Week 1 went about as poorly as it could have for the Los Angeles Rams. They lost to the San Francisco 49ers, 27-7, and in the process, learned that Myles Garrett's knee is bad enough to warrant surgery and a stint on injured reserve.
Garrett will miss at least the next four games, which comes during a crucial and difficult stretch for the Rams. And while the sky is by no means falling in Los Angeles, given the Rams' high expectations, they need to get back on track in a hurry.
Experts released their Week 2 power rankings on Tuesday, reacting to the opening week of the season and re-slotting teams based on how they performed. The Rams were almost unanimously ranked No. 1 heading into Week 1 but after their loss to the 49ers, they took a slide down
the polls.
The Rams aren't ranked higher than No. 4 in any of the following power rankings, with their lowest being No. 7 and their highest being No. 4.
USA TODAY: No. 5
5. Los Angeles Rams (1): Woof. At least you couldn't blame the special teams for this loss? But the Rams scored their fewest points of the Matthew Stafford era, while WR Puka Nacua had more tackles (1) than ballyhooed offseason acquisition Myles Garrett, who will be out at least the next month – apparently he should've stayed in L.A. with Aaron Donald. This was likely an anomalous defeat, if a reminder that the Lombardi Trophy is guaranteed to no team.
ESPN: No. 5
The Rams traded four draft picks for the All-Pro cornerback in March as part of their effort to rehaul their CB room. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, McDuffie allowed only two receptions for 22 yards on four targets in Week 1, including two passes defensed. One of the passes defensed came in the first quarter, when McDuffie broke up a pass intended for Niners tight end George Kittle. McDuffie intercepted the ball but was just out of bounds. -- Sarah Barshop
Yahoo: No. 4
We can't throw out everything we know because of one game. Maybe the Rams will be a huge disappointment this season, but it's too early to proclaim that. The Rams were the second-best team in the NFL last season and had a good offseason even before the Myles Garrett trade. Throughout the rankings, you'll see some teams that didn't move very much due to a great or bad Week 1. It's a one-game sample size for now.
Sports Illustrated: No. 7
Like we’d said before, even without Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald, this is supposed to be a Super Bowl contending team. 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. Still, I thought this defense, which was full of credentialed run stuffers, would not be so bullied.
FOX Sports: No. 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.
The Athletic: No. 6
The season didn’t start well for the NFL’s superteam that has Super Bowl-or-bust aspirations. Matthew Stafford, the defending league MVP, threw for just 155 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in Australia. Now Myles Garrett is on injured reserve and out for at least four games.
Bleacher Report: No. 6
The Los Angeles Rams 2026 super team ate humble pie in Australia, but it would be an overreaction to say they'll be a disappointment this year.
Myles Garrett talked about getting over an offseason knee injury. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, according to The Ringer's Tom Pelissero. The Rams placed him on injured reserve, though he could return in a month or so. Aaron Donald didn't play.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams tumble in Week 2 power rankings: Is LA a top-5 team?
