Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay. David Banks-Imagn Images

Rams look to replicate last year's post-bye surge for playoff berth

By Victor Haltom | Last updated Oct 18, 2024 4:17 PM ET

Coming off their bye week, the 1-4 Los Angeles Rams are in a position comparable to that in which they found themselves last season.

In their 2023-24 campaign, the Rams went 3-6 before their bye. Then, they flipped the switch, winning seven of their final eight regular-season matchups to secure a playoff spot.

The team's bye came earlier this season, after only five games. However, the Rams again went into the bye week three games below .500. Can they turn it around like they did last year?

Their schedule resumes favorably with a home game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

To whom it may concern, we will not be available on any of the following dates in 2024.

️ https://t.co/LM6teKeZqG | NFLN, 5/15 5PM pic.twitter.com/Xs6uwUdT4X
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 16, 2024

The Sporting News' Teddy Ricketson has questioned whether the Raiders threw in the towel on the 2024-25 season when they traded away star wide receiver Davante Adams.

Furthermore, the Raiders are battling the injury bug. Among those missing practice this week for Las Vegas were WR Jakobi Meyers (ankle), defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle), linebackers Tommy Eichenberg (quadriceps) and Kana'i Mauga (knee), guard Dylan Parham (foot) and defensive tackle Kolton Miller (shoulder).

By contrast, the Rams are recuperating. After being wracked by multiple early-season injuries, key players like All-Pro WR Cooper Kupp and rotational offensive lineman Joe Noteboom returned to practice this week.

Sean McVay today said @RamsNFL WR Cooper Kupp is 'trending in right direction' to possibly play vs. Raiders. Additionally, the 21-day practice window opened today for OL Joe Noteboom:https://t.co/cQO9QeQCU7
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) October 17, 2024

If the Rams hope to replicate last season's post-bye playoff run, a victory over the Raiders is a necessary first step.

The Rams are favored by seven points over the Raiders. Kickoff is on Sunday at SoFi Stadium at 4:05 p.m. EST.

Victor Haltom

Victor Haltom began his undergraduate studies at SMU, then transferred to Penn State, graduating with BA in philosophy. He has extensive writing and editing experience, with over 250 sports-related articles having been published.

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