2023 Rams schedule

WEEK	DATE	OPPONENT	TIME (PT)
1	Sept. 10	at Seahawks	1:25 p.m.
2	Sept. 17	49ers	1:05 p.m.
3	Sept. 25	at Bengals	5:15 p.m.
4	Oct. 1	at Colts	10 a.m.
5	Oct. 8	Eagles	1:05 p.m.
6	Oct. 15	Cardinals	1:25 p.m.
7	Oct. 22	Steelers	1:05 p.m.
8	Oct. 29	at Cowboys	10 a.m.
9	Nov. 5	at Packers	10 a.m.
10	BYE
11	Nov. 19	Seahawks	1:25 p.m.
12	Nov. 26	at Cardinals	1:05 p.m.
13	Dec. 3	Browns	1:25 p.m.
14	Dec. 10	at Ravens	10 a.m.
15	Dec. 17	Commanders	1:05 p.m.
16	Dec. 21	Saints	5:15 p.m.
17	Dec. 31	at Giants	10 a.m.
18	TBD	at 49ers	TBD

Week 1 keys to victory

The Rams can take an early lead in the NFC West if they come out of the gate hot (read: the opposite of last year’s opener against Buffalo) against Seattle. A healthy quarterback Matthew Stafford and receivers Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson would go a long way toward making them competitive — as would head coach Sean McVay getting back to his usual pattern of kicking the doors down on offense in season openers. It’ll be a tough environment in Seattle (and a hello again to Bobby Wagner).

Must-watch game: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Week 5

In a year without many expectations, I’m selfishly picking this game because I believe it’ll be the biggest showcase of what a very rookie-heavy Rams defense has (or has not) learned and absorbed to that point. It’s going to be a litmus test for growth, against a searing-hot and very multiple Eagles offense.

Toughest stretch: Weeks 1-18

Yes, you read that correctly. Have I mentioned that the Rams have about 50 new rookies? OK, maybe Week 10 isn’t too bad (it’s the bye week). Dear subscribers, there will be bumps along the road this season.

Game that has gotten tougher: at Indianapolis Colts, Week 4

This does sort of predicate on whether Anthony Richardson is playing quarterback by this time, in fairness. The Rams’ defense will feature a lot of young players so they’ll have to play very disciplined even if Richardson is developing into the role, because of his ability to move the ball in the air or on the ground and his size.

One game the Rams can’t afford to lose: One of the 49ers games, Weeks 2 or 18

“Afford” is doing a lot of work here, as I’ll reiterate again that anything is gravy for a team entering the season without external expectations (internally they believe they’re going to surprise some people).

But man, would they love to take a game from San Francisco during the regular season.

Best offense the Rams will face: Philadelphia Eagles, Week 5

The Eagles are multiple (thanks in part to the abilities of Jalen Hurts and his surrounding cast), incredibly strong up front, physical and well-coached.

Best defense the Rams will face: San Francisco 49ers, Weeks 2 and 18

Top defenses almost always regress year over year, but the 49ers brought in Steve Wilks to take over from former defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and if I know anything about Wilks from my days in Carolina, he’ll have that group ready to go. It’s always a tough matchup for the Rams, on either side of the ball.

Predicted record: 7-10

It is legitimately absurd to attempt to predict a record for this team considering its roster turnover and what happened in 2022. But, the assignment is the assignment!

While the defensive side of the roster looks pretty concerning as it currently stands, if Stafford and Kupp can stay healthy, and the Rams can get back to a more balanced offensive attack (behind a less-tattered offensive line), I can see them winning seven or eight games. It’s OK to want this team to “tank” for Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, sure, but remember — McVay coaches this team, and I am telling you, he’s going to try to win every game (as will Stafford, Kupp and Aaron Donald).

Predicted NFC West finish: Third

There’s little reason to believe the 49ers won’t top the NFC West as they keep trying to capitalize on their Super Bowl contention window. Seattle’s offense looked strong in 2022 and could carry that forward. The Rams could surprise people (or not, who knows?!) but keeping them at No. 3 and the Cardinals at No. 4 for now seems safe.