The NFL released the complete 2020-21 schedule on Thursday night, so the Los Angeles Rams now know the journey that is ahead of them as they look to get back in postseason contention this upcoming season.
As was expected to be the case in a tough NFC West division, the Rams’ schedule is one of the most difficult in the NFL. They have four 10 a.m. PT East Coast games, which no West Coast team wants, although they also have five Primetime games on the schedule, which is tied for the most in the NFL.
The first Primetime game on the schedule comes right away in Week 1 when the Rams open up SoFi Stadium by hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.
When discussing his team’s schedule, that Week 1 game is what stood out to Rams head coach Sean McVay, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
Rams head coach Sean McVay's reaction to the 2020 schedule:
"The first thing that stands out is just the opportunity to open up on primetime in front of the world in the new stadium. That was something I think we had all hoped for. It's a great challenge against the Cowboys."
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) May 8, 2020
While they don’t play in the same division, the Rams have Cowboys have met a couple of times in the last two seasons, making for a small rivalry. L.A. defeated Dallas in the postseason two years ago on their way to the Super Bowl, although the Cowboys returned the favor in Week 15 of last year.
Both teams are coming off disappointing 2019 seasons in which they missed the postseason so will be coming into Week 1 with chips on their shoulders.
Additionally, the game will serve as a homecoming for special teams coordinator John Fassel and kicker Greg Zuerlein, both of whom left the Rams for the Cowboys this offseason.
With such a difficult schedule, getting a win in Week 1 to build some momentum will be important for the Rams, especially since it will be their first game in a brand new stadium.
