It was clear from the moment the 2024 schedule was released that the Los Angeles Rams had their work cut out for them in the first five weeks of the season. With matchups against contenders like the Lions, 49ers and Packers, as well as difficult road games against the Cardinals and Bears, it always looked like a daunting start to the year for Los Angeles.
And sure enough, the Rams struggled to find much success before their Week 6 bye. They’re 1-4 through five games and sit in the basement of the NFC West. The season is far from over but they can’t afford to lose many more games.
The good news is the schedule is about to lighten up and get a bit easier. That’s not to say the Rams will have an easy slate in the final 12 weeks, but it shouldn’t be as difficult as the first five games.
Ben Baldwin made a chart to show each team’s past and remaining strength of schedule using the betting market rankings and the Rams had the toughest schedule through Week 5 – by a pretty wide margin, too. As for their remaining schedule, only nine teams have an easier finish to the year than the Rams in the final 13 weeks.
The Seahawks have played the easiest schedule so far and have the 3rd-hardest remaining schedule, starting tomorrow against SF.
The Bears have a wild remaining schedule pic.twitter.com/FUj2muPhBN
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) October 9, 2024
Tankathon views the Rams’ remaining schedule as being a little bit tougher based on win percentage, ranking it 15th in the NFL. the toughest opponents on the remaining slate are the Vikings, Bills, Seahawks (twice) and Eagles, according to Tankathon, which doesn’t even take into consideration the fact that the Rams have to face the 49ers again.
On the more favorable side, they get to face the Patriots, Raiders, Saints, Dolphins and Jets. The Cardinals crushed the Rams in their first meeting but they’re not necessarily the toughest opponent after getting steamrolled by the Commanders two weeks ago.
Regardless of how easy or tough the Rams’ remaining schedule might be, they need to win at least eight of their final 12 games in order to have any shot at the playoffs.