The annual game-by-game predictions for NFC West teams will be rolling out on the blog throughout Thursday, beginning with a 5-11 projection on the St. Louis Rams based on these projected outcomes:
I've used red type to identify projected defeats that could qualify as "swing" games for hopeful fans. The opener against Arizona isn't in red type because I didn't want Ken Whisenhunt printing out this blog entry as more evidence of disrespect toward his two-time defending NFC West champs.
Last season, I couldn't find a victory on the Rams schedule until their eighth game, and that's how the first half of the season played out. This season, there might be some reaching going on with my projected Rams victory over Carolina in Week 8, but otherwise I had the Rams losing eight in a row, and I think they'll do better than that this season. They nearly beat New Orleans and Houston at home last season.
The Rams do draw a more favorable home schedule this season in terms of opposing quarterbacks. They faced Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Kurt Warner and Matt Schaub at the Edward Jones Dome last season. That's a brutal home schedule for a team that wasn't going to fare well on the road. The Rams need some more manageable home games this season. They still face some good quarterbacks, but the list isn't nearly as formidable as the one from 2009.
I gave the Rams a 4-4 home record as a result. That could be generous, but not if the Rams have better luck with injuries this season.
Week 1: lose vs. Cardinals
Week 2: lose at Raiders
Week 3: win vs. Redskins
Week 4: win vs. Seahawks
Week 5: win at Lions
Week 6: lose vs. Chargers
Week 7: lose at Bucs
Week 8: win vs. Panthers
Week 9: no game
Week 10: lose at 49ers
Week 11: lose vs. Falcons
Week 12: lose at Broncos
Week 13: lose at Cardinals
Week 14: lose at Saints
Week 15: win vs. Chiefs
Week 16: lose vs. 49ers
Week 17: lose at Seahawks
I've used red type to identify projected defeats that could qualify as "swing" games for hopeful fans. The opener against Arizona isn't in red type because I didn't want Ken Whisenhunt printing out this blog entry as more evidence of disrespect toward his two-time defending NFC West champs.
Last season, I couldn't find a victory on the Rams schedule until their eighth game, and that's how the first half of the season played out. This season, there might be some reaching going on with my projected Rams victory over Carolina in Week 8, but otherwise I had the Rams losing eight in a row, and I think they'll do better than that this season. They nearly beat New Orleans and Houston at home last season.
The Rams do draw a more favorable home schedule this season in terms of opposing quarterbacks. They faced Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Kurt Warner and Matt Schaub at the Edward Jones Dome last season. That's a brutal home schedule for a team that wasn't going to fare well on the road. The Rams need some more manageable home games this season. They still face some good quarterbacks, but the list isn't nearly as formidable as the one from 2009.
I gave the Rams a 4-4 home record as a result. That could be generous, but not if the Rams have better luck with injuries this season.
Mike Sando | email
NFL- NFC West Blogger
- Joined ESPN in 2007
- Lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
You must be signed in to post a comment