Can the Rams repeat their 2021 run to the Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium in 2026? Here’s a prediction at how their regular season, with a scheduled ranked 13th-toughest in the 32-team NFL, will play out following Thursday’s NFL schedule release:
Sept. 10: San Francisco 49ers, 5:35 p.m., Melbourne, Australia
The Rams will likely spend more time in the air than on the ground in Australia, but that approach proved successful for last year’s trip to London, which ended in a 35-7 win over the Jaguars. It’s a good bet the Rams will replicate that success this time around, too, even if it’s against a very familiar and formidable opponent. Win. Record: 1-0
Sept. 21: New York Giants, 5:15 p.m., SoFi Stadium
The Rams will have 11 days to recover from their trip across the Pacific Ocean before this “Monday Night Football” matchup. The Giants’ defensive front will be a formidable opponent, but the Rams’ pass rush should be able to control the game against an offensive line that struggled a year ago. Win. Record: 2-0
Sept. 27: Denver Broncos, 5:20 p.m., Empower Field at Mile High
The first true road game of the year will come at altitude in Denver, and on primetime on “Sunday Night Football.” In what could be a potential Super Bowl preview, this game should be a heavyweight fight. But the wear and tear of the previous two weeks of travel could catch up to the Rams in a hostile environment. Loss. Record: 2-1
Oct. 4: Philadelphia Eagles, 10 a.m., Lincoln Financial Field
This is a matchup the Rams have altered their defense to prepare for the last two years, first by getting stouter in the run game with Poona Ford and Nate Landman a year ago, and then with the additions of physical cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson this offseason. After going 0-3 against Philly the last two years, the Rams get over the hump now. Win. Record: 3-1
Oct. 12: Buffalo Bills, 5:15 p.m., SoFi Stadium
One thing the Rams haven’t proven they can beat the last two years is a quarterback who can extend plays outside of the pocket. No one is better at that than Josh Allen. It will take a heroic effort from the offense for the Rams to pull this one out. Loss. Record: 3-2
Oct. 18: Arizona Cardinals, 1:05 p.m., SoFi Stadium
No more Kyler Murray to pressure the Rams’ defense. But defensive coordinator Chris Shula will have to be on his game against former Rams offensive coordinator and current Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur. Win. Record: 4-2
Oct. 25: Las Vegas Raiders, 1:15 p.m., Allegiant Stadium
Vegas figures to be improved after drafting Fernando Mendoza and remaking the offense in new head coach Klint Kubiak’s image. But this will be a team in transition, and one that the Rams can attack along the edges of the offensive line. Win. Record: 5-2
Nov. 1: Los Angeles Chargers, 1:05 p.m., SoFi Stadium
This will be a tough test of the Rams’ outside run defense after a year in which the team struggled mightily in that department. New Chargers OC Mike McDaniel can and will exploit those kinds of weaknesses with Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell. Win. Record: 6-2
Nov. 8: Washington Commanders, 10 a.m., Northwest Stadium
This will be the Rams’ first look at quarterback Jayden Daniels, the type of dual-threat quarterback that gives them issues. His arm strength, too, will challenge the backend of the Rams’ remade defense. Loss. Record: 6-3
Nov. 15: Arizona Cardinals, 1:05 p.m., State Farm Stadium
Weird things happen in Glendale, Ariz., but probably not with this year’s iteration of the Cardinals. Win. Record: 7-3
Week 11: Bye week
Nov. 25: Green Bay Packers, 5 p.m., SoFi Stadium
A Wednesday night game all but guarantees something weird will happen here. Head coach Matt LaFleur has had success against his former team, but the Packers’ secondary should have a hard time containing the Rams’ receiver room. Win. Record: 8-3
Dec. 3: Kansas City Chiefs, 5:15 p.m., SoFi Stadium
Patrick Mahomes will be back from his ACL tear this late in the season. But like the Packers, the Chiefs don’t have the guns in the secondary to match up with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, especially with last year’s starting corners now playing for the Rams. Win. Record: 9-3
Dec. 13: San Francisco 49ers, 1:25 p.m., Levi’s Stadium
The Rams have swept the season series against the 49ers just twice in the Sean McVay-Kyle Shanahan eras. Loss. Record: 9-4
Dec. 20: Dallas Cowboys, 1:25 p.m., SoFi Stadium
The Dallas defense figures to be a lot better than it was a year ago, but the Rams have too much firepower for a team in a transition year to compete with. Win. Record: 10-4
Dec. 25: Seattle Seahawks, 5:15 p.m., Lumen Field
This is the game the Rams will have been waiting for all year after the Seahawks beat them in the NFC championship game. Expect them to come in looking to prove a point, and to make one with McDuffie shadowing Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Win. Record: 11-4
Week 17: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, time TBD, Raymond James Stadium
This flex game is going to be a tough challenge for the Rams’ offensive line, particularly on the interior against defensive tackle Calijah Kancey. Win. Record: 12-4
Week 18: Seattle Seahawks, time TBD, SoFi Stadium
Will this flex game game determine the fate of the NFC West? The NFL sure hopes so. But it’s tough to beat a good team twice in a season, let alone in three weeks, so the Rams better hope they have the division wrapped up before Week 18. Loss. Record: 12-5