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How Should Rams be Ranked in NFC Following Initial Free Agency Moves?
Rams Aiming to Reclaim NFC Crown in 2024

By Evan Craig Mar 19, 2024, 3:00pm CDT
The first wave of free agency has concluded, and the L.A. Rams seem to be in excellent shape as the NFL Draft approaches next month. LA made a surprising playoff push last season after starting 3-6, showing signs of a potential return to contention in the wide-open NFC.

Despite their 2023 success, not everyone is convinced of the Rams’ prospects, as highlighted by this tweet:

This ranking is ridiculous. 10th?!? pic.twitter.com/TH8TksL8aX

— JAKE ELLENBOGEN (@JKBOGEN) March 19, 2024
I share Mr. Ellenbogen’s sentiment; placing LA at 10th in the conference is as absurd as having your wisdom teeth pulled. While losing Aaron Donald to retirement is a blow, it doesn’t warrant such a steep drop in NFC rankings.

It’s unfathomable to consider the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, or even the Seattle Seahawks above the Rams. Despite Kirk Cousins’ potential, can we be certain the Falcons were just a quarterback away? Plus, how will Cousins perform at 36 after an Achilles injury?

Let’s not overlook the Bears, who’ve never successfully developed a quarterback. While they have a solid roster, winning the offseason doesn’t guarantee success [see the 2022 Broncos and 2023 Jets]. Starting a rookie QB will bring inevitable growing pains. Confidence in them is premature until proven otherwise.

Regarding the Seahawks, their reset after parting ways with Pete Carroll for a front office role doesn’t instill confidence. LA swept them in a “rebuilding” year, so expectations for ’24 are questionable.

The NFC hierarchy appears set with the 49ers, Lions, and Packers at the top, ready to compete with youthful rosters. Philadelphia and Dallas will also contend for postseason spots.

Initial rankings are premature with free agency ongoing and the draft approaching. These rankings are senseless and laughable, but they also present an opportunity for the Rams to prove doubters wrong for the second year in a row.