Los Angeles Rams 2024 preseason schedule: Full list of games

Week 2, Aug. 17: at Los Angeles Chargers

While the LA Rams and Los Angeles Charges time share their home games at SoFi Stadium, this is no longer the Chargers led by HC Brandon Staley. Rather, this is the team led by former San Francisco 49ers and Michigan Wolverines HC Jim Harbaugh. Jim is the younger brother to Baltimore Ravens HC John Harbaugh. When the two were coaching in different leagues, John with the Ravens and Jim with the Wolverines, the two brothers were happy to swap coordinators and positional coaches.

And you can expect very similarly styled approaches in 2024 by both Harbaughs.

The Rams typically have some form of competition with the Chargers in recent years, whether born out of their proximity or the fact that former Coach Staley was previously the DC for the LA Rams. But it makes sense to continue that tradition. Jim Harbaugh is bringing a fresh outlook to the NFL. While he was successful in his previous chapter, he wants to get out of the gate the right way. What better strategy than to compete against the LA Rams in preseason?

Meanwhile, Rams HC Sean McVay is shrewdly tapping opportunities to cross-pollinate with Jim Harbaugh and the entire Chargers staff. That won't happen only at a preseason game but with two separate joint practices and scrimmages scheduled before the season begins.

As far as this game, you will likely see less of key Rams rotational players. That may mean less Davis Allen, Blake Corum, Brennan Jackson and the like. But I would not rule out the Rams putting up some points in this game. After all, the team will likely player Hunter Long at tight end, Tyler Davis and Xavier Smith at wide receiver, and Ronnie Rivers and Zach Evans at running back.

I will go out on a limb on this one and predict that backup QB Stetson Bennett will light it up in this one. Crazy? Talk to me after the game.