The Los Angeles Rams are expected to face the NFL’s 13th-toughest schedule in 2026 based on 2025 regular-season records. Based on win projections for this upcoming season, the Rams’ schedule is ranked fifth hardest, signaling a tough season ahead.
The Rams’ schedule is also packed with difficult primetime games. The Rams are scheduled to play on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even have an international game in Week 1. The Rams have the roster to win the Super Bowl, but with one of the league’s toughest schedules, can they build on their success last season?
Even with a full roster led by future Hall of Famers and superstars, the success the Rams achieved last year means nothing this season.
“So, let’s not kid ourselves that you just place yourself back into the NFC Championship. You earn everything,” head coach Sean McVay said. “Let’s not get it twisted. We’re trying to win right now, and we’ve got decisions for the short and long term.”
A difficult schedule is nothing new for the Rams. When the Rams won the 2021 Super Bowl, they had the 10th-toughest schedule. The Rams face an easier strength of schedule compared to the 2021 team, but a steep journey, nonetheless.
Rams Fans Should Not Worry
While the Rams face a difficult schedule, there are still a lot of positives to celebrate. The team has one of the best rosters in the NFL. The Rams also had a successful offseason, acquiring talent. General manager Les Snead hinted that the Rams were going to use free agency as the key to their offseason plans.
“Our macro philosophy is, if we can use free agency to not be desperate in the draft, we more than likely will be better drafters, because we’re not reaching, we’re not desperate,” Snead said. “We’re not going in there with a major void major hole that has to be filled.”
The additions of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson fixed the team’s biggest weaknesses and gave them freedom in the draft. The two cornerbacks instantly elevated the defense and made the Rams’ secondary one of the scariest in the league.
The Rams also drafted Ty Simpson, Max Klare, Keagen Trost, CJ Daniels, and Tim Keenan III. All five players are good enough to make an impact on any given game and were drafted to make a difference. The Rams were able to draft for both the future and the present. First round selection, Simpson, ensures a plan for the franchise after Stafford, while the rest of the draft class helps strengthen the current team.
Even though the Rams have a Super Bowl roster, they still have time to add more talent. The Rams used free agency more than usual this offseason, but they can still improve the roster by trading and signing players. They have the option to trade for players like AJ Brown and Kenny Moore II, who could increase the Rams’ Super Bowl chances instantly.
Rams Opponents in 2026
Home Opponents:
Arizona Cardinals,San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks,Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys,Green Bay Packers,Kansas City Chiefs,Los Angeles Chargers,N.Y. Giants
Away Opponents:
Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles,Tampa Bay Buccaneers,Washington Commanders