Every NFL season begins with optimism, but expectations surrounding the Los Angeles Rams feel especially high entering 2026. With a roster built to compete immediately, a franchise quarterback still playing at a high level, and a young core continuing to develop, the Rams once again appear positioned to challenge in the NFC. Of course, the path back to contention will not be easy. A demanding 18-game schedule features several playoff contenders, difficult road environments, and critical divisional
matchups that could ultimately define the season. Here is a complete game-by-game prediction for the Rams’ 2026 schedule and how their season could unfold.
Week 1: vs. San Francisco 49ers (TNF)
The 49ers will be at full strength and healthy to start the year (aside from George Kittle), something they struggled to be all throughout 2025. Most notably Fred Warner and Nick Bosa will be back on the defensive side of the ball, giving their defense a huge lift.
The only benefit may be the Rams facing the 49ers with a new defensive coordinator, Raheem Morris. But Morris got the better of McVay in Week 17 as the head coach of the Falcons.
Prediction: 49ers win 27-24 / Rams record: 0-1
Week 2: vs. New York Giants (MNF)
After a long trip to Melbourne, the Rams return for a second home game (their first real opener) against the Harbaugh-led Giants. I’m glad they catch the Giants early as they are still learning to operate under a new coaching staff. Harbaugh’s defense could give McVay’s offense issues with their ability to rush the passer.
Prediction: Rams win 28-20 / Rams record: 1-1
Week 3: @ Denver Broncos (SNF)
Three consecutive weeks on primetime, the Rams should be accustom to the bright lights. This game could be eerily similar to the Rams/Texans Week 1 game in 2025 because of Denver’s strong defense. Liam Coen and the Jaguars had a lot of success against Vance Joseph’s defense.
Prediction: Rams win 23-17 / Rams record: 2-1
Week 4: @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Rams will have this game circled (again). They let last year slip away because of poor second half play by the defense and poor special teams play. This time their upgrades in the secondary, help them get the job done.
Prediction: Rams win 28-21 / Rams record: 3-1
Week 5: vs. Buffalo Bills (MNF)
The winning streak comes to an end against Buffalo. In all likelihood, we get a high-scoring affair like we saw in 2024. Josh Allen (’24 MVP) vs. Matthew Stafford (‘25 MVP) will not disappoint from a talent perspective. The only disappointment will be the Rams dropping the game due to a game winning drive by Buffalo.
Prediction: Bills win 40-37 / Rams record: 3-2
Week 6: vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Rams second divisional game will be in Week 6. Arizona won’t be able to catch Los Angeles off guard with LaFleur’s brand of football for the new look Cardinals.
Prediction: Rams win 38-20 / Rams record: 4-2
Week 7: @ Las Vegas Raiders
Will Kirk Cousins be the quarterback in Las Vegas still? I think so. I just don’t think the Raiders have enough pieces to set up Fernando Mendoza for success at this point.
Prediction: Rams win 42-10 / Rams record: 5-2
Week 8: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The battle of Los Angeles will draw a lot of intrigue. The Chargers have added offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel who has Justin Herbert, Omarion Hampton, Ladd McConkey, and a strong offensive line. But the Chargers also lost defensive coordinator to the Baltimore Ravens head coaching job.
Prediction: Chargers win 30-27 / Rams record: 5-3
Week 9: @ Washington Commanders
Even though Jayden Daniels is a strong dual threat, the Rams have something that could help in their game planning – Kliff Kingsbury.
Prediction: Rams win 31-21 / Rams record: 6-3
Week 10: @ Arizona Cardinals
The last game before the bye and LA’s third divisional game. I still think Arizona is inferior to what Los Angeles is on paper. But any time you play a divisional game (and a second one in five weeks), there is bound to be some familiarity with your opponent.
Prediction: Rams win 26-17 / Rams record: 7-3
Week 11: BYE Week
Week 12: vs. Green Bay Packers (WNF)
The Rams are long overdue for a win over the Packers. The last time was in 2018. Micah Parsons should be fully healthy by this time but the Rams defensive front could be a problem for a Packers offensive line that had a lot of question marks in 2025.
Prediction: Rams win 33-27 / Rams record: 8-3
Week 13: vs. Kansas City Chiefs (TNF)
Even though Patrick Mahomes will be back in action and have a few games under his belt at this point, I have to believe that he will be less of a mobile threat, trying to protect his knee. The Chiefs have a lot to prove with their offensive line and their pass catchers.
Prediction: Rams win 27-20 / Rams record: 9-3
Week 14: @ San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers got the Rams win in Week 1 but the Rams get revenge in Santa Clara in Week 14. Probably because the 49ers have accrued some injuries…
Prediction: Rams win 33-24 / Rams record: 10-3
Week 15: vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys offense is one of the best in the league and having an automatic kicker in Brandon Aubrey gives them a chance to put points on the board on any drive. The Cowboys defense should be better than what they were last year making this a potential trap game for LA especially with the Rams maybe eyeing their Week 16 opponent.
Prediction: Cowboys win 27-20 / Rams record: 10-4
Week 16: @ Seattle Seahawks (Christmas Day)
A Christmas Day game. LA will want to spoil Christmas for fans in Seattle. Giving payback for the way the regular season game went in 2025.
Prediction: Rams win 24-23 / Rams record: 11-4
Week 17: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I believe the Bucs are trending down and believe the organization will move on from Todd Bowles after this year. Baker Mayfield could even decide to play elsewhere if the organization does not have the right pieces to compliment him.
Prediction: Rams win 30-10 / Rams record: 12-4
Week 18 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Could it be a game that decides the NFC West crown? Maybe. My guess is that it won’t be after the Rams week 16 win. I think this could be a game though where the Rams have the opportunity to knock the Seahawks out of a wild card spot along with securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Prediction: Rams win 31-27 / Rams record: 13-4
13-4 record and the No. 1 seed in the NFC. That’s the prediction. The LA Rams know this is a pivotal year and that every year with Matthew Stafford must be treated as if it is the last. They left a few games on the table in 2025 and they will look to right those wrongs by…FINISHING
