NFL Power Rankings: Even After Loss, Rams Receive Love

The Los Angeles Rams have received acclaim after their first two games in 2023.

Through the first two weeks of the 2023 season, the Los Angeles Rams have been one of the NFL's most pleasant surprises. Coach Sean McVay's squad -- picked to be one of the worst in the sport by most outlets prior to the season -- upset the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, before finishing within seven in a loss against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2. 

It remains to be seen whether the Rams can compete for a postseason spot this year, but there's been a lot to like during the first two games. First of all, quarterback Matthew Stafford looks rejuvenated, despite having one touchdown pass to two interceptions. Rookie receiver Puka Nacua has a league-leading 25 catches for 266 yards in his first two games. Second-year running back Kyren Williams has rushed for three touchdowns in two games. 

As the Rams prepare for a Week 3 Monday Night Football tilt with the Cincinnati Bengals, here's a roundup of where they stand in some notable NFL Power Rankings. 

Eric Edholm, NFL Media: The Rams actually moved up two spots to No. 24 on NFL Media's countdown, despite losing in Week 2. Edholm admits that he "highly underestimated many aspects of this roster," pointing to how impressed he's been by the trio of McVay, Stafford and Nacua. 

Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: McVay opted to kick a field goal as time expired in Week 2, covering the 7.5-point spread. Florio says whether the Rams lost by 10 or seven doesn't matter to him, dropping Los Angeles from 17 last week to 23 this week. We would argue that based on the talent gap between the two rosters, the Rams being within 10 of the 49ers is still pretty impressive. 

Matthew Stafford and the Rams have moved up in NFL Power Rankings. (USA Today)

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Despite being "undermanned," Prisco believes that the Rams will be in most of the games they play this season, ranking them at No. 23. Coming into the season, most didn't believe that the Rams would be competitive for much of the season, so that's quite a revelation through the first two weeks. 

Dalton Miller, Pro Football Network: This is by far the biggest jump this week, with the Rams climbing all the way up to No. 9, just two weeks after PFN had them at No., 31. Miller opined that if former All-Pro receiver Cooper Kupp doesn't return from his hamstring injury soon, Nacua "might lead the league in targets." 

Nate Davis, USA Today: While moving the Rams up to No. 14, Davis expressed his shock for the fact that the Kupp-less Rams have one of the best offenses in the NFL through the first two weeks.