Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Los Angeles Rams Week 5 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Los Angeles Rams rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 4.8 (4th)
  • Best ranking: 2nd (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 9th (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 5 roundup for the Rams in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 3

Biggest surprise: WR Cooper Kupp

Why it's a surprise: In his fifth NFL season, Cooper Kupp has established himself as quarterback Matthew Stafford's favorite target and has exploded to become one of the top receivers in the league. Entering Monday night, Kupp leads the NFL with five receiving touchdowns and ranks third with 431 receiving yards. Kupp has also been targeted a league-high 46 times, catching 30 passes. Kupp was expected to be a top performer in the Rams' offense, but few could have predicted that he would be among the most productive receivers in the league. -- Lindsey Thiry

NFL.com -- Rank: 9

Let the events of Sunday serve as a reminder to the Rams: If you don't bring your "A" game in the NFC West, you have the potential to get embarrassed. That's what happened in a 37-20 loss to the Cardinals at SoFi Stadium, a game that made the good vibes of the Rams' pristine September feel like they came years ago. Two early turnovers -- one a Matthew Stafford interception, the other a fumble by Sony Michel that set Arizona up near the red zone -- were turned into Cardinals touchdowns, while Stafford and his receivers struggled to find a groove. The normally reliable defense has also encountered turbulence, surrendering 911 yards and 61 points in the past two weeks. The Rams need to adjust on the fly with the Seahawks up next on Thursday night.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 6

They put so much into the Tampa Bay game, so there had to be a letdown against the Cardinals. But to that degree? Now comes a tough trip to Seattle.

USA Today -- Rank: 2

Coach Sean McVay had been 8-0 against Arizona ... prior to Sunday. He'll get another crack at them in Week 14, when LA concludes a nine-game stretch with six on the road -- which starts Thursday in Seattle.

The Athletic -- Rank: 4

No one, and they mean no one, beats the Cardinals nine times in a row. After a dream start, the Rams' dose of reality came thanks to uncharacteristic sloppiness, such as Matthew Stafford's second interception of the season, Sony Michel's fumble and Tyler Higbee's dropped touchdown pass. Big picture, they'll be fine, but that division is a bear. It's not crazy to think all four NFC West teams could make the playoffs.

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