With new uniforms, a new logo and a spectacular new stadium, 2020 is shaping up to be a big year for the Los Angeles Rams. And when they do eventually get on the field, the team will have a different feel with Todd Gurley, Brandin Cooks, Eric Weddle and Cory Littleton all gone.
As exciting as their brand refresh is, the Rams and their fans just hope they can have some success when the games actually start. That won’t be the case, though, according to USA TODAY’s Nate Davis.
On Thursday, Davis released his annual record predictions for each team in the NFL, along with playoff projections and a Super Bowl matchup. He doesn’t have high expectations for the Rams, predicting a 6-10 record and last-place finish in the NFC West.
Los Angeles Rams (6-10): They don’t look good … literally true in the wake of Wednesday’s uniform reveal. That aside, maybe they won’t miss the production of Gurley and recently dealt WR Brandin Cooks. But what about a still-shaky O-line? Or a linebacker corps devoid of playmakers? Or QB Jared Goff, who took a step back in 2019? Oh, and their first three road games are all 1 p.m. kickoffs on the East Coast.
Davis’ concerns are all warranted, and he’s probably right about the decision to part ways with Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks. The Rams already have replacements on the roster at much lower costs and without durability concerns.
But there are worries about the offensive line, which was disappointing in 2019. The linebacker unit is one of the most uncertain in the NFL, with Micah Kiser and Kenny Young potentially starting. The schedule doesn’t do Los Angeles any favors, either, with the Cowboys, Eagles and Bills up first in September.
As for the rest of the NFC West, Davis has the 49ers taking the crown again at 12-4, followed by the Seahawks at 9-7 and Cardinals at 7-9. Only the 49ers make the playoffs out of the West, though, and Davis has them losing in the divisional round to the fifth-seeded Buccaneers.
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