NFL expert prepared to troll Rams if they struggle at this feat in 2025

How easy is the Los Angeles Rams' schedule this season? It depends on who you ask, I suppose. In a 2025 Strength of Schedule, the Rams have a relatively easier time of it than many NFL teams. But this team has plenty of formidable opponents on the docket for 2025. Even worse, many of the teams that did not make the playoffs are in a position to earn the right to compete in the postseason

And then, the Rams face the Bird Gauntlet. What is that? That is the premise that five NFL teams with bird logos: The Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, and Seattle Seahawks have not lost to a common opponent in any single season in NFL history. But thanks to the fate of the draw, the Rams face all five times in 2025.

And the Rams face the Cardinals and Seahawks twice this season.

There is a reason why this feat has never been accomplished in NFL history. Five teams are automatically out of the running because they are members of the Bird Gauntlet group. Another reason for the difficulty in defeating all five bird teams is the rarity of facing every bird team in a single season. The five teams compete in four different NFL Divisions, so they face a common opponent infrequently.

And then, there is simply the task of going 5-0 against any five NFL teams. That's easier said than done.

Having said all that, the Rams face all five teams in 2025. The problem is that not one of the teams is a pushover. What do I mean? Their 2024 records were:

• Arizona Cardinals (8-9) X2
• Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
• Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
• Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
• Seattle Seahawks (10-7)

Revisiting the Rams' record against those five teams from 2024, the Rams only boasted a record of 2-4. The Rams split games with both the Cardinals and Seahawks, while getting swept in two games against the Eagles. That does not leave a promising foundation for success this season.

Sports Illustrated NFL analyst Connor Orr inked 100 bold predictions for the 2025 NFL season. But one of his predictions tosses shade at the Rams facing the Bird Gauntlet this season.

"37. The “Bird Gantlet” will become a thing in 2025

This is not just something your perpetually high roommate talks about on Reddit anymore. The Rams play a disproportionate number of bird teams this year, with their usual two matchups each against the Seahawks and Cardinals, plus dates with the Falcons, Eagles, and Ravens. If the Rams go under .500 against bird teams, I will commission a savvy meme child to superimpose Sean McVay’s head into this scene. (A scene of a terrified Tippi Hedren from the horror movie, The Birds) "

SI NFL Analyst, Connor Orr

I'm not sure this is a fair prediction to qualify as bold. Both the Ravens and Eagles dominated opponents in 2024, and the Cardinals, Falcons, and Seahawks collectively were better than .500 last season. If the odds are stacked against the Rams already, how bold is the prediction?

I suppose when trying to be bold with over 100 predictions, several are bound to fall short of the mark. But Orr is going with the odds-on favorite, calling it bold, and then promising to troll the Rams if they fall short of mastering the Bird Gauntlet (which he calls the Gantlet)

The LA Rams can be the first team in history to win the Bird Gauntlet. But at least one NFL analyst is already betting against them.

As always, thanks for reading.

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