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          Los Angeles Rams 2020 season preview: How will life be without Todd Gurley?

          • ESPN staffSep 8, 2020, 06:00 AM ET

          The Los Angeles Rams are ranked No. 11 in ESPN's Football Power Index ahead of the 2020 NFL season. With no preseason games this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, Week 1 is the first time we'll see new acquisitions and rookies for every team. Week 1 will also give us the first NFL games since Super Bowl LIV in February.

          Here's everything you need to know about the Rams heading into the season, from the big question to answer and the toughest stretch on their schedule to a bold prediction and potential breakout fantasy football stars.

          Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

          The big question: How will the offense perform without Todd Gurley II?

          It's no secret that Gurley's production declined last season, but the 2017 Offensive Player of the Year still demanded the attention of opposing defenses. Now, quarterback Jared Goff must take a greater command of the offense, while the trio of Malcolm Brown, Darrell Henderson Jr. and Cam Akers must quickly prove themselves as threats out of the backfield. -- Lindsey Thiry

          How the pandemic has most affected the Rams

          The Rams have awaited the opening of SoFi Stadium since returning to L.A. four seasons ago. Their new $5-plus billion home is now ready for the 2020 season, but the state-of-the-art stadium will make its debut without fans in attendance when the Rams host the Dallas Cowboys this week on "Sunday Night Football." "It's a bummer," Rams coach Sean McVay said. "But, obviously, these are kind of the times that we're living in." The Rams have provided no timeline for when fans might be allowed in attendance. -- Thiry

          Football Power Index projections for the Rams

          Overall ranking: 11
          Offensive ranking: 9
          Defensive ranking: 18
          Special teams ranking: 12

          Total wins: 8.2
          NFC West title chances: 14.8%
          Chances to make playoffs: 42.8%
          Super Bowl chances: 1.4%

          Inside the Rams' schedule

          FPI's strength of schedule rank: 7

          Toughest stretch: The Rams must come off a Week 9 bye refreshed as they prepare for a three-game stretch that could prove pivotal in their pursuit of a division title and playoff berth. In Week 10 the Rams host Russell Wilson and the division rival Seahawks, then travel to Tampa Bay in Week 11 to play Tom Brady and the revamped Buccaneers on Monday Night Football before returning to L.A. in Week 12 to host the defending NFC champion 49ers.

          Over or under 8.2 wins? Over. McVay's high-octane offense might take a step back this season given it doesn't have Gurley, speedy receiver Brandin Cooks and the offensive line appeared a bit suspect throughout training camp (though it has faced Aaron Donald daily). However, the defense boasts Donald and lockdown cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who have the ability to change a game on any play. -- Thiry

          Bold prediction for 2020: The Rams will win the NFC West again

          With three new coordinators, a reenergized McVay and a group eager to prove that missing the playoffs at 9-7 last season was a fluke, the Rams will rebound and win a third division title in four seasons. They'll need a few things to fall their way for this to happen. Goff must return to 2018 form and first-year coordinator Brandon Staley's defense needs to perform as he envisioned -- with Donald in more one-on-one situations and Ramsey locking down not only his receiver, but perhaps making plays across the entire field. -- Thiry

          Breakout fantasy star: Cam Akers, RB

          Akers or Henderson? Henderson or Akers? Deciding between second-round rookie Akers and 2019 third-round pick Henderson has been one of the hottest debates of the offseason. Akers seems to positioned best, however, as the Florida State product is the favorite for early-down and short-yardage duties. Akers has a terrific profile, with good size, speed, strength and terrific collegiate YAC/forced missed tackle numbers. Though Akers is the preferred target, Henderson is available much later in most drafts, so savvy gamers can easily hedge their bets. -- Mike Clay

          ADP for the top players:

          The view from Vegas

          Super Bowl odds: 30-1 (opened 25-1)
          Over/under: 8.5
          Playoff odds: Yes +150, No -170

          The Rams' 9-7 record wasn't good enough for a playoff berth in 2019, a year after losing to the Patriots in Super Bowl LIII. And they're trending in the wrong direction -- their preseason Super Bowl-winning odds were 10-1 two years ago, 14-1 last season. -- ESPN Chalk

          Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill as of Sept. 1.

          Where the Rams landed in NFL Rank

          Speed reads before Week 1