The Los Angeles Rams are coming off a 2023 season in which they significantly overperformed expectations but now find themselves with a mediocre projection in ESPN’s Football Power Index for the upcoming season. They find themselves ranked 13th overall. The FPI suggests the Rams have a chance to make the playoffs but aren’t seen as a top Super Bowl contender.
Los Angeles Rams FPI Ranking
FPI breakdown:
- Ranking: 13th in the NFL
- FPI Rating: +0.9 (positive rating indicates a team projected to win more than they lose)
- Win-Loss Projection: 8.8 wins – 8.2 losses
- Super Bowl Odds: 1.8%
- Playoff Odds: 47.2%
This outlook reflects tempered expectations for the Rams. While they have certainly boosted their offensive firepower, questions still surround their defense, especially in light of Aaron Donald‘s retirement.
That said, the Rams shouldn’t be counted out entirely. Their FPI ranking places them in a cluster of potential playoff teams, ranked 6th in the NFC. If things pan out with the roster moves they’ve made so far they could once again defy projections and make a postseason run.
Success in 2024:
- Improved Defense: For the first time in a long time, the team invested heavily in their defense through the draft using five of their first six picks in that phase, including Jared Verse and Braden Fiske in the first and second rounds. They padded the secondary with veterans, as well.
- Key Players Staying Healthy: Keeping core players like Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford healthy is crucial for their success. One of the big reasons for adding to the offensive line is to keep Stafford upright.
- Coaching Adjustments: The franchise once again lost several key members of their coaching staff. The biggest among them is their Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator, Raheem Morris. He also took QBs coach Zac Robinson and defensive assistant Jimmy Lake with him to the Atlanta Falcons
The 2024 season promises to be an intriguing one for the Los Angeles Rams. While the FPI projects a middle-of-the-road finish, the team has proven its ability to exceed these types of expectations.
