Game-by-game predictions for Rams' regular-season schedule

The Los Angeles Rams have one of the more difficult schedules in the league this season, starting with a match against their archrivals, the San Francisco 49ers, in Melbourne, Australia. Somehow it's only a week away.

It hardly gets easier from there, as their first five games include four opponents who made the playoffs last season and are favored to do so again. Three sit in the top five in conference championship odds; the Bills are the AFC favorites.

The Rams themselves are favored to win it all, but as head coach Sean McVay likes to say, none of that means anything. The games must be played, and it won't be easy. With that, here's a look at LA's regular-season schedule, with predicted results for each game.

Los Angeles Rams 2026 schedule predictions

Week 1 vs 49ers, Sep 10 (Thursday): W

Final: Rams 24, 49ers 17.

Both teams approach the game with uncertainty. The 49ers are banged up on both sides of the ball; the Rams may be without one or both of left tackle Alaric Jackson and receiver Puka Nacua due to suspensions. Aaron Donald may or may not play as he gets up to speed in 11-on-11 activities. In the end, though, the Rams too much firepower for the bruised Niners to extinguish.

Week 2 vs Giants, Sep 21 (Monday): W

Final: Rams 30, Giants 19.

How nice of the NFL to give them some extra time to recover from the jet lag. The Giants should be better this season under new coach John Harbaugh, but the Horns topple them rather handily in this one.

Week 3 at Broncos, Sep 27: L

Final: Broncos 21, Rams 20.

Welp, shelve the undefeated season talks. Mile High is never an easy place to play; perhaps LA is feeling it a bit after all the early travel. Denver's defense will likely be the most difficult the Horns face this season after Seattle's. An ill-timed turnoer and a fourth-down conversion in the red zone give the home team the edge.

Week 4 at Eagles, Oct 4: W

Final: Rams 27, Eagles 24.

We need this one after last year's special teams embarrassment of the season, with a blocked go-ahead field-goal in the final seconds returned for a game-winning Eagles score. Luckily, the Rams show up with their game face on after a reality check in Denver.

Week 5 vs Bills, Oct 12 (Monday): W

Final: Rams 34, Bills 30.

Josh Allen engineers a late touchdown drive to get Buffalo back within striking distance, but Stafford and the Rams run out the clock on their final position to secure the victory.

Week 6 vs Cardinals, Oct 18: W

Final: Rams 35, Cardinals 10.

Is this a little harsh? After Mack Wilson's comments, predicting a blowout was too tempting to resist. It's also realistic. Arizona won't be good this season.

Week 7 at Raiders, Oct 25: W

Final: Rams 27, Raiders 14.

Is Kirk Cousins still quarterbacking for the Raiders, or has rookie Fernando Mendoza taken the reigns? It's worth noting Cousins' Falcons pie-faced the Horns late last season. in any case, that doesn't happen this time.

Week 8 vs Chargers, Nov 1: W

Final: Rams 24, Chargers 20.

When both teams share SoFi Stadium, this is effectively a mutual home game. It's a tight one, but LA's little brother still needs to put on some weight to take down the big boys.

Week 9 at Commanders, Nov 8: W

Final: Rams 34, Commanders 17.

Could be a sneaky spot on the road after a series of home games. Turns out it's not. Easy win.

Week 10 at Cardinals, Nov 15: W

Final: Rams 28, Cardinals 6.

Irresitable. Realistic. Book it.

Week 11 BYE

LA enters the bye 9-1. They'll need the rest before a grueling home stretch.

Week 12 vs Packers, Nov 25 (Wednesday): W

Final: Rams 27, Packers 21.

Playing this game at SoFi rather than at Lambeau Field in November is a definite advantage. Green Bay puts up a good fight with Micah Parsons being back by this point in the season, LA gets it done.

Week 13 vs Chiefs, Dec 3 (Thursday): W

Final: Rams 26, Chiefs 23.

This isn't the Chiefs dynasty of old. Mahomes can only do so much. Former teammate Jaylen Watson picks off a downfield heave to seal it for Los Angeles.

Week 14 at 49ers, Dec 13: L

Final: 49ers 23, Rams 20.

It only feels right. The McVay-Kyle Shanahan rivalry lives on.

Week 15 vs Cowboys, Dec 20: W

Final: Rams 31, Cowboys 21.

The Horns take out their frustration by bucking the Cowboys, whose new and improved defense still isn't nearly enough. Apologies to Jerry Jones.

Week 16 at Seahawks, Dec 25 (Thursday): L

Final: Seahawks 21, Rams 19.

Seattle takes this one by the same score the Rams won the first meeting last season. The Seahawks' vaunted defense gets some crucial stops in plus territory to force field goals instead of touchdowns.

Week 17 at Buccaneers, TBD: W

Final: Rams 27, Buccaneers 13.

The NFL has scheduled this as a flex game, depending on its relevance to both teams. We'll just assume it matters. Rams take care of business coming off a painful loss in Seattle.

Week 18 vs Seahawks, TBD: W

Final: Rams 31, Seahawks 27.

Another flex game, which could well decide the division. Back at home, the Rams hold onto a fourth-quarter lead to secure the NFC West crown.

Season record: 14-3. This should be enough to reclaim the NFC West and earn a first-round bye in the playoffs. 2026 is the definition of Super Bowl or bust. After a highly successful regular season, let's hope the Horns have plenty fuel in the tank and adequate magic in their cleats to pay it off.

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