The Los Angeles Rams’ schedule won’t be unveiled until next week, but we’ve been aware of their opponents for the 2024 season for quite some time. Let’s delve into the Rams’ matchups that promise to be pivotal, filled with intrigue, and ultimately, the most captivating to watch.
At Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have swiftly risen to the top of the Los Angeles Rams’ list of rivals. Factors contributing to this rivalry include perceived mistreatment of Matthew Stafford, a playoff defeat, Tyler Higbee’s injury, and the frustration of facing a fan base accustomed to years of losing now tasting success.
The anticipation for this matchup is palpable, with many speculating it could earn a prime-time slot, possibly even becoming the Lions’ annual Thanksgiving Day game. Notably, the Rams haven’t played on Thanksgiving since 1975, making them long overdue for a spot on Turkey Day. As Sean McVay once remarked, “Football and Thanksgiving just always go together.”
Green Bay Packers
The upcoming 2024 Rams/Packers game at SoFi Stadium marks the 100th encounter between the two teams in their extensive history, dating back to their inaugural matchup in 1935. The Packers currently hold a slight edge in this longstanding rivalry, having secured victory in 50 games, suffered 47 losses, and endured two ties.
However, in the McVay era, the Green Bay Packers have dominated the Los Angeles Rams, clinching four consecutive wins, including a playoff defeat. McVay’s lone victory against the Packers occurred back in 2018, with a narrow two-point margin.
In their most recent clash last season, during the Rams’ challenging 2023 campaign, they entered Week 9 with a record of 3-5, grappling with injuries, including one to quarterback Stafford. Despite their efforts, the Rams offense, led by backup QB Brett Rypien, managed to score only three points against the Packers’ defense.
Subsequently, the Rams regrouped during a Bye Week, embarking on a remarkable turnaround by winning seven of their last eight games and clinching a playoff berth.
With significant playoff implications looming, this upcoming game promises to be a crucial showdown for both teams.
Buffalo Bills
When these teams last clashed, it marked the start of the 2022 season. The Bills delivered a resounding defeat to the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Rams, initiating one of the most disappointing post-championship seasons in football history. Now, it’s their chance to seek redemption.
Since that encounter, both teams have undergone rebuilding processes. This upcoming matchup will serve as a significant test to determine which organization has successfully navigated the challenges of the competitive NFL landscape. The quarterback duel between Stafford and Josh Allen adds an extra layer of intrigue to the game.
At New Orleans Saints
In the McVay era, the Rams have secured just one victory in New Orleans, aside from a notorious overtime playoff game marred by a controversial pass interference call that decided the outcome.
That particular play remains etched in the memory of Saints fans, and the Silverdome boasts one of the most vocal fan bases in the league. They will undoubtedly view this upcoming game as an opportunity for revenge.
For the Los Angeles Rams, the optimal strategy would be to take control of the game early and silence the home crowd. Failure to do so could spell trouble for Stafford and the rest of the team, leading to a challenging day on the field.
Miami Dolphins
This upcoming matchup will mark the first encounter between the Rams and this version of the Dolphins. In fact, these two teams have a relatively sparse history, having faced off only 14 times since 1971, with the Rams emerging victorious in just two of those encounters, including one game during the McVay Era in 2020.
Under Mike McDaniel’s leadership, the Dolphins have exhibited inconsistency, yet their offense has demonstrated the ability to put up significant points, as evidenced by their performance against Denver in 2023. This game will serve as a notable test for the young and relatively inexperienced defensive line of the Los Angeles Rams. If they can effectively contain the Dolphins’ speed and potency, it could elevate the Rams’ defense to an elite level.
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