Los Angeles Rams 2021 schedule: Dates, times, TV, key games, toughest matchup, season prediction
A full rundown of the Rams' official 2021 schedule
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2 min read
Ladies and gentlemen, the 2021 NFL schedule is officially here. With the draft in the books and most rosters all but locked and loaded for the fall, we can finally turn our eyes toward the season. The NFC West, in particular, promises plenty of intrigue this year, with the 49ers adding Trey Lance at quarterback, the Cardinals entering a critical year under Kliff Kingsbury and the Seahawks looking to lean on Russell Wilson once again. The Rams, meanwhile, might have the biggest spotlight of them all after going all in on Matthew Stafford under center. Here's a full rundown of their 17-game schedule, including key matchups and a season prediction:
2021 Rams schedule
| Week | Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | vs. Bears | Sept. 12 | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
2 | at Colts | Sept. 19 | 1 p.m. | FOX |
3 | vs. Buccaneers | Sept. 26 | 4:25 p.m. | FOX |
4 | vs. Cardinals | Oct. 3 | 4:05 p.m. | FOX |
5 | at Seahawks | Oct. 7 | 8:20 p.m. | FOX/NFLN/Amazon |
6 | at Giants | Oct. 17 | 1 p.m. | FOX |
7 | vs. Lions | Oct. 24 | 4:05 p.m. | FOX |
8 | at Texans | Oct. 31 | 1 p.m. | FOX |
9 | vs. Titans | Nov. 7 | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
10 | at 49ers | Nov. 15 | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN |
11 | Bye Week | |||
12 | at Packers | Nov. 28 | 4:25 p.m. | FOX |
13 | vs. Jaguars | Dec. 5 | 4:25 p.m. | CBS |
14 | at Cardinals | Dec. 13 | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN |
15 | vs. Seahawks | Dec. 19 | 4:25 p.m. | FOX |
16 | at Vikings | Dec. 26 | 1 p.m. | FOX |
17 | at Ravens | Jan. 2 | 4:25 p.m. | FOX |
| 18 | vs. 49ers | Jan. 9 | 4:25 p.m. | FOX |
Rams key games
- Week 18 vs. 49ers: Like San Francisco, the Rams also have a recent Super Bowl appearance and new QB on their resume. These two could go head to head for the division crown. It'll be key for L.A. to take care of business at home.
- Week 17 at Ravens: This one's out of the conference, so it may not make or break L.A.'s NFC playoff chances. But it sure feels like a big test, with Lamar Jackson and Co. boasting a playoff-caliber attack at home.
- Week 12 at Packers: Is Aaron Rodgers playing for Green Bay here? If so, this could make for an NFC playoff preview.
Rams toughest matchup
Week: 3 | Date: Sept. 26 | Time: 4:25 p.m.
Opponent: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The last time Los Angeles faced Tom Brady in a huge game, things did not go the Rams' way. This time around, things will look a lot different, with Brady in Tampa Bay defending a title and Matthew Stafford now captaining Sean McVay's offense. Going up against Brady will be tough, but so will matching up with Todd Bowles' stingy defense.
Rams projected win total
2021 record prediction: 10-7
L.A. doesn't have a cakewalk outside of the division, with matchups against the Buccaneers, Colts, Ravens, Titans and Vikings among slip-up opportunities. But if the Rams can at least split with most of their NFC West rivalries this year, there are enough should-be victories (e.g. Jaguars, Lions, Texans) to propel them into the wild-card picture. Matthew Stafford could turn in a good, not great, performance this year, and chances are the talent around him will elevate the whole package to playoff material.
