After a better-than-expected 2023-24 season, the Los Angeles Rams aim to carry that momentum into the 2024-25 season. Despite the offseason retirement of future Hall of Fame defensive lineman Aaron Donald, the Rams’ roster remains strong with key veterans and promising new talent. The team’s odds, according to TwinSpires.com, stand at +3500 to win the Super Bowl, +1600 to win the NFC, and +380 to win the NFC West Division. They will start the season with a projected win total of 8.5 games.
Key Players and Roster Updates
Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is coming off his best season in years, and star receiver Cooper Kupp is back healthy. The team is also bolstered by second-year players who emerged as important starters during their rookie seasons, such as receiver Puka Nacua, defensive lineman Kobie Turner, center Steve Avila, and outside linebacker Byron Young. The Rams have added impactful free agents and drafted rookies, including left guard Jonah Jackson, tight end Colby Parkinson, cornerbacks Darius Williams and Tre’Davious White, safety Kam Curl, and first- and second-round picks Jared Verse (outside linebacker) and Braden Fiske (defensive tackle). Additionally, the Rams have finally secured a reliable kicker.
Rams 2024-25 Schedule Observations
- Week One Barn Burner vs the Detroit Lions: Fans are in for a treat right out of the gates with another Rams trip to Ford Field, the scene of a bitter wild-card loss just a few months ago. This matchup is crucial for setting the tone of the season. If Stafford plays like he did in Week 1 in 2023 against Seattle, the Rams could make a statement against a Super Bowl favorite. This game will be about pride and making a statement, especially with the history and connections between Stafford, the city, and Jared Goff’s new contract.
- Early Bye Week: The Rams’ bye week falls early in Week 6. While this can help with early-season injuries, it also means a potentially grueling second half without a break, including two Thursday night games.
- Challenging Thursday Night Games: After their Week 6 bye, the Rams face two Thursday Night Football games against the Vikings (Week 8) and the 49ers (Week 15). These games, particularly the one against the 49ers, could have significant playoff implications. Sean McVay against Kyle Shanahan is always a must-watch, even if the game has historically been lopsided in favor of Shanahan.
- First MNF with Fans at SoFi Stadium: For the first time since SoFi Stadium opened, the Rams will play a Monday Night Football game with fans in attendance, hosting the Dolphins in Week 10. This adds extra excitement and energy for the team and fans alike.
- Few Long Road Trips: This season, the Rams avoid lengthy travel periods. They don’t have any three-game road trips and only face back-to-back road games twice, against the Lions and Cardinals (Weeks 1 and 2) and, later, the 49ers and Jets. This favorable travel schedule should benefit the team. West Coast teams usually have challenging travel schedules, but this year looks different.
- National Exposure: Returning to prime-time prominence, the Rams are slated for five prime-time, nationally televised games, including matchups against the Lions, Vikings, Dolphins, Eagles, and 49ers. This indicates the league’s confidence in the Rams’ competitive edge this season.
- Few Opponents Coming Off a Bye: Unlike the 2023-24 season, when the Rams faced four teams coming off their bye weeks, this year, they only faced one such team, the Saints, in Week 13. This should reduce the rest of the disadvantages that plagued them last season.
- Favorable Mid-Season Stretch: Weeks 1-5 feature potentially challenging games against the Lions, Cardinals, Bears, 49ers, and Packers. However, the Rams’ schedule eases after their Week 6 bye. During a five-game stretch, they have winnable games against the Raiders, Vikings, Seahawks, and Patriots. Success in these games could significantly boost their playoff chances.
Overall, the Rams look like a tough team to beat and a playoff contender on paper. However, their success will ultimately depend on Stafford’s health and the sustained success of their run game behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. As the season unfolds, fans will eagerly watch to see if the Rams can capitalize on their favorable schedule and return to postseason success.