The Los Angeles Rams return from their bye week tied with the Seahawks atop the NFC West at 5-2. For the Rams to retain their hold on the division crown, they must maintain their hot start to the season and not fall victim to trap games—like the one on Sunday against the Saints. So, will L.A. be able to do it?
According to Sharp Football Analysis, the Rams have the 15th-toughest remaining strength of schedule. For comparison, the 49ers have the ninth-toughest and the division-leading Seahawks have the 21st-hardest.
L.A. has five games against winning teams on the docket, including three straight matchups versus opponents over .500 following the Saints game. The good news is that Los Angeles will host three of those five matchups. However, three of those games against winning teams will come against division rivals, because for whatever reason, the NFL wanted the Rams to play all but one of their divisional games after the bye week.
Compared to the rest of the league, the team is middle of the pack in terms of strength of schedule. That is a promising sign that the Rams have what it takes to handle business en route to defending their division crown.
Here are the biggest remaining games for each of the three NFC West contenders (sorry Cardinals, I’m afraid you’re already out of it!):
Rams
- Week 10: at 49ers
- Week 11: vs. Seahawks
- Week 12: vs. Bucs
- Week 15: vs. Lions
- Week 16: at Seahawks
Seahawks
- Week 11: at Rams
- Week 15: vs. Colts
- Week 16: vs. Rams
- Week 18: at 49ers
49ers
- Week 10: vs. Rams
- Week 16: at Colts
- Week 17: vs. Bears
- Week 18: vs. Seahawks
To me, the Rams have the toughest remaining schedule according to the eye test. Given that L.A. is playing most of its divisional games on top of that, NFC seeding will be at play in each of those matchups. San Francisco’s remaining schedule is a breeze, and is fortunate to play the majority of its toughest upcoming games at home. That could help give them their best chance at pushing the Rams for the division crown, assuming their health issues don’t get in the way.
The Rams have control of their own destiny in hopes of winning their second consecutive NFC West title. Everything is fully in their grasp, but all they need to do is win, so the pressure’s on. Nothing they haven’t done before.
