Sideways glance at Rams 2025 opponents proves schedule is not something to fear

2025 home games

Home games at SoFi Stadium are a mixed blessing for the Rams. Experiencing a game at SoFi Stadium to cheer on the Rams is a must for all fans. It's a panorama of high-tech futuristic engineering with the simple comfort of a backyard barbecue under the gazebo. But the average ticket price of $225 per ticket, as per Vivid Seats, cuts far too deeply into a family budget. But if you can swing the price, here are the teams you can see:

New Orleans Saints (5-12)

With the news of the unexpected retirement of New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr, the Saints are facing a season behind rookie QB Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, or Jake Haener. Those are not exactly household names. While the Saints could make a last-minute deal to pry a quarterback from a deep depth chart elsewhere, I look for the team to bite the bullet, play out the 2025 NFL season, and look for roster help in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Saints struggled to win five games in 2024. They will struggle to win three games in 2025.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)

The Rams face a former ally when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by QB Baker Mayfield. You can bet that LA Rams HC Sean McVay knows the Bucs, as he cited their offensive success in 2024 as the template for his offensive strategy in 2025. But admiration is a far cry from confidence. Still, I think the Rams will have a bit of an edge in this game. The Rams know Mayfield, but Mayfield is not as familiar with this new iteration of the Rams roster. And the Rams get the Buccaneers in SoFi Stadium. The Buccaneers will win the NFC South Division, but will do it despite losing to the Rams.

Detroit Lions (15-2)

The Los Angeles Rams have lost the last two games against the Detroit Lions. But let's be honest with ourselves. The 2024 season opener that had the Rams competing without either starting offensive tackle or starting cornerback, with a ragtag tandem of inside linebackers, and with multiple players leaving the game due to injury (Puka Nacua, LT Joe Noteboom, and LG Steve Avila) did not bode well for the visitors. And yet the game was not settled until a TD scored by the Lions in overtime ended the game. The Lions are good for 12 wins in 2025, but will not get one against the Rams this year.

Houston Texans (10-7)

The Houston Texans were a quiet NFC South Division winner in 2024, and may have done a lot to do even better in 2025. They picked up both Iowa State rookie wide receivers in Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, both of whom would be solid additions to the Rams' roster. They also added rookie OT Aireontae Ersery to compete for the vacated spot of Laremy Tunsil, now with the Washington Commanders. The Texans are for real, and they could improve to a 12-win team in 2025.

Indianapolis Colts (8-9)

The Indianapolis Colts always seem to be a bridesmaid and never a bride when it comes to winning the AFC South Division, and even in landing a seed in the NFL Playoffs. They seem to be a team that is a quarterback away from competing in the Super Bowl. But yet they are sticking with Anthony Richards, and backing him up with New York Giants outcast Daniel Jones and Notre Dame rookie Riley Leonard. Can Richardson unlock his full potential in 2025? I can't see it. He is a talented and promising young quarterback who was thrown into the fire too soon. It didn't help that seasoned veteran Joe Flacco performed significantly better. The Colts drafted TE Tyler Warren, but did little else to help Richardson in 2025. Look for the Colts to win seven games and fall short again in 2025.

The Rams face some tough games in 2025, yes. But the scariest games are not scary at all. The Rams have to respect the Eagles, Ravens, Texans, and Lions this year. But the Rams are strong enough to win two of those four games.

While we await the schedule, and the indepth analysis and reactions that accompany it, Rams fans can pause a moment and breath deeply. There are no boogeymen or monsters in the closet embedded in the Rams schedule this year. Some tough games? Sure. But competition only serves to make this team better.