Rams Week 1 History in Sean McVay Era Favors L.A. in Opener

As Sean McVay prepares for his seventh season as coach, here's what the Los Angeles Rams have done in each of the six season-openers under him.

As we've noted, the Los Angeles Rams have a gauntlet of a September schedule, made worse by the uncertain status of former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp. Said slate will begin on Sunday at Lumen Field in Seattle, where the Rams are currently five-point underdogs against the Seahawks. 

Before the seventh year of the Sean McVay Era begins, here's a look at how the Rams fared in each of their six previous season openers. 

2017: 46–9 Win Over the Indianapolis Colts

After going 4-12 in 2016 under Jeff Fisher and John Fassel, the Rams tabbed McVay as the youngest coach in NFL history at the age of 30. The Rams made quite the statement to open up the McVay Era, hanging 46 on the Colts. Quarterback Jared Goff completed 21 of 29 passes for 306 yards and one touchdown. Running backs Todd Gurley and Malcolm Brown each rushed for a touchdown, while Kupp hauled one in. Cornerback Trumaine Johnson and safety Lamarcus Joyner each scored defensive touchdowns. 

2018: 33–13 Win Over the Oakland Raiders

McVay's Rams went into the Oakland Coliseum and defeated the Raiders, led by his former mentor Jon Gruden. Goff threw for two touchdowns, while both Gurley and Kupp had touchdown receptions. Gurley also ran for 108 yards. Linebacker Cory Littleton had 13 combined tackles in the win for the Rams. Los Angeles would win the NFC title in 2018. 

2019: 30–27 Win Over the Carolina Panthers

Despite Christian McCaffrey rushing for 128 yards and two touchdowns, the Rams still pulled out a Week 1 victory in Carolina. While Gurley led the Rams with 97 rushing yards, Brown found the end zone twice on the ground. In his debut with the Rams, edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. recorded two sacks. 

Sean McVay and Todd Gurley had instant success together. (Robert Hanashiro/USA Today)

2020: 20–17 Rams Win Over the Dallas Cowboys

The Rams spoiled Mike McCarthy's debut as the coach in Dallas, winning by three points on Sunday Night Football in the first game ever played at SoFi Stadium. Brown ran for two touchdowns in the season-opener for the second consecutive season. Meanwhile, eventual Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald recorded four quarterback hits, a sack and a tackle for a loss. 

2021: 34–14 Win Over the Chicago Bears

In his first game with the Rams, quarterback Matthew Stafford didn't disappoint, tossing three touchdowns and racking up 321 passing yards. In a sign of what was to come, Stafford connected with Kupp seven times for 108 yards and a touchdown. The Rams would go on to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowl. 

2022: 31–10 Loss to the Buffalo Bills

As the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Rams got to host the first game of the 2022 season, welcoming the Bills to So-Fi Stadium. For the first time under McVay, the Rams lost in the opening game of the season, falling 31-10 to the Bills. Stafford was picked off three times in the loss. A year after winning the Super Bowl, Los Angeles would finish just 5-12.