NFL Power Rankings 2020 preseason: Where do LA Rams fall?

Team 10 – Los Angeles Rams (9-7)

Here we are, the Los Angeles Rams.  Ranking the team this highly suggests that the Rams will be a playoff team in 2020. Many have a belief that the Rams will decline from a near-miss of the 2019 playoffs down to an NFC West basement record of 6-10.  I actually see the reverse happening, where the Rams will make small but far-reaching improvements on both special teams and offense to elevate the team to 10-6.

2019 summary

The LA Rams endured as many or more injuries to starters than any other NFL team, and yet salvaged a 9-7 season. The team reworked the offensive line multiple times in 2019, and the defensive backfield in midseason. The team believes the roster is strong enough to remain intact for 2020 and managed to attract three new coordinators to aid in a comeback this season. A disappointing season to be sure, but one that could have ended horribly worse.

Players lost

The Rams waved farewell to RB Todd Gurley, WR Brandin Cooks, OLB Dante Fowler Jr. and Clay Matthews, ILB Cory Littleton, S Eric Weddle, and CB Nickel Robey-Coleman.

Players added

The Rams added OLB Leonard Floyd and DT A’Shawn Robinson via free agency. Then the team added RB Cam Akers, WR Van Jefferson, S/CB Terrell Burgess, OLB Terrell Lewis, ILB Clay Johnston, and S Jordan Fuller in the 2020 NFL Draft.

2020 outlook

The Rams failure to make the playoffs set head coach on a mission to get better and they’ll likely do just that. The Rams are making improvements in all three aspects of the game, which will take the pressure off an offense that is unable to score at will any longer. That will pave the way for the Rams to sustain success in the future.