Offseason Opponent Breakdown

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Offseason Opponent Breakdown: The San Francisco 49ers
Kristen Lago

The 2018 NFL Season is still a few months from its official kickoff date, but the opponents for all 32 clubs have already been set.

Aside from their divisional opponents, the Rams will face teams from the NFC North and AFC West. Plus, Los Angeles will take on the reigning division champions from the NFC East and NFC South.

In anticipation of the official schedule release date in mid-April, theRams.com will be taking an early look at each of club’s opponents for next season.

THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

LOCATION: As members of the NFC West division, the Rams will face the 49ers both at home and at Levi’s Stadium.

HEAD COACH: Kyle Shanahan enters his second season as San Francisco’s head coach. Before joining the 49ers in 2017, Shanahan served as the offensive coordinator of the Falcons, where he was instrumental in Atlanta becoming conference champions in 2016. Last season, he led the 49ers to a 6-10 overall record.

MATCHUP HISTORY: The 49ers and Rams series history is one that dates back to 1950 and since that year, the two franchises have become representative of the intense rivalry between Southern California and Northern California. Both have faced off 137 times, with the 49ers holding the advantage at 69-65-3.

The two teams split last season’s games, as the Rams took home a close 41-39 victory in Week 3, while the 49ers beat a Rams team resting its starters, 34-13, in Week 17.

2017 RECORD: San Francisco closed out 2017 with a 6-10 record, finishing in last place of the NFC West. But after a 1-10 start, the 49ers won all five of their final games under newly acquired quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT?

The 49ers began the offseason by ensuring that Garoppolo would be their signal-caller for years to come, signing him to a five-year contract extension. The franchise also preserved continuity in the unit, by extending wide receiver Marquise Goodwin.

But perhaps the most intriguing move to come out of 49ers camp during free agency was the addition of former Seahawks’ cornerback Richard Sherman. While the signing is a gamble — with Sherman coming off a season-ending achilles injury — if he can return to form in 2018, the cornerback will be a force to be reckoned with in the defensive backfield.

Finally, San Francisco made a move to bolster their ground game after Carlos Hyde signed with the Browns by bringing in running back Jerick McKinnon. The club also picked up a new addition to the offensive line by signing center Weston Richburg.

WHAT ABOUT THE DRAFT?

Despite the addition of Sherman, some mock drafts believe the 49ers will likely go defense early in this year’s draft. With the No. 9 overall pick, San Francisco is in a favorable position to select some of the most talented defensive prospects, including cornerback Denzel Ward (Ohio State) or linebacker Roquan Smith (Georgia).

In later rounds, many analysts expect general manager John Lynch and the Niners to go after new offensive weapons for Garoppolo. Some of the franchise’s top potential options include wide receivers Christian Kirk (Texas A&M) or Dante Pettis (Washington).

LOOK OUT FOR:

Looking toward the 2018 season, the Rams and 49ers are projected to be two of the top teams in the NFC West. Both franchises have a lot in common with two offensive-minded coaches and two young, skilled quarterbacks. And for that reason, both matchups should be exciting to watch.

 

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Offseason Opponent Breakdown: The Seattle Seahawks
Kristen Lago

THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

LOCATION: As members of the NFC West division, the Rams will face the Seahawks both at home and at CenturyLink Field.

HEAD COACH: Pete Carroll enters 2018 in his ninth season as the Seahawks’ head coach. Since 2010, Carroll has led Seattle to a 79-48-1 overall record with playoff appearances in six out of his eight seasons. Under his leadership, Seattle has recorded four NFC West titles, two NFC Championships, and one Super Bowl Championship in 2014.

MATCHUP HISTORY: The Rams and Seahawks have a rich series history dating back to 1976. Since then, the clubs have faced off 40 times, but Seattle holds the edge at 23-17-0. Last season, the clubs split the series at one win each. In Week 5, the Seahawks narrowly defeated the Rams with a 16-10 victory at the Coliseum. But L.A. notched its 10th win of the season with a dominant 42-7 win in Seattle.

2017 RECORD: The Seahawks closed out 2017 with a 9-7 record for second place in the division.

WHO’S IN, WHO’S OUT?

Seattle began the free agency period with two of the most surprising moves in the NFC — the trade of three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Michael Bennett to the Eagles and the release of four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman. As Carroll and company look to rebuild after 2017, the club also parted ways with tight end Jimmy Graham (Packers), wide receiver Paul Richardson (Washington), and cornerback DeShawn Snead (Lions).

The franchise did add a couple of new additions in tight end Ed Dickson, wide receiver Jaron Brown, and offensive guard D.J. Fluker. The franchise also made sure to resign several key players on both sides including safety Bradley McDougald, running back Mike Davis, and defensive end Marcus Smith.

WHAT ABOUT THE DRAFT?

The loss of Sherman and Bennett could see the Seahawks going defense-heavy in this April’s Draft. Currently, Seattle holds the 18th overall pick. But the franchise has used only one first rounder over the past five drafts, so a trade down could be in its future once again.

If Seattle does select at No. 18 many mock drafts believe the club could target an edge rusher like Harold Landry (Boston College) or a cornerback in Josh Jackson (Iowa). But a trade down could still see the Seahawks considering other defensive players like cornerback Isaiah Oliver (Colorado) or safety Justin Reid (Stanford).

LOOK OUT FOR:

The Rams dominant performance over the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field was arguably one of their most impressive in 2017. And this year, L.A. will be looking to capitalize on a Seattle team that is in the rebuilding stage after losing a few of its primary pieces this offseason. However, the Seahawks have been a tough force in the division for over a decade and as long as they have quarterback Russell Wilson behind center, Seattle should still present a tough challenge for the Rams in 2018.

 

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Offseason Opponent Breakdown: The Arizona Cardinals
Kristen Lago

THE ARIZONA CARDINALS

LOCATION: As members of the NFC West division, the Rams will face the Cardinals both at home and at University of Phoenix Stadium.

HEAD COACH: Steve Wilks enters 2018 as a first-year head coach. He previously served as the defensive coordinator of the Panthers and under his leadership, the unit ranked seventh in total defense, 11th in points allowed, third in rush defense, and third in sacks. Wilks takes over for former head coach Bruce Arians who retired after the 2017 season.

MATCHUP HISTORY: In a series that dates back to 1937, the Rams have faced the Cardinals 79 times, including one postseason appearance. With a two-game sweep in 2017, Los Angeles took a slight edge over Arizona at 39-38-2. The two teams last met in Week 13 of the regular season, when the Rams defeated Arizona on its home turf, 32-16, for the third year in a row. Los Angeles also took home a victory in Week 7, when the Rams shut out the Cardinals 33-0.

2017 RECORD: Arizona finished 2017 at 8-8 for a third place finish in the NFC West.

WHO’S IN, WHO’S OUT?

The Cardinals took a big hit this offseason when Pro Bowl quarterback Carson Palmer announced his retirement from the league. Palmer had been the starting signal-caller in Arizona since Arians arrived in 2013 — starting in 60 games for the franchise and finishing with 16,782 passing yards and 105 touchdowns. Arizona also lost Tyrann Mathieu, moving on from the Pro Bowl safety after both sides could not find common ground on a new contract.

But the Cardinals have had a number of notable additions, too. The franchise made waves with the signing of quarterback Sam Bradford, who signed a lucrative one-year deal. Arizona also focused in on key pieces surrounding its new quarterback — adding a big-name offensive lineman in Justin Pugh and wide receiver Brice Butler.

WHAT ABOUT THE DRAFT?

The Cardinals will be on the clock at No. 15 in the first round of this year’s draft. However, some mock drafts believe Arizona could trade up to the No. 5 slot in order to select quarterback Josh Allen (Wyoming). If the club does lean towards a quarterback like Allen or Lamar Jackson — another popular selection — many believe he would not start in 2018, instead sitting out the season behind Bradford.

Should the franchise stick with their original slot, analysts at the NFL Network believe a wide receiver like Calvin Ridley (Alabama) or D.J. Moore (Maryland) could be the Cardinals’ best fits.

LOOK OUT FOR:

Division games are known for their unpredictability and this year’s matchup between Arizona and Los Angeles should be no different. Not only will a former Rams quarterback in Bradford be tasked with taking on the club’s revamped defense, but it will also be the first time the two head coaches — known for their knowledge on either side of the ball — will face off.

 

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Offseason Opponent Breakdown: The Oakland Raiders
Kristen Lago

THE OAKLAND RAIDERS

LOCATION: The Rams will be on the road in 2018, travelling to the Oakland Coliseum to face the Raiders.

HEAD COACH: Jon Gruden was officially hired as the Raiders new head coach in Jan. 2018. This season will be Gruden’s fifth as a head coach in Oakland, as he previously worked for the franchise between 1998-2001. Before returning to coaching this season, Gruden served as an analyst for ESPN and Monday Night Football for the past 10 years.

In his first stint, Gruden led Oakland to a 38-26 overall record, with two postseason appearances, before winning Super Bowl XXXVII as the Buccaneers’ head coach.

MATCHUP HISTORY: The teams have met 13 times in series history. Oakland has the all-time lead with an 8-5 record, but L.A. holds the most recent victory — with a dominant 52-0 shutout performance in 2014.

2017 RECORD: The Raiders finished 2017 at 6-10 for a third place finish in the AFC West.

WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT?

Oakland added a number of playmakers on both sides of the ball through free agency. On defense, the Raiders addressed a big need in their secondary by signing cornerback Rashaan Melvin and safety Marcus Gilchrist. Both are expected to complement established players in the unit, as well as any that could come from this year’s NFL Draft.

But the most talked-about addition to the Raiders’ roster came on offense, with the signing of wide receiver Jordy Nelson. Nelson played the past 10 years for the Packers, but will now likely assume the role of a possession receiver for quarterback Derek Carr. The former Super Bowl champion has recorded three seasons with at least 1,250 receiving yards and at least 13 touchdown catches — the most of any active player.

WHAT ABOUT THE DRAFT?

After losing a coin flip to the 49ers at this year’s Combine, the Raiders will select 10th overall in April’s Draft. Although Gruden is considered an offensive-minded coach, the franchise is expected to go defense-first in the first round — with the emphasis on bringing in a young player to build around.

Many mock drafts have Oakland’s first pick as a linebacker with Roquan Smith (Georgia) and Tremaine Edmunds (Virginia Tech) as the top choices. Should the club look to its needs on the secondary first, cornerback Derwin James (Florida State) and Denzel Ward (Ohio State) will be high on the list if available at No. 10.

LOOK OUT FOR:

The matchup between student and teacher. Rams head coach Sean McVay received his first NFL coaching position in 2008 with Gruden’s Buccaneers. Throughout his success last season in Los Angeles, McVay has been quick to credit the knowledge he gained from Gruden and his brother Jay throughout his career.

 

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Offseason Opponent Breakdown: The Philadelphia Eagles
Kristen Lago

THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

LOCATION: The Rams will welcome the Eagles to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the second consecutive season in 2018.

HEAD COACH: Doug Pederson has been the Eagles’ head coach since 2016. In just two seasons with Philadelphia, Pederson’s led the club to a 20-12 overall record and the franchise’s first Super Bowl Championship.

MATCHUP HISTORY: The two teams have met 41 times — including three postseason appearances — in all-time series history. Philadelphia holds the advantage over Los Angeles with 21 wins to the Rams’ 19. Last season, the Eagles edged the Rams 43-35 to clinch the NFC East.

2017 RECORD: Philadelphia finished 2017 at 13-3 en route to an NFC Championship and its first ever Super Bowl title — beating the Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII.

WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT?

The Eagles boosted their already strong defensive line unit by bringing in two former Super Bowl Champions in Haloti Ngata and Michael Bennett. The duo have a combined eight Pro Bowls and over 80.0 career sacks between them. Philadelphia was also able to keep its top free agent priority, re-signing linebacker Nigel Bradham to a long term deal.

Bradham was a key part of the Eagles defense in 2017, recording 88 tackles — five for loss — and eight passes defensed. He was also able to step into an important leadership role after middle linebacker Jordan Hicks went down with a season-ending injury.

And while Philadelphia had a strong free agency period overall, the franchise did lose several key players in wide receiver Torrey Smith, cornerback Patrick Robinson, running back LeGarrette Blount, and tight end Brent Celek.

WHAT ABOUT THE DRAFT?

With the loss of Celek and tight end Trey Burton, many mock draft experts believe the Eagles will select a young tight end with the No. 32 overall pick. South Dakota’s Dallas Goedert has been brought up as a top-rated option. In his senior season alone, Goedert recorded 72 receptions for 1,111 yards and seven touchdowns.

Should Philly elect to go with defense, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (Boise State) or cornerback Jaire Alexander (Louisville) are two potential first-round selections.

LOOK OUT FOR:

The clash between reigning division champions. The Eagles and Rams will enter 2018 as two of the most exciting teams in the NFC. Although both will look different this season, the contest should once again bring a back-and-forth battle between two clubs that feature both a dynamic offense and formidable defense.

 

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Offseason Opponent Breakdown: The Denver Broncos
Kristen Lago

THE DENVER BRONCOS

LOCATION: The Rams will travel to Sports Authority Field at Mile High in 2018 to face the Broncos.

HEAD COACH: Vance Joseph will return for his second season as the Broncos’ head coach. In his first year, Joseph led Denver to a 5-11 finish. He previously served as the defensive coordinator in Miami and the defensive backs coach for the Bengals, Texans, and 49ers.

MATCHUP HISTORY: The Rams have played Denver 13 times in series history. Los Angeles holds the edge at 8-5-0, including the most recent three-game winning streak. The franchises last met in 2014 when the Rams took home a 22-7 victory.

2017 RECORD: The Broncos recorded a 5-11 overall record in 2017, resulting in a last place finish in the AFC West.

WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT?

The most notable move to come out of the Mile High City during this year’s free agency period was the signing of former Rams quarterback Case Keenum. Last year, Keenum led the Vikings to an 11-3 record as a starter, while finishing with 3,547 passing yards and 22 touchdowns. But the club did lose further depth at the quarterback position by sending Trevor Siemian to Minnesota.

Denver also notably traded away its Pro Bowl and Super Bowl Champion cornerback, Aqib Talib to the Rams. But the Broncos were able to boost their secondary by picking up safety Su’a Cravens via trade and cornerback Tramaine Brock in free agency.

WHAT ABOUT THE DRAFT?

Denver holds a high pick in this year’s NFL Draft at No. 5 overall. And while the Broncos’ roster has begun to take shape, many mock drafts have not settled on a consensus pick.

Although the franchise brought in Keenum this offseason, some analysts still project the Broncos will select an additional signal caller like Josh Rosen (UCLA) or Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma). Another pressing need for the club lies on defense. Should Denver pass on quarterback, the club may consider defensive backs like Denzel Ward (Ohio State) or Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama).

LOOK OUT FOR:

Talib and Keenum will both face their former teams when the Rams and Broncos meet in 2018. It should be interesting to see how the revamped L.A. defense under coordinator Wade Phillips — who also coached the Broncos twice in his career — matches up against the new additions in Denver.

 

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Offseason Opponent Breakdown: The Los Angeles Chargers
Kristen Lago

THE LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

LOCATION: The Rams will host the Chargers at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

HEAD COACH: Anthony Lynn is entering his second season as Chargers head coach. In his first year, Lynn led the Chargers to a 9-7 finish. He previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Bills, but has worked for a number of clubs in various capacities.

MATCHUP HISTORY: Both franchises have only met 11 times in series history. The Rams hold a slight advantage at 6-5-0, but lost the most recent contest in 2014 where a last-minute interception at the goal line preserved the Chargers’ 27-24 victory.

2017 RECORD: The Chargers finished with a 9-7 overall record last season, good for second place in the AFC West.

WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT?

The Chargers were not shy about their desire to upgrade the kicker position in 2018. After signing Roberto Aguayo in January to join Nick Rose, the club also picked up former Eagles’ kicker Caleb Sturgis. The Florida product has connected on 81 percent of his field goals over the last five seasons and should compete for a starting role next year.

Los Angeles also brought in a new backup for their longtime quarterback Philip Rivers, signing Geno Smith to a one-year deal. Appearing in two games for the Giants last season, Smith completed 21 of 36 passes for 212 yards and one touchdown. The franchise also added three-time Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey, shoring up its offensive line.

Finally, the Chargers locked up cornerback Casey Hayward on a three-year deal, while signing a new blocking tight end in former Bronco, Virgil Green.

WHAT ABOUT THE DRAFT?

The Chargers focused on boosting their offense and special teams units this offseason through the additions of Pouncey, Smith, and Sturgis. For that reason, many mock drafts believe the club will go after a defensive player with the No. 17 overall pick. Linebacker is a popular option among many of the experts, with names like Rashaan Evans (Alabama), Roquan Smith (Georgia), and Tremaine Edmunds (Virginia Tech) as the heavy favorites.

Outside of the secondary, several mock drafts believe a defensive lineman will also be targeted by the Chargers. Washington’s Vita Vea and Michigan’s Maurice Hurst are among those who might be considered.

LOOK OUT FOR:

This season will mark the first time the Rams and Chargers will face off as Los Angeles franchises. While much has been made of the presumptive “Battle for L.A.” between both clubs, the 2018 season will give fans their first look at the new crosstown rivalry. Plus, the game will feature two of the league’s most explosive offenses from the 2017 season.

 

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Offseason Opponent Breakdown: The Detroit Lions
Kristen Lago

THE DETROIT LIONS

LOCATION: The Rams will travel to Ford Field next season to take on the Lions.

HEAD COACH: Matt Patricia will be entering his first season as an NFL head coach with the Lions in 2018. He spent the better part of his career with New England serving in a variety of roles, but most recently as the club’s defensive coordinator. Patricia’s 13-year tenure with the Patriots included 12 AFC East Division Titles, six AFC Championships, and three Super Bowl wins.

MATCHUP HISTORY: The two franchises have met 85 times in series history with the Rams holding a slight advantage at 43-41-1. Los Angeles last traveled to Detroit in 2016 and lost a close contest after kicker Matt Prater made a tie-breaking field goal to give the Lions a 31-28 victory.

2017 RECORD: The Lions finished with a 9-7 overall record last season, good for second place in the NFC North.

WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT?

The signing of veteran running back and Super Bowl Champion LeGarrette Blount was perhaps the most important for the Lions this offseason. Detroit had the worst run game in the NFL in 2017, averaging just 76.3 yards per game and 3.4 rushing yards per attempt. But Blount — who has history with Patricia as a member of the Patriots — gained over 4.0 yards per attempt in four of his last five seasons and should help boost the Lions’ ground attack next year.

Detroit also added another former Patriot in linebacker Jonathan Freeny, who could compete for a starting spot should the Lions use a 3-4 scheme. The club also placed the franchise tag on defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, who recorded 12.0 sacks and 44 tackles in 2017, while re-signing key pieces in the secondary like safety Tavon Wilson and cornerback Nevin Lawson.

WHAT ABOUT THE DRAFT?

The Lions hold the 20th overall pick and are expected to go after a defensive player in the first-round. Several mock drafts have Detroit picking up a pass-rusher like Maurice Hunt (Michigan) or Harold Landry (Boston College). But if Patricia and company decide to further focus on the team’s ground attack, running backs like LSU’s Derrius Guice or Georgia’s Nick Chubb are also viable options.

LOOK OUT FOR:

The Rams newest addition, Ndamukong Suh, taking on his former team. Suh was drafted by the Lions as the second overall pick in the 2010 draft and played five seasons in Detroit before moving on to Miami. It should be interesting to see how the Rams new defensive line fares against quarterback Matt Stafford and the Lions’ revamped running game.

 

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Offseason Opponent Breakdown: The Minnesota Vikings
Kristen Lago

THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS

LOCATION: The Rams will welcome the Vikings to their home field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

HEAD COACH: Mike Zimmer is entering his fifth season as the Vikings head coach. From 2014-2017, Zimmer has led the Vikings to a 39-25 overall record, including two playoff appearances.

MATCHUP HISTORY: There have been 38 games between the franchises in series history, with Minnesota holding the advantage at 22-14-2. The Rams have lost each of their last five games against the Vikings, including last season’s 24-7 loss at U.S. Bank Stadium.

2017 RECORD: The Vikings finished 2017 as the NFC North Division Champions at 13-3. They defeated the Saints on a memorable play in the NFC’s Divisional Round, before falling to the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.

WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT?

Minnesota made headlines early in the free agency period by signing former Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins. While the franchise took a gamble by not tagging Case Keenum — who led the club to an 11-3 record as a starter — as well as letting Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater walk, the Vikings are hoping Cousins’ resume and experience will help solve their instability at quarterback.

In the past three seasons, the Michigan State product has ranked among the top-10 of all players in completion percentage, yards per attempt, passing touchdowns, and total QBR. He was also ranked as the NFL’s top free agent of 2018.

On defense, the Vikings brought in Sheldon Richardson to boost their already strong unit. The defensive tackle also ranked in the top-10 of all free agents in 2018 and should slot at three-technique for Minnesota. Other notable moves included the trade for quarterback Trevor Siemian, and the re-signing of offensive lineman Nick Easton, and safety Anthony Harris.

WHAT ABOUT THE DRAFT?

The Vikings currently hold eight picks in the 2018 NFL Draft, including No. 30 overall in the first-round. According to most mock drafts, several analysts expect Minnesota to select an offensive guard to protect their newly acquired quarterback. ESPN’s Mel Kiper put forward James Daniels (Iowa) as a top option, while several others have listed Will Hernandez (UTEP) as a strong possibility.

Aside from an offensive lineman, Minnesota may also consider adding a defensive back in the earlier rounds. Names like Mike Hughes (UCF) and Josh Jackson (Iowa) are among those being tossed around by a variety of websites.

LOOK OUT FOR:

Rams head coach Sean McVay coached Cousins between 2014-2016 as Washington’s offensive coordinator and was credited for the quarterback’s impressive development in that three-year span. The two faced off last year when the Rams fell to Washington at the Coliseum and will once again find themselves on opposite sidelines in 2018.

Plus, Los Angeles will also be looking for its first win against the Vikings in five years. And with new additions on both ends, it should be another one of the NFC’s most highly anticipated matchups.

 

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Offseason Opponent Breakdown: The New Orleans Saints
Kristen Lago

THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

LOCATION: The Rams will be on the road in 2018 to take on the Saints, facing off at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

HEAD COACH: Asshole Face has been the head coach of the Saints since 2006. In his 11 seasons, Payton has led New Orleans to a 105-76 all-time record — including six playoff appearances and one Super Bowl Championship in the 2009 season.

MATCHUP HISTORY: As a former member of the NFC West division, the Saints have a rich series history with the Rams. The clubs have met 74 times, with one playoff contest, since 1967. Since Payton became the Saints head coach, the Rams have won four of seven meetings — including the most recent contest last season. In Week 12, Los Angeles welcomed the Saints to the Coliseum and ended their eight-game win streak with a 26-20 victory.

2017 RECORD: New Orleans finished 2017 with an 11-5 record and an NFC South division title. The Saints fell to the Vikings on a memorable play in the NFC’s Divisional Round.

WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT?

Headlining the Saints free agency period was the re-signing of 12-year veteran quarterback, 11-time Pro Bowler, and former Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees. Although he just turned 39 in January, the Purdue product still helped the Saints return to the playoffs for the first time in four years last season, while setting a new NFL record for completion percentage (72.0). His extension ensures that Brees will remain the leader of New Orleans’ offense for at least the next two years.

Other notable moves include the signing of veteran tight end Benjamin Watson, and bringing back one of the best free agent signings from 2017, defensive end Alex Okafor. Plus, the Saints acquired a new backup quarterback in Tom Savage after losing Chase Daniel to the Bears.

WHAT ABOUT THE DRAFT?

Although the Saints brought in Watson through free agency, New Orleans could go after a young tight end in this year’s draft with. Many mock drafts have the club selecting players like South Carolina’s Hayden Hurst or South Dakota State’s Dallas Goedert as the No. 27 overall pick in the first round. But the Saints could also look to improve on defense in the earlier rounds.

Some players that may hear their names called by New Orleans include outside linebacker Harold Landry of Boston College, USF defensive tackle Deadrin Senat, and Alabama defensive tackle Da'Ron Payne.

LOOK OUT FOR:

Another close contest between two of the NFC’s top teams. As the reigning NFC South and NFC West division champions, both will be looking to get back to the playoffs. With Brees back in 2018 and a revamped L.A. defense, the matchup should once again be one of the most exciting on the Rams’ schedule.

 

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Offseason Opponent Breakdown: The Chicago Bears
Kristen Lago

CHICAGO BEARS

LOCATION: The Rams will travel to Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois to take on the Bears in 2018.

HEAD COACH: Matt Nagy enters the season as a first-year head coach. In 2017, Nagy served as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator where the club became just the second team ever to have a quarterback with 4,000 yards passing, a running back with 1,000 yards rushing, and a wide receiver and tight end with at least 1,000 yards receiving.

MATCHUP HISTORY: The Rams have faced the Bears 92 times, including two postseason contests in 1950 and 1986. The series spans more than 80 years with the first matchup between clubs taking place in 1937. But the Rams last met Chicago in 2014, when they took home a 37-13 loss.

2017 RECORD: The Bears posted a 5-11 record in 2017, finishing last in the NFC North.

WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT?

Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace wasted no time making improvements to the Bears offense though free agency. Chicago made several splashes in the first wave by signing four key players — wide receivers Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel, tight end Trey Burton, and quarterback Chase Daniel.

The most significant addition was that of Robinson, who was ranked No. 4 on the NFL's list of top free agents in 2018. The Pro Bowler recorded 202 catches for 2,848 yards and 22 touchdowns through his first four seasons with the Jaguars and should add a vertical threat to the Bears’ receiving room.

Plus, in an effort to free up some extra salary-cap space, Chicago cut ties with outside linebacker Pernell McPhee and safety Quintin Demps.

WHAT ABOUT THE DRAFT?

While some mock drafts have Chicago selecting offensive guard Quenton Nelson (Notre Dame), others believe the Bears will be scouting a defensive player in the early rounds. Should the club stick with a defense-heavy first- and second-round mentality, the Bears may consider players like linebacker Roquan Smith (Georgia), inside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (Boise State), or defensive end Lorenzo Carter (Georgia).

LOOK OUT FOR:

The improvement of the Bears’ offense, and specifically second-year quarterback Mitch Trubisky, in its first season under Nagy.

The last few years have not been kind to Chicago — with four-straight last place finishes in the division and no playoff appearances since 2010. But Nagy was a big part of Kansas City’s revival in 2012, when the 2-14 Chiefs became an 11-5 team the following season. Moving towards the 2018 season, Nagy will be looking to do the same with the Bears.

 

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Offseason Opponent Breakdown: The Kansas City Chiefs
Kristen Lago

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

LOCATION: Although the matchup against the Chiefs counts as a home game for Los Angeles, it will take place in Mexico City.

HEAD COACH: Andy Reid will be entering his sixth season as the Chiefs’ head coach. In the last five years, Reid has led Kansas City to a 53-27 overall record and four playoff appearances.

MATCHUP HISTORY: The series history between the Rams and Chiefs is relatively short as the clubs have faced off just 11 times 1973. Kansas City currently leads the all-time series 7-4-0. In their most recent contest at Arrowhead Stadium in 2014, the Rams fell to the Chiefs 34-7.

2017 RECORD: The Chiefs finished off the 2017 season with a 10-6 record and an AFC West Division title, but fell to the Steelers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT?

While the Chiefs have acquired several players during the free agency period, Kansas City’s most noteworthy transactions revolve around players who will not be suiting up in red and gold next year. The club kicked off the NFL offseason with a bang by trading veteran starting quarterback Alex Smith to Washington. In exchange, the Chiefs received a promising, young cornerback in Kendall Fuller and a 2018 third-round draft pick.

Looking towards the 2018 season, Reid has been adamant that quarterback Patrick Mahomes will take over as the starting signal-caller. Though the Texas Tech product appeared in just one game last season — where he completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 284 yards, and one interception — he should benefit from the addition of a new vertical threat in former Rams wide receiver Sammy Watkins. Watkins, who led L.A. in receiving touchdowns (8) last season, signed a three-year deal with the Chiefs in March.

Kansas City also made a splash by trading two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters — the NFL’s active leader in interceptions — to the Rams. In three seasons with the Chiefs, Peters recorded 21 interceptions and 55 pass deflections.

WHAT ABOUT THE DRAFT:

The Chiefs gave up their 2018 first-round pick to trade up for Mahomes in 2017, but the club still has eight selections in this year’s Draft. According to many NFL analysts, Kansas City will likely go defense-heavy throughout its selections, but could also look to address needs on the offensive line. A few players that have come up in various mock drafts include defensive end Lorenzo Carter (Georgia), and cornerbacks Tarvarus McFadden (Florida State) and Carlton Davis (Auburn).

LOOK OUT FOR:

Peters taking on his former team will not be the only thing to look forward to when the Rams take on the Chiefs in 2018. The Rams will also face off against Watkins — who spent the 2017 season in Los Angeles.

The new Rams cornerback — along with a revamped L.A. defense — should have their hands full defending a Chiefs’ offense that includes Watkins, Pro-Bowl wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and the 2017 rushing yards leader, running back Kareem Hunt.

 

[Prime Time]

View: http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Offseason-Opponent-Breakdown-The-Green-Bay-Packers-/c5e336cc-278d-48bd-a717-cbca937b3e89

Offseason Opponent Breakdown: The Green Bay Packers
Kristen Lago

THE GREEN BAY PACKERS

LOCATION: The Rams will take on the Packers at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

HEAD COACH: Mike McCarthy has been the Packers’ head coach for the past nine years. He led the club to a victory in Super Bowl XLV and holds a 121-70-1 all-time record in Green Bay.

MATCHUP HISTORY: Los Angeles and Green Bay have met 94 times in series history — dating back to 1937. The clubs are tied at 46 wins apiece, with two additional tie games. The Rams last met the Packers in 2015 at Lambeau Field where they fell 24-10, with Green Bay recording four picks and three sacks in the contest.

2017 RECORD: The Packers finished off the 2017 season with a 7-9 record.

WHO’S IN, WHO’S OUT?

This offseason, the Packers made their share of big moves in free agency. But one of the most interesting storylines came from the release of wide receiver Jordy Nelson. The Packers drafted Nelson in 2008 and he became one of the franchise’s most reliable wideouts — recording 69 touchdowns over the past 10 years.

The Packers did gain a big red zone target by signing former Seahawks and Saints tight end Jimmy Graham to a three-year deal. The club also signed veteran cornerback Tramon Williams and defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson to boost its defense, and acquired a new backup quarterback in DeShone Kizer through a trade with the Browns.

WHAT ABOUT THE DRAFT?

The Packers own a league-high 12 selections, but many sports writers expect the club to trade up for a higher pick in the first-round. Either way, Green Bay is expected to draft a defensive player as its first selection — specifically, either a linebacker or a cornerback. Some players that the Packers could be considering include linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (Boise State), defensive end Marcus Davenport (UTSA), and cornerback Josh Jackson (Iowa).

LOOK OUT FOR:

The return of two-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Cal product suited up for just seven games in 2017 after suffering a broken collarbone in Week 6. He is expected to return this offseason, and continue his reign as arguably the best quarterback in the league.

 

[bubbaramfan]

Rams should be favored and win at least ten of these games and take the NFCW.

Games I most want to attend: Vikings, Chargers.


When will dates be set?

 

[Prime Time]

When will dates be set?

Not sure but last season that was released on April 20th, so hopefully next week.

 

[fanotodd]

Prime Time,
Thanks for posting this, very informative.

I hafta say, looks like nearly every team is projected to draft defense early. That's music to my ears because hopefully there will be some good OL who make it to #87, and even the 4th round.

We are now -4 all time vs the 9ers after losing 3 of the last 4. We need to sweep those upstarts and tighten up the all time record.

 

[Prime Time]

Prime Time,
Thanks for posting this, very informative.

I hafta say, looks like nearly every team is projected to draft defense early. That's music to my ears because hopefully there will be some good OL who make it to #87, and even the 4th round.

We are now -4 all time vs the 9ers after losing 3 of the last 4. We need to sweep those upstarts and tighten up the all time record.

That last loss should only be counted as half a game since we played our JV team against their starters.

 

[Ram65]

That last loss should only be counted as half a game since we played our JV team against their starters.

LOL when I read that I had almost forgot the Rams lost to whiners in a meaningless game.
Whiner need another season to get back on track.
Great job.

 

[Merlin]

Eagles, Vikings, and Saints with fortunately two of them at home. Call me crazy but I like playing the three best NFC rivals in the regular season again. Gonna be fun to see how things settle in with the offseason roster moves.

 

[Ram65]

Eagles, Vikings, and Saints with fortunately two of them at home. Call me crazy but I like playing the three best NFC rivals in the regular season again. Gonna be fun to see how things settle in with the offseason roster moves.

LOL You are crazy Merlin. Add in the Chiefs, Packers, cross down Chargers who were better than their 9-7 record and even the weak division opponents anything can happen. Got get that home field advantage in the playoffs.