ESPN Predicts Rams as Super Bowl Contenders in 2024

Two ESPN analysts have predicted the Los Angeles Rams to come of out the NFC and reach Super Bowl LIX next season.

The Kansas City Chiefs clinched the Super Bowl LVIII title last Sunday night, marking the start of the 2024 NFL offseason. With free agency just weeks away and the NFL Draft a couple of months away, this spring is anticipated to be bustling with activity.

Expectations for the Los Angeles Rams have risen significantly compared to this time last year, with two ESPN experts even predicting a potential Super Bowl run for them. 

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates with wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) after scoring a second quarter touchdown during the at M&T Bank Stadium / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

In a poll of 11 experts for their 2024 predictions, Field Yates and Jeremy Fowler both selected the Rams to reach the Super Bowl, albeit with a predicted loss.

Yates was the first to pick L.A. to reach the big game, facing off against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.

"The Chiefs hardly need an explanation here, while the Rams are poised for a significant step forward," Yates said. "Los Angeles is equipped with draft capital (the team hasn't made a first-round pick since 2016 but has one this year) and is armed with cap space after operating almost exclusively around the margins an offseason ago."

The Rams pleasantly surprised the NFL this season, winning 10 games and returning to the playoffs for the first time since their Super Bowl appearance two years ago. 

Now, they confront the challenge of capitalizing on their breakout season and reclaiming their status as top contenders. 

And Fowler believes they will do just that, taking on the Buffalo Bills, led by Josh Allen.

"Although Buffalo was a better team than Kansas City in the 2023 divisional round, it found a way to lose," Fowler said. "The Bills will break through, and this might be the last season to do it because of looming roster/cap constraints. The Rams are trending up on offense and finally have the cap space and draft capital to improve their defense for one more run."

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The Rams came close to upsetting the Lions in the wild-card round and were one of the NFL's hottest teams entering the playoffs. Despite a thrilling game against Detroit, they fell just short. 

Looking ahead to 2024, the NFC West remains a tough division, making securing a playoff spot a challenge. However, with Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua expected to continue their development, the Rams' roster is set to be one of the strongest in the conference.

If the Rams can bolster their offense with another target like Nacua and add more depth at pass rusher, the Rams may have a shot at next year's Super Bowl.