Absolutely they are contenders. Better defense, improved offense with Akers and Jefferson and Hopkins (over Mundt), and a schedule reminiscent of 2018, probably a bit softer actually.
IMO the biggest improvement offensively will be a better run offense scheme and improved depth at RB. In the WR's I think they have an upgrade overall in Jefferson over oft-injured Cooks. Jefferson runs outstanding routes, is taller, with enough speed to threaten deep. He's a better fit to run all WR routes from all 3 WR positions. Hopkins is a huge upgrade over Mundt. People say Hopkins can't block, but that's what they said about Everett too. As Everett has shown blocking is something that can be coached. It's not like Hopkins hasn't blocked which he has. He was used as a wham blocker in college and that very well could be his role this year.
Defensively, the acquisition of Robinson can't be overstated. He will bring another Suh like presence in the middle of the d-line. Like Suh he's a 3 down player. I think with Floyd they have as good of an edge rusher as Fowler with more versatility on how Staley can use him. In Lewis I think they got a real steal. He's got 1st round level talent and in 2 years when he's a full-time starter opposite Floyd, the Rams will finally have two top edge rushers. They still have Ebukam at SAM and with the emergence of Williams and the drafting of Burgess they have 4 CBs. They have depth behind Rapp with Fuller and depth behind Johnson with Burgess who IMO will replace Johnson at FS next year. With Long and Ramsey as their boundary CBs they are set to play press-man coverage across the board in the secondary. This will give the d-line that extra second to bring the pressure. Kiser is an upgrade to Littleton as he has the speed to be played in ways Littleton couldn't. That really leaves the competition at LB to be at the second ILB position. This defense is faster and deeper than I can remember across the board. I really feel that this unit can be a top 5 defense.
I think only injuries and their own mistakes can derail the Rams this season. They will have a few tough games on their schedule but no one they can't beat if they play their A game. I've said this before, I think they have the potential to go undefeated in the regular season and realistically shouldn't finish any worse than 13-3.