Rams hit with unsettling prediction after offseason raises durability concerns

It’s true that the Los Angeles Rams have yet to give any meaningful reps to starting quarterback Matthew Stafford or starting left tackle Alaric Jackson this offseason. In fact, the team has struggled to keep everyone practicing, as a string of injuries has caused a cascade effect, with players sitting out anywhere from a single practice to several weeks.

Still, the plan is to have everyone healthy and ready to play Week 1, when the Rams host the Houston Texans.

Bleacher Report's Moe Moton took on an ambitious project by projecting the final records of all 32 teams. Unfortunately, Moton seems to fall into the common trap of believing everything is fine in the world of the San Francisco 49ers, that this is the year the Arizona Cardinals won’t fade, and that the Los Angeles Rams are finally out of gas.

BR's Rams projections defy conventional wisdom for NFC West Division

Moton lays out the NFC West below:

1. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
2. Arizona Cardinals (10-7)
3. Los Angeles Rams (9-8)
4. Seattle Seahawks (7-10)

It's interesting. After all, no one can say for certain how things will shake out, but it feels like we're missing something.

The 49ers may have the easiest schedule, but they’re far from the same team that recently appeared in NFC Championship Games. The schedule argument is used ad infinitum to justify miraculous turnarounds for last season’s disappointments. Will every last-place team suddenly dominate every opponent? Maybe one. The other five? Not so much.

The 49ers defense has been gutted. Key offensive players are getting older. And the 49ers' offensive weapons are a bit lean.

Players will heal, sure, but they can’t be expected to plug and play instantly. Historical bias still seems to cloud his judgment here.

The Arizona Cardinals enter every season with a “this is our year” attitude, but until they avoid fading in the second half, I’m not buying in. Much of that skepticism comes from starting quarterback Kyler Murray. While he played all 17 games last year, he suited up for just 33 of 51 in the three seasons before that. And when he is under center, he’s not a superstar. He has speedy receivers, but ranks dead last, 41st out of 41 quarterbacks, in deep pass accuracy.

The Cardinals have made some strides, but whether the new pieces will actually click remains to be seen. It feels more like treading water toward an 8-9 finish than making a leap to 10-7.

We already know the factors that will shape the Los Angeles Rams’ season, both good and bad. While the roster is deep, once cuts are made, the depth will shrink back to the same limits that hurt them at the start of last year. And with lingering questions around QB Matthew Stafford and LT Alaric Jackson, there’s a clear case for taking a conservative approach.

The Rams are a stronger team than they were in 2024. The defense has taken clear steps forward, the offense has added a power running game and more 12-personnel options, and even special teams have improved. This group should finish better than last year’s 10-7 record, though just how much better will come down to durability and health.

The Seattle Seahawks have overhauled their offense, adding plenty of uncertainty to a team that came close last season. Gone are QB Geno Smith, WR Tyler Lockett, and DK Metcalf. In their place, QB Sam Darnold, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and WR Cooper Kupp take center stage. It’s a bold makeover that may pay off in time, but instant results seem unlikely.

The Seahawks aren’t heading for a collapse, but their offense relied on Geno Smith’s creativity, something Darnold doesn’t exactly bring to the table.

As always, thanks for reading.

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