THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Rams open the 2021 NFL regular season against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 12 at SoFi Stadium. The Rams went 10-6 last season, finishing second in the NFC West and losing to the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who the Rams completed a blockbuster offseason trade to acquire, is expected to reignite coach Sean McVay's high-octane offense, which returns standout receivers Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, plus added a speedy weapon in veteran DeSean Jackson. On the opposite side of the ball, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, a 19-year NFL coaching veteran, takes over the defending top-ranked defense anchored by three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald and All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Here is a projection:
QUARTERBACK (2): Matthew Stafford, John Wolford
The Rams traded quarterback Jared Goff for Stafford with the hope that the 13th-year pro will be the missing piece to push them to a Super Bowl victory. The one-time Pro Bowl selection has impressed teammates throughout training camp with his ability to throw receivers open and complete no-look passes.