Few teams lose their top receiver and several starting offensive linemen to injury on the road to an overtime loss and move up in every significant power ranking as a result. But that is exactly what the Los Angeles Rams managed to do in losing to the Detroit Lions in Week 1.
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Los Angeles Rams Analytics Rankings
Rams EPA Per Play:
- Offense – 12th in the NFL
- Defense – 23rd
DVOA:
- Total – 23rd
- Offense – 18th
- Defense – 19th
- Special Teams – 23rd
ESPN NFL Football Power Index:
- Total – 10th
- Offense – 9th
- Defense – 22nd
- Special Teams – 27th
Los Angeles Rams Power Rankings
ESPN Power Rankings: 10th
+3 spots from preseason rankings
Key Factor: Jared Verse – The Rams’ first-round pick had a 33% pass rush win rate at edge in the season opener, which was tied for sixth in Week 1 through Sunday night, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. – Sarah Barshop
Sharp Football Analysis Rankings: 12th
+4 spots from preseason
Key Factors: Matthew Stafford had a strong game, throwing for 317 yards, with Cooper Kupp remaining a key target for Stafford. While the loss is disappointing, the Los Angeles Rams showed they can compete with playoff-caliber teams. – Pamela Maldonado
NFL.com Power Rankings: 14th
+1 from preseason
Key Factor: What a gutsy performance, especially during the final few drives, from Matthew Stafford. He nearly pulled it off in Detroit, coming up just short (again). That, along with some growth on defense, made it a mostly encouraging performance – Eric Edholm
Bleacher Report Rankings: 10th
+1 from preseason
Key Factor: Tyler Johnson – “We’ll see what it is,” Stafford said. “I have no idea, to be honest with you. But [Puka Nacua] is obviously a big part of our offense. But I do think that [Johnson] and those guys stepped in and did a really nice job today.”
CBS Sports Rankings: 19th
-4 from preseason
Key Factor: The banged-up offensive line made for tough going against the Lions, but somehow Matt Stafford fought through to get the game to overtime. They need guys to get healthy upfront. -Pete Prisco
