NFL Power Rankings, Week 10: Ravens upend Patriots, Browns implode completely
By Randy Gurzi
13. Los Angeles Rams (13)
A 3-0 start had everyone believing the Los Angeles Rams would have no problem defending their NFC title from last season. Then, they lost three in a row including a shocking defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who dropped 55 points on them.
L.A. then got a break in the schedule as they were able to beat the one-win Atlanta Falcons and winless Cincinnati Bengals with ease before heading into their bye in Week 9.
This break comes at a good time since they’ve seen a decline in the performance of Todd Gurley so far this season. For the first time since 2016, he’s averaging less than four yards per carry and hasn’t had much of an impact as a receiver. So far, he has just 15 catches for 81 yards while averaging a career-low 5.4 per reception.
Throughout the offseason, the knee of Gurley was questioned and the Rams are trying to limit his touches some. Darrell Henderson has been getting more involved and the rookie had his best game in Week 8 when he had 49 yards on 11 carries and 20 on two receptions.
Even with Gurley not at 100 percent, the offense can produce for Los Angeles. The real question will be what they do on defense. They hope the addition of Jalen Ramsey will make a huge difference down the stretch and they can use this bye to get him fully up to speed with their defensive play calls.