2021 Los Angeles Rams: Let the Stafford Era Begin

The Rams made a major move in the offseason and acquired quarterback Matthew Stafford from the Lions in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff and some draft picks. Stafford has always had impressive stats but it hasn’t turned into very many wins in his 12-year career. Of course, we must consider the fact that he played in Detroit and that is a franchise that Tom Brady couldn’t save. There is immense pressure on Stafford and is ability to produce wins. In a tough division, the Rams can’t afford for this to fail.

Stafford threw for 4064 yards and 26 touchdowns with the Lions in 2020 so he can put up numbers and the Rams offense will probably improve. They hope that Cam Akers can build on a decent cookie season and blossom into a first-rate running back and the coaches are high on him. The receiver duo of Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods combined on 182 catches for 1910 yards and 9 TDs in 2020 so their are weapons. The Rams stood pat on their existing offensive line and think that it is more than adequate.

The defensive line is built around the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Aaron Donald who is the best there is. They will miss Michael Brockers who was traded to Detroit. Leonard Floyd had a great year at linebacker and he will be joined by Micah Kiser (77 tackles). The secondary is led by CB, Jalen Ramsey who earned first-team All-Pro honors. He will have Darius Johnson along side who is also coming off a solid season.

Schedule:

Must Wins: Chicago, Arizona, Detroit, Tennessee, Jacksonville, at NY Giants, at Houston

Toss-Up Games: Seattle, San Francisco, at Indianapolis, at Arizona, at Miinesota

Probable Losses: Tampa Bay, at Seattle, at San Francisco, at Green Bay, at Baltimore

Summary in Two Sentences: I, for one, think the Matthew Stafford acquisition is a good thing and he will thrive in a new environment. The Rams have a lot of great players and if they can put it all together, they could win this division as easy as anyone else.

Predicted Finish: 3rd Place in the NFC West *Playoff Team*