3 huge challenges facing the LA Rams from the 2021 NFL Schedule

II. Savage September

The Rams open September hosting the Chicago Bears (8-8), traveling to take on the Indianapolis Colts (11-5), and hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5). Of course, there is always some speculative nature about teams when the new NFL season begins, and due to the fact that it is a brand new season, will they be as good as last year?

Well, we know that the defending NFL Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be good, as they brought back virtually anyone who contributed to their Super Bowl win in 2020. The Indianapolis Colts are always dangerous, and they’ve traded for QB Carson Wentz to reunite with head coach Frank Reich. They, much like the Rams, have high expectations for their new veteran quarterback.

Meanwhile, those Chicago Bears always seem to be problematic to the LA Rams. And they have an option to start Nick Foles, Andy Dalton, or rookie Justin Fields in that opener against the Rams. Will Rams head coach Sean McVay be able to juice up the offense under quarterback Matthew Stafford?   Do the Rams have the right weapons to overwhelm defenses right out of the gates? We’ll find out in September 2021.

When the opponent has the ball, can the Rams be as formidable stopping both the run and the pass?  How will the Rams address the multiple vacancies on the defensive side of the ball. Will the defense be able to carry the team in the first few games if the offense does not hit the road running?

The Rams do not open with any gimme games. Each contest will be a huge challenge. The Rams will face a wide range of teams, all of whom have realistic expectations in 2021 to compete in the playoffs. Unlike 2020, when the Rams faced the underwhelming NFC East in four of the first five games, the Rams will not be as fortunate out of the gates in 2021.