Being less than two years removed from going all in and winning Super Bowl LVI with a 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals to complete a memorable, magical season, head coach Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams enter the upcoming 2023 season with patience, cautious optimism and high expectations centered around the anticipated return of battle-tested veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive lineman Aaron Donald.
With a roster decimated by injuries last year combined with a lack of efficient execution, Los Angeles finished in sole possession of third place in the NFC West Division standings with a 5-12 overall record. The Rams finished 1-5 versus divisional opponents, claiming their lone victory over the Arizona Cardinals (20-12) on Sept. 25, 2022.
With the frustrating finish, Los Angeles became the first Super Bowl championship-winning team to miss the playoffs since the 2016 Denver Broncos.
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Rams WR Cooper Kupp (10) – Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
Although star power in itself doesn’t necessarily translate to victories in the NFL, the Rams hope to bank on the big-name glitz of its three marquee players, take on an underdog mentality and diligently work to develop an inexperienced roster throughout the season. Health remains one of the biggest question marks heading into the season, with Stafford, the face of the franchise who suffered a season-ending neck injury and spinal cord contusion, being at the forefront.
Combined with the team’s lack of movement in free agency, no first-round draft pick in this year’s NFL Draft, and trade of Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey, it figures to be an intriguing challenge for McVay and his staff this season. The return of Kupp and Donald, and the addition of 14 draft picks, should only help in the team’s steady progression. Continuity of an experienced offensive line and consistency from running back Cam Akers also figure to loom large.
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Rams DE Aaron Donald (99) – Jason Hanna/Getty Images
Although looking to fill many holes on the defensive side behind Donald, in the modern-day NFL (as displayed by the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs’ unit that was ranked No. 22), a top-10 squad isn’t always a precursor for ultimate success.
NFC West Division Outlook
The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks appear to be the frontrunners in the division, barring any surprises. Los Angeles should maintain its third-place standing but has the potential to move into second place if things come together. The Arizona Cardinals, who will potentially be without injured starter Kyler Murray to begin the season, are likely to round out the race.
Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers
The defending NFC West champion 49ers, who claimed their first division title since 2019, defeated the Rams in two meetings last season, winning the first 31-14 and the second 24-9. PREDICTION: 0-2
Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle pulled out two close victories over Los Angeles last season, winning the first matchup 27-23 and the second 19-16.
In the first meeting, Seattle quarterback Geno Smith connected with wide receiver DK Metcalf on an 8-yard touchdown pass with 36 seconds remaining. The Seahawks claimed the second victory on what proved to be a game-winning 32-yard field goal by kicker Jason Meyers with 4:34 left. PREDICTION: 1-1
Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Rams split the season division series with Arizona, winning the first meeting 20-12 and losing the second 27-17.
In its lone NFC West victory of the season, Los Angeles was led by Stafford, who completed 18 of 25 passes for 249 yards. Akers scored what proved to be the winning touchdown on a 14-yard run in the third quarter. PREDICTION: 2-0
With continued good health, determination, and a hint of good fortune, Los Angeles has the potential to move up within the division race this season by going .500 in head-to-head matchups with league rivals. If the team’s big three thrive to lead the way as in years past, the sleeping giant could awaken and surprise some people along the way.
