https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-good-rams-16-0-good-041625778.html
How good are the Rams? Are they 16-0 good?
It has been many weeks since there was any doubt about the Los Angeles Rams being the best team in football.
We should start asking if we’re seeing a historically good Rams team.
The Rams dismantled the San Francisco 49ers 39-10 on Sunday. They’re 7-0 and already have a plus-107 point differential. While it’s not exactly a 2007 Patriots-type start, considering they were challenged by the Seahawks, and the Broncos technically only lost by three (a late score made the game look a lot closer than it actually was), what we’re seeing out of the Rams is pretty good.
Los Angeles can win with a pass-heavy approach or on the ground. Todd Gurley has scored a mind-blowing 14 touchdowns already, and has more points on the season than the Buffalo Bills. The defense, especially with Aaron Donald getting hot, has had its moments of dominance. And the special teams will be better now that kicker Greg Zuerlein is back from injury.
It’s a little early to start talking about an undefeated season, but the Rams are the only team that can give us any 16-0 speculation. They’re the only team left without a loss. Is 16-0 possible? The Rams have the ability to beat anyone, but stringing together 16 in a row against this tough schedule will be very, very hard:
Week 8: vs. Packers
Week 9: at Saints
Week 10: vs. Seahawks
Week 11: vs. Chiefs (at Mexico City)
Week 12: bye
Week 13: at Lions
Week 14: at Bears
Week 15: vs. Eagles
Week 16: at Cardinals
Week 17: vs. 49ers"
If the Rams can somehow get to the bye undefeated, running the Aaron Rodgers/Drew Brees/Russell Wilson/Patrick Mahomes gauntlet, they have a chance. But that’s asking a lot. Also, games at the Lions and Bears won’t be easy (an L.A. team in Chicago in December is never a great situation), and even though the Eagles will play in L.A., Philadelphia beat the Rams in the same spot last season. It’s incredibly hard to believe the Rams would be able to avoid a loss through those seven opponents, though if they do the final two games should be wins.
It’s OK that 16-0 isn’t a good possibility. A game at the Superdome in two weeks looks like a candidate for the first loss, or perhaps it will be against the Chiefs in one of the most entertaining regular-season matchups ever. An undefeated regular season isn’t the Rams’ goal anyway. Just because they’re the best team through seven weeks doesn’t mean the Rams will win a Super Bowl, but they’re the clear favorites right now. They’re positioned well to at least get the NFC’s top playoff seed, though that game at the Saints might go a long way in determining it.
It’s still quite possible we could see a 14- or 15-win Rams team if they catch some breaks and stay relatively healthy. They’re good enough to make a run at that kind of record. And if nothing else, it’s going to be fun to watch them chase some history.
1.
Los Angeles Rams (7-0, LW: 1)
Aaron Donald had four sacks and six tackles for loss on Sunday. He also had an absolutely incredible play in which he simply took the ball from 49ers running back Matt Breida for a forced fumble and recovery. Imagine how good the Rams are going to be if Donald is hitting a hot streak.