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The Los Angeles Rams went down to Texas in Week 4 and got a statement win over the Dallas Cowboys, 35-30.
Not surprisingly, the praise followed immediately. Expectations for the 2017 Rams shifted accordingly. And now, the major power rankings are reflecting the Rams’ 3-1 start, a 3-1 start that feels quite different from last year’s similar early output.
2017 NFL Power Rankings Summary - Week 5
| Average ranking (# of rankings) | 10.63 (8) |
|---|---|
| Average ranking (# of rankings) | 10.63 (8) |
| Average change from last week | +4.88 |
| Highest ranking (source) | 4th (SB Nation) |
| Lowest ranking (source) | 16th (ESPN) |
| Biggest positive change (source) | +8 (MMQB) |
| Biggest negative change (source) | 0 (ESPN) |
SB Nation: 4th (last week: 10th)
Yes, the Rams were 3-1 last year before the season went to hell. But with Sean McVay on the sideline, Jared Goff playing well, and Todd Gurley back to form, 2017 feels way different.
Beating the Cowboys on the road is no joke, either. The Rams look like the real deal.
If you think Todd Gurley is off to a great start, then you should see what opposing running backs have done against Los Angeles. The Rams have allowed 4.9 yards per rush and a league-worst seven rushing touchdowns so far this season. They'll have to shore up the rushing defense if they have want to contend.
Impressive comeback win over the Cowboys, on the road, with the game teetering on the brink during the first half. As the broadcast team discussed the improved offense under Sean McVay, Wade Phillips' defense was getting destroyed. I was going to tweet about it during the game, but thought I would sit on it until I saw what adjustments Phillips made at halftime. Talk about a 180 in the final 30 minutes of play. After allowing 24 points in the first half, the DC on Medicare delivered his HC in Daycare a win, as his unit gave up a scant six points after the break.
CBS Sports: 12th (17th)
Wade Phillips has to get the defense playing better. I think it will come.
Yahoo! Sports: 9th (16th)
Next week’s home game against the Seahawks will be really interesting. Win that, and they’ll lead the Seahawks by two games with a tiebreaker edge. Also, they would send a message that this fast start isn’t a mirage.
Pro Football Talk: 13th (18th)
In the Fight for L.A., it’s a first-round TKO.
Sports Illustrated’s MMQB: 11th (19th)
With a gutsy win in Dallas, the Rams served notice that, at 3-1, they’re for real. Not like those nerds from the 2016 Rams, who started the season . . . uh, 3-1. But, really, the play of Jared Goff, Todd Gurley and a much improved offensive line is legitimate cause for optimism, and L.A. has a chance to take control of the NFC West with a home game against Seattle on Sunday.
USA Today: 10th (12th)
One underappreciated reason they're league's top-scoring offense? Greg Zuerlein has been Tucker-esque, perfect on 14 FG tries and all 14 PATs.