LA Rams accomplish this for the first time in 2023

The LA Rams (5-6) did something for the first time in the 2023 NFL season. But before we jump right into that bit of trivia, let's pull back a bit and assess the LA Rams' remaining games on the Rams schedule. The Rams must play six more games this season. Those games are:

When websites like Tankathon rank teams for the 2024 NFL Draft, the tiebreaker for teams with similar records is strength of schedule. For the LA Rams, the team has a remaining strength of schedule that is calculated by dividing the wins of opposing teams by the total number of games played. For the Rams, the calculation is 36/68, or a Strength of Schedule of .529.

Can Rams push for the playoffs?

The Rams may have some powerhouses on the schedule, but keep in mind that the Rams had already faced the San Francisco 49ers (8-3), the Philadelphia Eagles (9-1) the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4) and the Seattle Seahawks (6-5) twice. So the Rams, while still under .500, are capable of competing against good teams.

But one thing that the LA Rams were not doing so far in 2023 is winning consecutive games. Well, not until the Rams stacked consecutive victories in Week 11 and Week 12, that is. By winning, the Rams have improved to a record of 5-6, and with a victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 13, the Rams can return to .500 for the first time since defeating the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6 to knot their record at 3-3.

The Rams offense seemed to be every bit in postseason form in Week 12. Stafford was solid, connecting on 25 of 33 passes for 229 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. But the story of the game is how the Rams were able to combine the rushing of Kyren Williams and Royce Freeman for 29 carries for 220 yards and a touchdown.

The ability to move the football on the ground is just what the Rams needed. Several Rams players in the passing game are fighting through injuries. WR Cooper Kupp, WR Puka Nacua, and even QB Matthew Stafford are all afflicted with injuries. With a strong running game, the Rams were able to keep Stafford relatively safe in the pocket, and not force the Rams to pass predictably in the game.

Not only did the Rams offense put up 37 points, their highest total of the season, but a rested Rams defense was able to sack Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray four times. With two consecutive wins, the Rams will try to extend their newfound winning streak at SoFi Stadium by hosting the Cleveland Browns.