After a very surprising showing in a Week 1 loss to the 49ers, it’s no surprise the Rams have slipped in almost every power ranking. The lone exception was Complex.com’s Matt Burke, who kept at L.A. at the top spot despite the loss and injury to Myles Garrett.
Most writers seem to have adopted a wait-and-see attitude before punishing the Rams any further. If they lose to the Giants this week, they will plummet.
This sample of eight sites seems to represent the consensus and the average ranking of these
eight prognosticators is just over five, which seems about right.
Pete Prisco: Dropped from 2 to 5
“So much for the idea they were just going to waltz to the Super Bowl. They have issues on both sides of the ball that were exposed by the 49ers.”
Fox Sports Ralph Vacchiano: Dropped from 1 to 5
“The big debate is how far they should plummet because of their opening flop? It could turn out to be a travel-induced anomaly. But if the Rams lose to the Giants on Sunday, you’ll find them in the high teens next week.”
NFL.com Nick Shook: Dropped from 1 to 7
“Is it a bit dramatic of me to drop the Rams six spots after a season-opening loss? You could make that case. But the offseason darlings certainly haven’t done themselves any favors in the last week, appearing unprepared and somewhat fatigued.“
Mike Florio PFT: Dropped from 2 to 11
“Seriously? A bit of an overreaction, perhaps.”
USA Today Nate Davis: Dropped from 1 to 5
‘This was likely an anomalous defeat, if a reminder that the Lombardi Trophy is guaranteed to no team.’
SI Conor Orr: Dropped from 1 to 7
“The Rams laid an egg in Australia but the circumstances are such that I’m allowing a pass until we see the team at something closer to optimal.“
Complex Matt Burke: No change, stayed at 1
“The Rams’ team travel director could be on the unemployment line soon as LA’s decision to arrive in Melbourne, Australia just 28 hours before kickoff against the 49ers proved to be costly. New acquisition Myles Garrett is set to miss at least four games as he is undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. But for now, they are still number one in the rankings.“
NFL Trade Rumors Ethan Woodie: Dropped from 1 to 2
He dropped the Rams one spot due to the Myles Garrett injury.
This week’s result against the surprising Giants should move the needle somewhat. The question is which direction.
