Predicting the St. Louis Rams' record this far out is a difficult task considering we still don't know who will make up about 60 percent of their offensive line. But as it stands, this looks like a team with a defense that's ready to compete and an offense with no shortage of question marks. Because of that and because it's a Rams team coached by Jeff Fisher, we're going to go with something in the range of mediocrity and predict an 8-8 record while reserving the right to change our mind as the season nears.
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13, vs. Seattle, 1 p.m. ET
The Seahawks likely have unpleasant memories of the trickery the Rams pulled off at their expense at the Edward Jones Dome last year, but that doesn't mean they'll be able to get the victory. The Rams have given Seattle problems in St. Louis and will manage to do so again to open the season with a victory. Rams 20, Seahawks 13. Record: 1-0.
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20, at Washington, 1 p.m. ET
After much was made about Fisher's pregame captains in this game a year ago, Redskins coach Jay Gruden likely brings a little something extra to the table this time. But unless Washington finds a major solution for its quarterback issues and a way to score points against the Rams defense, this looks like another St. Louis victory. Rams 27, Redskins 17. Record: 2-0.
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27, vs. Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. ET
Riding high after opening with a pair of wins, the Rams return home to what will likely be something closer to a neutral venue than a home-field advantage. Pittsburgh fans travel well and were all over the place the last time the Steelers visited St. Louis. That, plus Antonio Brown, is enough to hand the Rams their first loss. Steelers 28, Rams 20. Record: 2-1.
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4, at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. ET
Diving back into NFC West play, the Rams head out west for the first time and find themselves facing a new-look Arizona defense. The Rams had the Cardinals on the ropes twice last season but couldn't finish either game. Sans the addition of a premiere playmaker in the draft, the Rams get the same result. Cardinals 17, Rams 14. Record: 2-2.
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11, at Green Bay, 1 p.m. ET
The Rams at least avoid having to play the Packers in the colder months, which should help. But it won't be enough to prevent Aaron Rodgers and Co. from dissecting a Rams secondary that allowed the highest completion percentage in the NFL in 2014 and returns the same players in 2015. Packers 30, Rams 19. Record: 2-3.
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25, vs. Cleveland, 1 p.m. ET
After a much-needed bye week, the Rams return home and get a chance to see the Browns in what should be a winnable game. Cleveland should be able to keep it low scoring, but the Rams should have enough to get the win. Rams 23, Browns 10. Record: 3-3.
Week 8: Sunday, Nov. 1, vs. San Francisco, 1 p.m. ET
The 49ers look like a team poised to take a dive with new coach Jim Tomsula and many other substantial changes. The Rams get their first look at them without Jim Harbaugh and also get their second consecutive victory. Rams 27, 49ers 20. Record: 4-3.
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8, at Minnesota, 1 p.m. ET
The Rams head north hoping to turn the tables on a team that spanked them in St. Louis in the 2014 season opener. Under Fisher, the Rams have been known for pulling off surprising upsets but also laying surprising eggs. This qualifies as the latter. Vikings 30, Rams 13. Record: 4-4.
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 15, vs. Chicago, 1 p.m. ET
This game will surely once again draw plenty of attention on the Long brothers, but it's more important for the Rams' hopes to get a home victory against the Bears like they did two years ago. They will. Rams 31, Bears 21. Record: 5-4.
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, at Baltimore, 1 p.m. ET
The start of a two-game tour of the AFC North is not a pretty one, as Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is able to take advantage of the secondary's struggles defending the long ball. The Rams drop back to .500. Ravens 26, Rams 20. Record: 5-5.
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 29, at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. ET
As mentioned earlier, the Rams have had a knack under Fisher for winning a game or two that many wouldn't expect them to, like last year's home wins against Denver and Seattle. We'll say this is one of them, and in impressive fashion. Rams 24, Bengals 10. Record: 6-5.
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6, vs. Arizona, 1 p.m. ET
The blitz-happy Cardinals aren't quite the same group that visited St. Louis a year ago, and the Rams find a way to scratch out just enough points in a dominant defensive performance to get the win. Rams 13, Cardinals 6. Record: 7-5.
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13, vs. Detroit, 1 p.m. ET
It was right around this time in 2014 when the Giants and Odell Beckham Jr. came to St. Louis to play a game many expected the Rams to win. Beckham went off and the Giants got the victory. Substitute the Lions and receiver Calvin Johnson this time around. Lions 23, Rams 17. Record: 7-6
Week 15: Thursday, Dec. 17, vs. Tampa Bay, 8:25 p.m. ET
In what could be the Rams' final home game in St. Louis, the Buccaneers come to town with Jameis Winston leading the way in a prime-time game that doesn't figure to move the needle much nationally. It should get some attention in St. Louis, though, as the Rams put themselves in position to battle for a wild card in the final two weeks. Rams 34, Buccaneers 20. Record: 8-6
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 27, at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. ET
At least the Rams don't have to end the season with yet another loss in Seattle. But this time, they lose a game they need to remain in playoff contention as the Seahawks wrap up the NFC West by exacting revenge against the Rams for the season opener. Seahawks 17, Rams 9. Record: 8-7
Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. ET
With nothing left to play for, the only real question becomes whether the Rams actually go to the trouble of flying home from Seattle or staying on the West Coast before this game. Either way, the 49ers sneak out a win and send the Rams into an offseason full of uncertainty and without a winning record for a 12th consecutive year. 49rs 16, Rams 13. Record: 8-8