Even at only 3-3, LA Rams have reasons for optimism

With a third of the NFL season behind them, the LA Rams pull into their early season BYE week pitstop to change the tires, top off the gas tank, and check under the hood. The LA Rams are back to .500 football, and that is certainly a far cry better than 2-4.

During the BYE week, the NFC stumbled a bit. Many of the 3-3 teams that are competing with the LA Rams for limited NFL Playoff berths lost. Those teams included the Atlanta Falcons, the Green Bay Packers, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and even the San Francisco 49ers.

But let’s not pop any champagne corks just yet.  After all, the LA Rams have lost three games to teams with a combined record of 13-7. The same LA Rams have defeated three teams who have a combined record of 8-13. See the problem?

Through November 2022, the Rams will take on teams who have combined for a record of 13-16.  In December, the Rams will face teams with a combined record of 11-16. Finally, in January 2023, the Rams will face teams with records that are a combined 8-6.

LA Rams’ once ‘tough’ schedule now appears less difficult

Yes, this is not as tough of a schedule as first feared when the 2022 NFL season schedule dropped. But so far the Rams are only beating bad teams, and are getting a good rump-kicking by teams that are looking like they will compete in the postseason.

Hopefully, that will improve as the LA Rams roster gets healthy. That process is already beginning, as the Rams have designated WR Van Jefferson, RB Kyren Williams, DB Troy Hill, and ILB Travin Howard to return from Injured Reserve. Even better, the Rams will get starting offensive center Brian Allen back in the offensive line, his first start since Game 1. He will be joined by rookie Cobie Durant, who is expected to be back from a hamstring injury.

Doesn’t it always seem as though the games in which the LA Rams face the San Francisco 49ers carry so much importance to them? This one is no different, as the victory of Game 7 will be in a prime position to challenge the NFC West Division-leading Seattle Seahawks for the division title. The loser will, unfortunately, have quite a difficult time even making it to the playoffs.

The Rams have never had an easy time against the 49ers, now struggling to end a seven regular season game losing streak to their Northern California rivals. But if they can somehow find a way to win this one, the team will be in pretty good shape in the NFC.

Of course, this is the Rams and they are playing the 49ers. So throw everything out the window. Still, the LA Rams have a reason for optimism. So let’s see how it all plays out.