Five Bold Rams Predictions for the 2015 season.

1. Tavon Austin has his break out year.

Tavon was very hyped up coming into the NFL because of his speed. He runs a 4.2 40-yard dash and is very capable of making plays. His elusiveness goes a long way, like we’ve seen in spurts throughout his short career. He’s got talent, there’s no doubt about that. People have already classified him as a bust but how? Yes, the offensive numbers aren’t there. Through his first two seasons, he has 71 receptions for 660 yards and four touchdowns. But look at the factors around him. Starting QB Sam Bradford was hurt all of the time and the Rams were flipping between Shaun Hill and Austin Davis (and Kellen Clemens in 2013) at quarterback. There’s absolutely no consistency there. Secondly, and possibly even more to blame, is now former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. If you’re a Rams fan, you dreaded watching the Rams on offense. Not only because of the lack of talent but also because of the horrendous play calling. For instance, back when the Rams played the 49ers on Monday Night Football. The Rams had 3rd & Goal from the 49ers one-yard line after gaining a few yards on second down. Instead of running the ball right up the gut for the one-yard score, Schotty called a play-action pass that Austin Davis ended up throwing away and the Rams kicked a field goal. That’s just a small example of Brian Schottenheimer’s play calling. Schotty failed to use Tavon in the ways he’s capable of. Little to no end arounds, screens, plays with Tavon in the backfield, etc. If new OC Frank Cigetti can use Tavon to his full potential, we could be looking at over 1,000 total yards and 10+ touchdowns from Tavon Austin in 2015.

2. Nick Foles and the Rams reach long-term contract agreement.

This is hard to predict, being that Foles is yet to play an actual game for the Rams. But the Rams, both coaching staff and players are developing good chemistry and continuity with Foles.  The Rams Front Office and Foles have already started preliminary contract talks with Foles to get him to sign an extension (his rookie contract ends after the 2015 season). I predict a big year from Nick Foles and the Rams (as you will see later). Foles will like what he has in St. Louis and will resign.

3. Nick Fairley surpasses expectations.

Expectations for Nick Fairley were big in Detroit, being that he was taken as the 13th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He was a let down in Detroit, only totaling 13.5 sacks over four seasons. He struggled with injuries and an overweight problem also while with the Lions. The coaches and trainers for the Rams have gotten Fairley on track (helps that he got a workout based bonus) and he actual dropped too much weight, now to the point where they need him to gain weight.  Fairley signed a one-year, $5 million dollar contract with the Rams, so this is really the year he has to prove himself or his NFL career could come to a close. I think he will exceed the expectations. I don’t have specific tackle projections or anything like that, but I believe Fairley will add even more depth to an already stacked Rams D-Line. I believe he will prove to the entire NFL that he can be a starting DT. I also believe he will do so well, that he will have several offers in free agency next season and the Rams won’t be able to afford to keep him because of what other teams will offer him; but that’s a discussion for another day.

4. Rams win over half of division games.

The Rams went 2-4 in division play in 2014. I mean hey, two is better than none, but there is definitely room for improvement. Here are my six division games predictions:

Week 1 vs. Seahawks ~ Win

Week 4 @ Cardinals ~ Loss

Week 7 vs. 49ers ~ Win

Week 12 vs. Cardinals ~ Win

Week 16 @ Seahawks ~ Loss

Week 17 @ 49ers ~ Win

Division Record: 4-2

Seattle Seahawks: The Seattle Seahawks are still one of the best teams in the NFL, but are beatable, as we saw when the Rams defeated them 28-26 in Week 6 of the 2014 season.  Seattle is tough to beat at home, and I think they’ll edge out the Rams in that one, but Rams snag a victory on opening day.

Arizona Cardinals: I think Arizona will digress from where they were last year, but they still are a good team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. I predict that the Rams will split the season series with the Cardinals, with each team winning when they play at home.

San Francisco 49ers: Finally, the 49ers. The 49ers are a mess. They’ve lost an incredible amount of starters from last year, from retirement to free agency, to trades, etc. They are not going to be the same 49ers we’ve seen the last few years. Rams take both games from the Niners in 2015.

5. The Rams make the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

The Rams currently have the fourth longest playoff drought in the NFL (Bills – 1999, Raiders – 2001, Browns – 2002). I don’t think they’ll dethrone the Seahawks as NFC West champs, maybe in a year or two, but the Rams will contend and earn a Wild Card Playoff berth. I see the Rams going at least 9-7, but I envision a record like 10-6 or possibly 11-5. It’s possible. The defense is set, and the offense has a new quarterback at the helm, new coordinator and better-developed offensive weapons. The St. Louis Rams will make a run in 2015. 

Tweet me your questions or comments: @JB_VAVEL