2017 Los Angeles Rams game-by-game predictionsBy Alden Gonzalez
LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Rams will now play against the AFC South, the only division that didn't have a double-digit-win team last year. Their first two games will be at home. Their last will come against a popular pick to finish with the NFL's worst record. In between are several winnable games, too. But the Rams, under an entirely new coaching staff, still have a lot to figure out internally. Here's an early, game-by-game look at how the 2017 season could shake out.
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 10, vs. Indianapolis Colts, 4:05 p.m. ET
One thing is pretty clear about the Rams' 2017 schedule: They'll face a lot of good quarterbacks. The first will be Andrew Luck. But Luck is coming off shoulder surgery, and the Rams' quarterback, Jared Goff, will be facing off against a shaky secondary. He should get off on the right foot here. Record: 1-0
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 17, vs. Washington Redskins, 4:25 p.m. ET
Former Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay left to join the Rams, and soon thereafter, Washington's top two receivers, DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon, signed with other teams. Now Jay Gruden has a transitioning offense on his hands. But it's still better than the one McVay inherited. Record: 1-1
Week 3: Thursday, Sept. 21, at San Francisco 49ers, 8:25 p.m. ET
Last year, the 49ers embarrassed the Rams in a season-opening game on Monday Night Football. They won two games all year, and both came against the Rams, the last one on the strength of an impressive comeback at the Coliseum. The 49ers, now under Kyle Shanahan, will continue to be bad. The Rams should be better against them. Record: 2-1
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 1, at Dallas Cowboys, 1 p.m. ET
This will be the Rams' toughest test all season. Their defense should be pretty good, but new defensive coordinator and former Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips will have a hard time trying to contain Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten. On offense, the Rams don't have anywhere close to the firepower to keep up. Record: 2-2
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