LA Rams 2018 Schedule: Game-by-game score predictions
By Jason Reed
![SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 17: Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay talks with Jared Goff (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 17: Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay talks with Jared Goff (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0adb0f9327e6bae9922906f3961fa95e417534581874f55d4a0f289636d10c3c.jpg)
Weeks 1-4:
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Week 1: at Oakland Raiders (Monday Night Football)
The NFL was smart in giving the LA Rams the first Monday Night Football game of the 2018 season. Everyone in the NFL, Rams’ fan or not, wants to see how this new-look Rams team is going to perform. Also, this will be the first game for returning head coach, Jon Gruden. The schedule makers really could not have found a better first week Monday Night game.
Despite the Raiders’ crowd and the electricity that will be surrounding the return of Gruden, the LA Rams are just too talented for the Raiders. Todd Gurley will have an insane week one to lead LA to victory.
Score prediction: 31-13, Rams (1-0).
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Week 2: vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals present a much better outlook at the quarterback position, having signed Sam Bradford in free agency. However, Bradford still has major health concerns and while the Cardinals may be rumored to draft a quarterback, there will still be a learning curve.
A big reason for the Cardinals’ limited success last season was head coach Bruce Arians. Arians made the Carindals a lot better than they should have been. While Steve Wilks is not a bad coach, it is going to take time for him to get into the groove of things.
Score prediction: 24-7, Rams (2-0).
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Week 3: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Although Alden Gonzalez of ESPN called this a trap game, it is hard to see the Los Angeles Chargers taking home a victory over their LA counterparts. This is coming from a Charger fan (yes, I am a Charger fan) and I still cannot see the Rams losing this game.
While I think this will ultimately be a close contest, the Chargers are notorious for slow starts to the season. If the Rams win then my prediction is right, if they lose, then I am happy about the Chargers. Win-win.
Score prediction: 27-24, Rams (3-0).
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Week 4: vs. Minnesota Vikings (Thursday Night Football)
This is where I can see the LA Rams perfect season coming to an end. The Vikings manhandled the LA Rams last season with their suffocating defense. And while I think the Rams match up much better now, the short week may hurt the team.
While the short week may actually hurt the Vikings more, I see the LA Rams falling just short after two physical, close games in a row with the Chargers and then the Vikings.
Score prediction: 20-18, Vikings. Rams: (3-1).