ESPN FPI predicts Rams' win total, playoff chances in 2020

[den-the-coach]

ESPN FPI predicts Rams' win total, playoff chances in 2020

Cameron DaSilva

Expectations for the Los Angeles Rams have been tempered heading into next season after a disappointing 2019 campaign. They finished third in the NFC West at 9-7 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

The offseason has done Los Angeles no favors, either, losing players such as Dante Fowler Jr. and Cory Littleton, and parting ways with both Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks. The overwhelming sentiment among NFL analysts is that the Rams will finish around .500 again in 2020, having an uphill climb to the playoffs in the NFL’s toughest division.

ESPN’s FPI (Football Power Index) projected win totals and playoff odds for every team in the league, while also ranking them from No. 1 to 32. The Rams came in at No. 11 in the rankings, which is a reasonable placement for Sean McVay’s team.

Full Article--
[theramswire.usatoday.com]

 

[Loyal]

Just another example of why I quit using ESPN several years ago.

 

[den-the-coach]

IMO, tough opening season with Dallas at home and then on road in Philadelphia and then the Rams shuffle off to Buffalo, if the Rams can somehow come away 2-1, that would be grand, otherwise it will be a long way to Tipperary.

 

[den-the-coach]

Just another example of why I quit using ESPN several years ago.

I actually thought the analyses was not half bad (For ESPN), had them winning some games I didn't think they would have and if and a big if, the first three games go differently, it could be totally different.

 

[Loyal]

I actually thought the analyses was not half bad (For ESPN), had them winning some games I didn't think they would have and if and a big if, the first three games go differently, it could be totally different.

It always drives me crazy when they overemphasize losses like Fowler and Gurley without context. Was Fowler so effective in the Rams D because of the pressure/attention directed toward Aaron Donald? I think so. The usage of Gurley was sparing and in the biggest games at the end of the season, he wasn't in the game when we needed him to take control of it. Will Akers be as good as 2018 Gurley? Probably not. Will he be as effective as the 2019 version of Gurley (especially at season's end)?

Hell yes!

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

I'm tired of seeing praise for the Dallas Cowboys, including on this board. They had a WORST record than us last year, finishing at 8-8. The only thing they did was change coaches and add CeeDee. They should not be top 5.

On another note, I don't think having us ranked 11th is egregious however.

 

[Loyal]

I'm tired of seeing praise for the Dallas Cowboys, including on this board. They had a WORST record than us last year, finishing at 8-8. The only thing they did was change coaches and add CeeDee. They should not be top 5.

On another note, I don't think having us ranked 11th is egregious however.

The media praises/covers the NFC East teams, whether they suck or not. I know we are no longer a fly-over team in St Louis, but we still are playing in a country where most of the media is on East coast time. Teams like the Cowgirls, Giants, the Skins, etc...probably get a disproportionate amount of coverage in terms of talent/merit. They don't deserve it, but that's where the money is....

 

[Jacobarch]

Yeah I think I saw Wentz on the top 5 QBs just the other day. Dak was top 10. Lol. Need I say more?

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

I'm tired of seeing praise for the Dallas Cowboys, including on this board. They had a WORST record than us last year, finishing at 8-8. The only thing they did was change coaches and add CeeDee. They should not be top 5.

Media feedback loop with the Cowboys is going to continue as long as hits and views are sought. Most Cowboys fans think they won the last 5 SBs.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

On another note, I don't think having us ranked 11th is egregious however.

Thought the same thing--most people don't seem to be ranking us that high.

 

[majrleaged]

Does anybody really think SF will skip the SB hangover and win the division? Do you think Seattle has improved enough not to need the incredible amount of luck they had last year? What ever the rankings, the rams will win the division and be in the top 8

 

[den-the-coach]

You can bet on it.

 

[RamsSince1969]

I actually thought the analyses was not half bad (For ESPN), had them winning some games I didn't think they would have and if and a big if, the first three games go differently, it could be totally different.

I'm with you! I mean, some ahole prediction has us winning 6 games and in the basement. To have us higher than the Steelers and Packers, wow! Rams are quietly creeping up the charts as you look at the team, coaches and franchise, losing is not an option. I'm telling you, Rams are the Pats of the west in terms of always being in the mix regardless of draft trades, cap casualties or cap issues. We are not supposed to be good. We mortgaged the future, went all in for 2018, but here we are...........still loaded with talent and nobody wants to play us.

 

[Loyal]

Yeah, you sonsabitches! ~ Rynie

 

[rams1fan]

Every year players step up. Take Corey Littleton. Couple years ago he was an afterthought. Now he is making the big bucks. Rams seem to like some of their youth. Maybe they are right. So I will not write off the possibility of a major improvement. We have alot of star power. We will see about the fill in the gap guys.

 

[RhodyRams]

I'll take 45% chance to make the playoffs

 

[Loyal]

I'll take 45% chance to make the playoffs

You'll take a 100%, and LIKE IT!

 

[RhodyRams]

You'll take a 100%, and LIKE IT!

The only thing 100% is @LoyalRam will make up some quote and tag another person

 

[Loyal]

The only thing 100% is @LoyalRam will make up some quote and tag another person

I'd never do that! ~ LoyalRam