This chart shows how grueling the Rams' schedule is in 2026

There’s no opportunity for the Los Angeles Rams to ease into their season this year. It’s going to be brutally tough from the start.

Four of their first five games are against teams that made the playoffs last season, with the only exception being John Harbaugh’s New York Giants. That stretch includes four prime-time games, including the opener in Australia against the San Francisco 49ers.

The middle portion of the season gets a little bit easier with two games against the Arizona Cardinals, as well as matchups with the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders, but after the Week 11 bye, it gets grueling again.

This chart from Warren Sharp is a good visualization of how difficult the Rams’ schedule is. Only two of their opponents are projected to win fewer than seven games, according to Sharp, and 10 are projected to win at least 10 games.

Just look at that home stretch. It's about as difficult as it gets, with no break whatsoever after the bye.

The Packers, Chiefs, 49ers and should all be playoff teams, and the Cowboys and could also contend for a spot in the postseason, too. As daunting as the opening five weeks are, the final seven are even more eye-popping.