Why so called analysts keep giving the division to the Hawks or 49ers shows they don't know shit. The Rams have the best QB and WR in the division in Stafford and Kupp. Seattle's defense is as big of a question mark as the Rams. The 49ers IMO will take a step back for two reasons. Their OL a keystone of their offense lost their starting RT and RG with a young inexperienced QB1. Their defense has taken a hit with losses of CB Mosely, S Ward, DEs Ebukam, Omenihu, RG Brunskill, RT McGlinchey, DT Ridgeway, LB Al-Shaair and others. Their depth has taken a hit as they like to rotate their D players a lot.
The Ram offensive is intact with Stafford, Kupp, Jefferson, Akers, Williams, rookie Evans and a much improved OL. Nacua and Atwell look poised to have big seasons as well. The depth at TE has never been so good. There is talent on the defense, if used properly to be a top 10 unit. IMO new addition Witherspoon gives them an upgrade over Kendrick. So with Witherspoon, Durant, and Tomlinson they have speed and agility at CB. I'm not counting out Rochell yet because he does play STs. Fuller will have to hold off Taylor, and behind them are Yeast and Lake. Young, Hoecht, Hampton, Hardy and Mathis gives them some legit talent at OLB / edge. The question on defense isn't talent, it's how Morris plays his unit and whether he goes with talent over buddy.
For those who doubt Byron Young don't forget who he plays next to the DL GOAT Donald. I'm expecting 7-9 sacks from Young as a rookie. If Morris plays Hampton or Mathis in the SAM role behind Young he won't have to drop into coverage he can just focus as an edge this year.
So IMO the Rams don't really have a rival and I think this is the year that the Rams begin to separate themselves from the rest of the division and they will spend years playing catchup. If the Rams have a rival its Detroit who is also in the NFC. It wouldn't surprise me if these two bump heads in the playoffs and for years after