2014 Rams Schedule, Predictions/JT-PD

2014 Rams Schedule, Predictions
• By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-schedule-predictions/article_8eb43d28-ee65-5dc4-a2eb-9d68da0c2747.html

After the Sam Bradford injury, Post-Dispatch football writer Jim Thomas sees the Rams finishing with seven victories for the third consecutive season. Then again, Thomas thought the 1999 Rams would finish 4-12 following Trent Green’s injury.

SEPT. 7 VS. MINNESOTA

Noon

This time around, the Rams won’t be calling any blitzes on first-and-10 from the Vikings’ 18. As a result, there won’t be any 82-yard TD runs by the great Adrian Peterson.

RAMS 27, VIKINGS 16

SEPT. 14 @ TAMPA BAY

3:05 p.m.

Mid-September in Tampa usually means high temperatures in the upper 80s. Can the Rams beat the heat and coach Lovie Smith’s Cover 2 defense? Survey says … No!

BUCCANEERS 20, RAMS 17

SEPT. 21 VS. DALLAS

Noon

America’s Team has become America’s Study in Mediocrity, and this year is no different. Cowboys usually cream the Rams in Dallas, but we’re not in Dallas this year, are we?

RAMS 34, COWBOYS 17

OCT. 5 @ PHILADELPHIA

Noon

Chip Kelly’s up-tempo scheme has the Rams’ defense huffing and puffing by the fourth quarter. The Rams get after Nick Foles but can’t corral LeSean McCoy at the Linc.

EAGLES 30, RAMS 20

OCT. 13 VS. SAN FRANCISCO

7:30 p.m.

With the heroes of 1999 on hand for the Greatest Show on Turf reunion game, Rams feed off that energy to avenge last season’s prime time debacle with a Monday night win.

RAMS 23, 49ers 19

OCT. 19 VS. SEATTLE

Noon

Two in a row vs. the best of the NFC West? That’s asking a lot. Banged up after a physical contest vs. the 49ers, the Rams can’t topple the reigning Super Bowl champs.

SEAHAWKS 17, RAMS 13

OCT. 26 @ KANSAS CITY

NOON

Since the move to St. Louis in 1995, Rams have lost both regular-season contests in Arrowhead — by a combined score of 103-44. Once again, they drown in the sea of red.

CHIEFS 26, RAMS 13

NOV. 2 @ SAN FRANCISCO

3:05 p.m.

Rams were winless in their last six games at Candlestick Park. Things are no different in inaugural visit to Levi’s Stadium, as 49ers avoid sweep against their longtime rivals.

49ers 23, RAMS 17

NOV. 9 @ ARIZONA

3:25 p.m.

One of only four NFL teams with three consecutive road games on their 2014 schedule, the Rams avoid getting swept on their road swing by breaking loose against the Big Red.

RAMS 37, CARDINALS 17

NOV. 16 VS. DENVER

Noon

Worn down at the end of their three-game road swing, the defending AFC-champion Broncos barely get out of town with a victory. Rams pass-rush gets all over Peyton Manning.

BRONCOS 34, RAMS 28

NOV. 23 @ SAN DIEGO

3:05 p.m.

Former Rams backup QB Kellen Clemens comes off the bench in place of the injured Philip Rivers, guiding the Bolts to a late comeback victory over the frustrated Rams.

CHARGERS 30, RAMS 28

NOV. 30 VS. OAKLAND

Noon

Raiders wish they had Rodger Saffold blocking for beleaguered QB Matt Schaub. Afterward, Mark Davis talks to Mayor Slay about moving to St. Louis if Rams leave.

RAMS 45, RAIDERS 17

DEC. 7 @ WASHINGTON

Noon

Healthy again, a revived RGIII runs and passes circles around the Rams, causing many to wonder if passing on him in the 2012 trade was really worth all those draft picks.

REDSKINS 26, RAMS 16

DEC. 11 VS. ARIZONA

7:25 p.m.

#SackCity proves too much for the immobile Carson Palmer, giving the Rams their second series sweep of the Big Red in the last three years in this Thursday night affair.

RAMS 20, CARDINALS 17

DEC. 21 VS. NY GIANTS

3:05 p.m.

Eli Manning can’t escape the Rams’ pass-rush either, and making matters worse for the G-Men, he hands out interceptions like Christmas presents in the Rams’ home finale.

RAMS 31, GIANTS 20

DEC. 28 @ SEATTLE

3:25 p.m.

With home-field advantage already clinched, ’Hawks only mildy interested. Only 11½ men show up at CenturyLink. But Seattle still finds a way to hold serve at home.

SEAHAWKS 23, RAMS 16