Do Los Angeles Rams Have Favorable Upcoming Schedule?

Following a difficult slate of games in September, the Los Angeles Rams could make hay in October.

All things considered, the Los Angeles Rams leaving September with a 1-2 record isn't that bad. In fact, when you consider that coach Sean McVay's squad opened up with matchups against the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals, not having a zero in the wins column after the first three weeks is probably something of a moral victory, even if they would never admit that. 

However, if the Rams want to be a team that competes for the postseason in 2023, they need to make hay in October. And luckily for them, they're well set up to do so. 

Week 4 at Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 1: While the Colts were able to move to 2-1 with Gardner Minshew under center last weekend against the Baltimore Ravens, it's unclear if rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will clear concussion protocol in time to play in this game. Former Offensive Player of the Year Jonathan Taylor remains on the PUP list. This is one of just two road game that the Rams have in October, and it's not an awful draw. 

Week 5 vs. Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 8: There's a chance that a ferocious defensive line led by star rookie Jalen Carter will wreak havoc on quarterback Matthew Stafford in this game. Make no mistake, the Rams will likely be heavy underdogs at home, and there's a good chance that SoFi Stadium has a midnight green tint to it in Week 5. At the same time, the Eagles will have to travel across the country for this game, and at least thus far, quarterback Jalen Hurts hasn't quite hit his stride under new offensive coordinator Brian Johnson. 

Can Matthew Stafford and the Rams go on a run in October?  / USA Today Sports

Week 6 vs. Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 15: For however goofy he's come off in some interviews, new coach Jonathan Gannon has an undermanned Cardinals team playing hard early on. But Arizona remains arguably the worst roster in the NFL, with the Rams likely to be favored at home. 

Week 7 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 22: Former Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt and the Steelers have an excellent defense, but thus far offensive coordinator Matt Canada's side of the ball has once again been underwhelming. Steelers fans always travel well and their team will be favored, but this is the type of game the Rams could steal if they are a playoff-caliber team. 

Week 8 vs. Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 29: There's no sugarcoating this -- if we assume that Dallas' loss to Arizona last week was a bit of a fluke, the Rams will have their work cut out in Week 8. But if they can win three of their first four games in October, they'll have some momentum. Perhaps this game won't look quite as daunting in a few weeks. Even if it does, if the Rams are able to go 3-2 during an October slate that features five games, that would be a successful month overall.