Looking ahead on the Rams’ remaining schedule, one thing is absolutely clear: They won’t be able to coast into the playoffs without proving themselves deserving of a spot.
Their final eight games are among the toughest in the NFL no matter how you break it down, whether it’s by strength of schedule or ESPN’s analytics. According to Jamison Hensley, citing ESPN Analytics, the Rams’ remaining schedule is the fourth toughest in the NFL.
It’s also the hardest in the NFC West, with only the Falcons, Jaguars and Broncos having tougher slates. The Cardinals are fifth, just behind the Rams.
Here are the five easiest remaining schedules in the NFL, per ESPN Analytics:
1. Ravens
2. Packers
3. Browns
4. Vikings
5. SteelersNFL's toughest remaining schedules:
1. Falcons
2. Jaguars
3. Broncos
4. Rams
5. Cardinals— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 10, 2020
Entering Week 9, the Rams had the fourth-toughest final eight games based on strength of schedule – or the combined record of their opponents. However, the Bucs, Seahawks, 49ers, Cardinals and Jets all lost this weekend, with the Patriots being the Rams’ only remaining opponent to win in Week 9; they beat the Jets.
That dropped the Rams from fourth to 12th in remaining strength of schedule, but that’s not necessarily indicative of how tough their final eight games will be.
Having five games against the Cardinals, Seahawks and Bucs is about as tough as it gets in the NFL. As for playoff contenders, only three teams above .500 have tougher remaining schedules than the Rams: The Colts, Cardinals and Bills.
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