The 2024 NFL schedule is out and the Los Angeles Rams now know the path they must take in order to reach the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
What stands out as the toughest stretch in the Rams’ upcoming campaign? There’s one portion that stands out from the rest, and that’s the first five games. It’s hyperbole to say that Los Angeles’ postseason fate will be decided in just the first five weeks, but emerging from this stretch favorably would set them up for success ahead of what seems like an early mid-season reprieve:
Week 1 at Detroit Lions
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The Rams start the season the same way they ended the last, and that’s with Matthew Stafford traveling back to Detroit to take on his former team—and with Sean McVay facing his former quarterback in Jared Goff. Goff helped the Lions reach the NFC Championship game last year, and it’s difficult to make an argument that Dan Campbell’s team isn’t the clear favorite in the NFC for 2024.
The Lions are one of the hottest teams in football, and Stafford and the Rams have a chance to spoil what should be an energetic evening at Ford Field. Can Stafford finally get his revenge after coming up short in the wildcard last year?
Week 2 at Arizona Cardinals
The first mistake that people make when evaluating the new schedule is assuming that the standings will stay the same as they did in 2023. This isn’t the same Cardinals team, and I personally think they are going to be more feisty than many expect. Kyler Murray is now a full year removed from his ACL injury and will have a full offseason to work with his team in his second year of the same offensive scheme. Arizona just added the top receiver in the NFL Draft in Marvin Harrison, Jr., and he’ll pair with one of the best young pass catchers in the NFL in Trey McBride.
Murray will be pleased to not see Aaron Donald on the opposing sideline.
Arizona was a fun, well-coached team a year ago. After eight picks within the first 104 overall selections of this year’s draft, the Cardinals should be more talented this year under Jonathan Gannon. I also wouldn’t put it past Gannon to come up with a single game plan that could frustrate McVay early in the year.
Week 3 vs San Francisco 49ers
There’s no team that’s had the Rams’ number in the regular more than the 49ers, and this will be a tough test for a new-look LA defense. How will new starters in Kamren Curl, Darious Williams, Tre White, Jared Verse, and Braden Fiske fare against the offensive genius of Kyle Shanahan? If the young defense can hold it’s own in this game, then they’ll set a high bar for the rest of the year.
It’s worth mentioning that this will be Brock Purdy’s second game against the Rams.
Week 4 at Chicago Bears
It’s not ideal to start the season with three of four games on the road, but that’s the hand the Rams have been dealt in 2024.
The Rams are probably happy to see Caleb Williams early in the season versus late in the year after he’s found his footing. Still, Williams has one of the best supporting casts we’ve ever seen for a number one overall draft choice in DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet, a stable of useful running backs, and a capable offensive line. The rookie may step into the NFL as a top 10 quarterback from day one and will be a tough out for the Rams defense.
Week 5 vs Green Bay Packers
The Packers have been a tough matchup for the Rams in the Sean McVay era. In 2018 the Rams recovered a fumble on a kickoff late in the game to keep the ball away from what would have been an Aaron Rodgers comeback attempt. Since they’ve lost the last four games, including a 3-20 outing last year where the offense looked inept with Brett Rypien under center.
This will be the Rams’ second look at Jordan Love, though he’s made remarkable progress since LA saw him around the middle of the season last year. Can Stafford get the job done against his former NFC North foe?
At least the Rams will play this game in the luxurious comfort of SoFi Stadium instead of the frigid Green Bay cold.
Week 6: BYE
A week of rest before what, for now, seems to be a more comfortable stretch of the schedule against the Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, and Seattle Seahawks.
RECORD PREDICTION AFTER FIVE GAMES: 2-3
Disagree with my record prediction or believe there is a tougher stretch on the Rams’ new schedule? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
