LA Rams: NFC West Divisional crown is within reach for all 4 teams

The NFC West is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. To win it, the LA Rams will have to win early and often

Since 2008, all four NFC West teams have played in the Super Bowl. No other NFL division can make that same boast. In 2020, the NFC West winner could be the LA Rams or any of the other three teams.

The Arizona Cardinals have been re-tooling their team for the past few seasons. Kyler Murray looks like he will be able to turn the Cardinals offense into a lethal juggernaut. Expect them to finish fourth again in the division.

The Seattle Seahawks added Jamal Adams this week to make their defense more stingy. But later lost CB Quinton Dunbar for an indefinite period. QB Russell Wilson has the experience and savvies to make another trip to the Super Bowl. For Seattle to win the divisional crown, the Seattle running game will have to improve.

The San Francisco 49ers played for the Lombardi Trophy in February. Like most teams, they were unable to stop the Kansas City offense. Jimmy Garoppolo still has the tools to make another run for the NFL championship.

Last season was a disastrous year for the LA Rams, following their first Super Bowl appearance since 2001. Problems with the running attack appeared thanks to a battered offensive line. This season there will be a new offense with a fresh new philosophy.

Three things the LA Rams need to do to win the NFC West crown

First, the Rams have to win early and often. In the first 8 weeks of the season, LA plays on the road five times. The Rams have to defeat Dallas in week 1 to set the tone for the season.

The Rams will play each NFC East team by week 5. Winning in Buffalo will be a tough chore but very possible. In week 6, they must beat San Francisco on the road.

Next, rookie running back Cam Akers has to emerge as a significant weapon in the new offense. While veteran RB Malcolm Brown will be the power back, Akers must make the plays each time he touches the ball. Most of all, he must stay healthy throughout the season. Former RB Todd Gurley played a huge role in 2018. Injuries basically slowed him down. Akers was drafted to re-set the running back position.

Third, the Rams have to set the tone by aggressive play. Remember how the played too conservative in the Super Bowl? There is a goal to be grasped and they should leave no stone unturned in achieving that goal. QB Jared Goff has to show Rams fans that he is the franchise quarterback. He must be decisive and accurate with his throws. Sean McVay needs to set the tone with his game plan.

This season will be remembered as how the pandemic changed society. How crazy would it be for the Rams to win the NFC West without any fans in the stadium? Let’s see how it all plays out.