LA Rams 2024 schedule: Grudge matches, Rookie QBs, lots to love for Rams fans

Hello, rookie QB

I may be the only NFL fan who feels this way, but the annual overhyping of rookie quarterbacks who have yet to throw a single pass in the NFL, but who suddenly appear among the Top-10 quarterback rankings of the upcoming season, doesn't sit well. I don't mind the applause of rookie quarterbacks who perform well at getting accolades, but seriously. Let them prove it on the football field before anointing them with All-Pro honors.

@ Chicago Bears

Former USC QB Caleb Williams has already announced his quest to be the best NFL quarterback of all time. While I do not disagree that the young man has serious football skills, that same narrative can be said of any number of former USC quarterbacks who arrived in the NFL with great expectations, but whose NFL careers fell far short of those lofty dreams. Caleb Williams, in my opinion, cannot hope to achieve any elite career goals if he is unwilling to remain humble and coachable. The Rams' new and improved defense will have the opportunity to welcome Williams to the NFL this year. I believe it will be the Rams, and not the Bears rookie QB, who shows up in a big way in this one.

@ New England Patriots

There was great debate leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft as to whether former North Carolina QB Drake Maye was truly a Top-5 prospect. The New England Patriots thought so and drafted him with the third overall pick. Maye is the opposite of Williams in that he has a great deal of NFL talent, but he won't be asked to top the NFL rankings with his performance in 2024. I suspect that, much like the Houston Texans, Maye will be given the support of a solid defense and a running game to allow him to ease into the NFL at his own pace. If the Rams face the Patriots early, they should win this game by 10+ points. But if they face the Patriots late in the season, this game could be too close for comfort.

Hosting Minnesota Vikings

While I am uncertain whether former Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy deserved to be a Top-5 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, he landed in the best situation of all rookie quarterbacks. Former Rams OC Kevin O'Connell has the reputation of being a quarterback whisperer, and that will certainly be tested this season. With veteran QB Sam Darnold aboard, the Vikings can allow McCarthy to earn the right to start. The Rams will win against either QB, but I look for McCarthy to be under center before the mid-point of the 2024 NFL season.