Rams look to replicate last year's post-bye surge for playoff berth

Coming off their bye week, the 1-4 Los Angeles Rams are in a position comparable to that in which they found themselves last season.

In their 2023-24 campaign, the Rams went 3-6 before their bye. Then, they flipped the switch, winning seven of their final eight regular-season matchups to secure a playoff spot.

The team's bye came earlier this season, after only five games. However, the Rams again went into the bye week three games below .500. Can they turn it around like they did last year?

Their schedule resumes favorably with a home game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Sporting News' Teddy Ricketson has questioned whether the Raiders threw in the towel on the 2024-25 season when they traded away star wide receiver Davante Adams.

Furthermore, the Raiders are battling the injury bug. Among those missing practice this week for Las Vegas were WR Jakobi Meyers (ankle), defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle), linebackers Tommy Eichenberg (quadriceps) and Kana'i Mauga (knee), guard Dylan Parham (foot) and defensive tackle Kolton Miller (shoulder).

By contrast, the Rams are recuperating. After being wracked by multiple early-season injuries , key players like All-Pro WR Cooper Kupp and rotational offensive lineman Joe Noteboom returned to practice this week.

If the Rams hope to replicate last season's post-bye playoff run, a victory over the Raiders is a necessary first step.

The Rams are favored by seven points over the Raiders. Kickoff is on Sunday at SoFi Stadium at 4:05 p.m. EST.