St. Louis Rams 2014 Game-By-Game Predictions

Even though the NFL season is what seems like eons away, experts from around the web will put out their predictions for how the 2014 season will unfold. Vegas has already put out the betting numbers for the amount of wins for each team and the Rams came in at 7.5.

Last season I had the Rams going 10-6  and then making a surprise run to the NFC Championship game, when in reality they went 7-9 and missed the playoffs for the ninth straight season. To say I was off is an understatement, but then again, how was I supposed to know it would be Kellen Clemens and not Sam Bradford who would be starting for the Rams for half the season.

Im taking another crack at the way-too-early game by game predictions in hopes to do better. Here are my 2014 predictions for the St. Louis Rams.

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings

For the second straight season the Rams open at home in the Edward Jones Dome, this time not against a division opponent, but to a Vikings team looking to become respectable with a new coach and new quarterback. The Rams lost to the Vikings in 2012 by the final score of 36-22.

I believe this time will be different. The Rams will be ready and the Edward Jones Dome will be electric just like it was in week one last season. The key will be to contain Adrian Peterson. Rams start the season 1-0.

Rams 31 Vikings 17

Week 2: @Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Rams have beaten Tampa Bay the last two seasons. This time however, the Buccaneers have a good coach in Lovie Smith. The Buccaneers lost Darrell Revis, but signed Alterraun Verner to a pretty good defense, they also drafted Mike Evans to give the offense another big target and you can’t forget about Doug Martin. Tampa Bay could be a surprise team in 2014, they have potential.

I actually believe this game is going to be a lot closer than many people think, the big question will be is if the Rams defensive line can dominate the game like they did last season. I’d like to give the Rams the benefit of the doubt here, but I can’t bring myself to do it.

Rams 20 Buccaneers 23

Week 3: Dallas Cowboys

If the Rams can hold Demarco Murray to under 200 yards rushing, I would consider it a success. The Cowboys dominated the Rams last season, but that was in Dallas and this one is in St. Louis. However,  the Cowboys haven’t lost in week three since 2002, and haven’t lost to the Rams since 2008 in a game that Steven Jackson completely took over.

It will be crucial that the Rams go into the bye week with a winning record. The Cowboys lost Jason Hatcher and Demarcus Ware in the offseason. There will be question marks on the defense. If the Rams can run the football and stop the Cowboys offense, the Rams will win this game

Rams 27 Cowboys 24

Week 4: Bye

I have the Rams going into the bye at 2-1, and if they want to make the playoffs, they may have to. However, I could very easily see them coming into the early bye week at 3-0 or even as low as 1-2. 2-1 however, will put them in pretty good shape.

Week 5: @Philadelphia Eagles

I will be at this game, so the Rams better come out with a win. However, getting a win in Philadelphia is going to be a challenge. The Eagles have arguably the best offensive line in the NFL, and even without DeSean Jackson, their offense is dynamic.

This game is going to be a challenging one for the Rams. However, if the secondary can contain the Eagles wide receivers and they contain LeSean McCoy, I can see a win. That is what this game will come down to. Also, Nick Foles has a tendency to hold on to the football too long and doesn’t like to throw the ball away, but he also doesn’t turn the ball over. This game is on the road which could be the difference

Rams 17 Eagles 24