NFL Power Rankings: Steelers rise and Texans fall flat in July

15. L.A. Rams (finished 14)

What I said at the end of last season:

"This is going to get ugly before it gets better for the Rams. Offensively, Jared Goff just got a new huge deal before the season and all he has done is spend the following 17 weeks showing why he was a player completely propped up by a lot of skill position talent and great play calling. Defensively, the Rams do have Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey and Dante Fowler but the problem is that it seems like the rumors are pointing to Wade Phillips not being retained. Without him, I don’t know if the defense is even above average and the play of the stars will definitely suffer. A banged up Todd Gurley doesn’t look like he is going to swoop in and make everything better by making big plays whenever the team needs a spark and I am really not sure how they make it to the playoffs with no money and no high picks."

Looking back:

Am I too high on the Rams? Looking at their roster I might be, but the idea of Sean McVay having a losing season is hard for me to wrap my head around and I feel like Jalen Ramsey playing for a new contract and Aaron Donald is going to be enough to keep that defense potent

Cooper Kupp will still get his and maybe Cam Akers can come in and help give the offense more force on the ground, but this team feels 8-8ish right now and that would be overachieving based on that roster.