The NFL released the full 2020 schedule for each team on Thursday night, revealing when each matchup will take place between September and the first weekend in January. The Rams’ slate of games isn’t easy by any means, but it does feature a few more favorable matchups with teams such as the Jets, Giants and Dolphins.
Their more difficult games come against divisional foes and teams that look like Super Bowl contenders on paper. Obviously, there’s a long way to go between now and Week 1, but here’s an early look at the seven toughest games on the Rams’ 2020 schedule.
Rams at 49ers
Levi’s Stadium isn’t an especially tough place for a road team to win, but the 49ers are a really good team coming off a Super Bowl appearance. They’ve played the Rams hard in recent years, even sweeping L.A. last season.
The 49ers don’t have the Rams’ number, but they are undoubtedly the best team on L.A.’s schedule in 2020 – at least on paper. Their defense is dominant and just got an infusion of youth up front with Javon Kinlaw, while their linebacker corps is equally good.
If the Rams want to run the ball heavily next season, it could be a challenge against the 49ers’ front seven, which is arguably the best in football.
Rams at Seahawks
The Rams have been better than most teams when it comes to beating the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field in recent years, going 3-2 on the road against Seattle since 2015. The Seahawks are always in contention in the NFC West as long as Russell Wilson is their quarterback, making them a tough opponent each year.
Next season will be no different.
The Rams will have to go up to Seattle in XXXXXXXX and attempt to beat the Seahawks, who they’ll likely be underdogs against when the game is played. Seattle’s defense isn’t what it used to be, but the offensive line is improving and the backfield boasts a lot of talent.
Splitting the season series against the Seahawks should be viewed as a win.
Rams vs. Cowboys
On paper, the Cowboys look like Super Bowl contenders. The offense is rich with playmakers, particularly after the arrival of CeeDee Lamb in the draft. The offensive line is one of the best in football, and Dak Prescott continues to improve.
The Rams do benefit from playing Dallas at home rather than at AT&T Stadium, where they were blown out last year, but the Cowboys are going to be a tough opponent no matter what if they go into this matchup healthy.
The Rams’ clearest path to victory will be by running the ball successfully and keeping Dallas’ offense on the sidelines.
Rams at Buccaneers
It’s amazing how much two players can change the outlook for one team, isn’t it? The Buccaneers now look like a legitimate threat in the NFC with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski on the roster, as well as a defense that is getting better.
The Bucs upset the Rams last season in a high-scoring shootout, and they got even better this offseason. Mike Evans will be a handful for Jalen Ramsey, as will Chris Godwin. Tampa Bay will give the Rams a run for their money, especially with it being a road game for L.A.
Rams at Eagles
As long as Carson Wentz can stay healthy, the Eagles will be in playoff contention. Their defensive line is strong, while their receiving corps isn’t lacking weapons, either. DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery and Jalen Reagor are going to give secondaries fits next season, given their combination of size and speed across the depth chart.
The Rams will have to play this one on the road, too, which doesn’t make it any easier. Going on the road in Philadelphia will be a challenge for McVay’s team, which has been really good away from home since he took over in 2017.
Rams at Bills
The Bills have a higher projected win total (9) than the Patriots (8.5), which gives you a sense of how good they’re expected to be. Now, a lot of it will come down to Josh Allen building on an encouraging 2019 season, but even if he’s just average, the defense is good enough to carry Buffalo to the playoffs.
Not to mention, the Bills’ ground game will give any defense a challenge, led by Devin Singletary and rookie Zack Moss. The Rams shouldn’t take the Bills lightly, especially with the game being played at New Era Field.
Rams vs. Patriots
Unless the Patriots sign Cam Newton, they’re looking at starting Jarrett Stidham. It’s hard to feel strongly about him as a starting quarterback, but New England still has a strong roster and Bill Belichick as its coach. The defense was the best in the NFL for most of last season, and although the Patriots lost players on that side of the ball, Stephon Gilmore, Dont’a Hightower and the McCourty twins still remain.
Belichick drew up an excellent game plan in Super Bowl LIII against the Rams when they were at their peak offensively, and only needed 13 points to win that game. There’s no reason to believe the Patriots can’t win another defensive battle in 2020, too. This will be a tough game for L.A. no matter who the Patriots’ quarterback is.
