and Tennessee Titans. The most difficult game is perceived to be the road game against the Super Bowl champion Eagles.

At home, aside from the divisional games, the Rams will face the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers from the NFC South. They will also face the Lions, Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts at home.

The Rams' two preseason games have not been scheduled or released at this time.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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