USA Today projects Rams’ 2020 record, and it’s not pretty...

USA TODAY projects Rams' 2020 record, and it's not pretty

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Cameron DaSilva

The Rams are no longer the kings of the NFC West as they were for two seasons from 2017-2018, finishing third in the division last season. Could they slide even further in 2020 and end up in the basement of the NFL’s best division?

Nate Davis of USA TODAY released his annual record predictions for the upcoming season and that’s exactly where he has the Rams finishing. Davis projects the Rams to go 6-10, behind the 7-9 Cardinals, 9-7 Seahawks and 12-4 49ers.

The 49ers and Seahawks make the playoffs in this scenario, but neither reaches the Super Bowl; Davis projects a Saints-Ravens matchup with New Orleans winning it all.

Here’s what Davis wrote about the Rams, noting Jared Goff’s play behind a shaky offensive line, a rookie defensive coordinator and early kickoffs in the first half of the season.

Los Angeles Rams (6-10): They’re not two years removed from that Super Bowl LIII run even if it feels long ago. Not going to be easy for QB Jared Goff to reclaim his Pro Bowl form behind these blockers and inexperienced backs. Meanwhile, the defense is breaking in rookie coordinator Brandon Staley. Oh, and the Rams will also be dealing with four 1 p.m. ET kickoffs in the first eight weeks.

A 6-10 record isn’t out of the question for Los Angeles, especially given the competitiveness of the NFC West and how difficult the Rams’ schedule is. They have to face the likes of the Cowboys, Eagles, Bills and Buccaneers outside the division, none of which are easy wins.

They do have favorable matchups with the Jets, Dolphins, Giants and Washington, but the Rams can’t sleep walk through those games, either.

When we predicted each game on their schedule, we had the Rams going 10-6, which is a stark contrast from Davis’ projection. There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding this team and coaching staff, but the talent is there for Los Angeles to make a playoff run. It just needs to be more consistent offensively and improve on defense.