Analyzing the Rams' 2012 schedule

The 2012 NFL schedule is finally out, and I'm still trying to soak it all in. First of all, let's take a look at the Rams' 2012 schedule, game by game:

SEPT 9 @ DETROIT
This is obviously not what the Rams envisioned as they try to ease their way into this season. Hopefully Jeff Fisher will have everyone up to speed by then, because the Rams will need a miracle to beat a completely healthy Detroit squad.

SEPT 16  WASHINGTON
The Redskins will presumably throw RGIII into the fire, and this will be his first start against the team that "could have" drafted him. Fortunately for St. Louis, this is a very winnable game, if not for being at home against a still adjusting Washington team.

SEPT 23 @ CHICAGO
The Bears have become much better with the addition of Brandon Marshall over the offseason. Luckily the wintry weather of Chicago won't be present just yet, so the Rams may have a chance to take this one. But if Cutler and Marshall can connect as often as they did in Denver, the Rams may be in trouble.

SEPT 30  SEATTLE
This game could be a toss-up. The Rams could certainly take this one depending on who is playing for Seattle (for example, does the Matt Flynn experiment work?). I can see the Rams stealing this one too.

OCT 4  ARIZONA
Another home game has the Rams in their only "prime-time" game of the season (even though it's a Thursday night game that only the bar-goers will see). The Rams should certainly take this one as well, since they were oh so close to beating a similar looking Cardinals squad last year. Just watch out for that Patrick Peterson guy.

OCT 14 @ MIAMI
In their first "away" game of the season (that is, outside the Midwest), the Rams travel to Miami in a very winnable game against the disjointed Dolphins. The Rams must view this game as a must-win, not a gimme.

OCT 21  GREEN BAY
The Rams return home just in time for the final stretch before their bye. The Packers didn't play well last year against St. Louis in Green Bay, but still won anyway. If the Rams can play the game close, they may have a chance.

OCT 28  PATRIOTS (in London)
The Rams have their second home game in as many weeks, except it's a bit outside of St. Louis. The Rams travel to London for the first of several games that they will host there over the coming years. Unfortunately, this game will be like playing an away game, much more so for the Rams than the Pats. Chock this one down as a loss.

BYE WEEK
The Rams get a much-needed bye right in the middle of the season, and by that I really mean much needed. The second half is a brutal stretch of mostly away games, so the Rams need to square away any problems this week.

NOV 11 @ SAN FRANCISCO
The tough road games start with a trip to the Bay, where the stalwart Niners will try to defend their NFC West crown. Frankly, I don't think the Niners will be as good as last year, but they will still be able to defeat the Rams, unfortunately.

NOV 18  NEW YORK JETS
The Jets come to town in a game that will possibly feature Tim Tebow as the starting quarterback. The Jets have no reason to believe they can't win this game, and will probably look at it as a "gimme-game". The Rams have to take advantage of this mentality in order to shut down New York.

NOV 25 @ARIZONA
This should be the first "easy" game of the second half of the season, but the Rams shouldn't take this one lightly. We all remember what happened last year when they played too conservatively.

DEC 2  SAN FRANCISCO
Surprisingly, this game could be a win if the Rams play it right. They fought hard last year on reserves, and almost came close to tying the game. They will have to fight hard to win this one.

DEC 9 @ BUFFALO
This could be a cold-weather game against a formidable opponent in the Bills. I can't see the Rams having an easy time with this one. There's always a chance against the up-and-down Bills, though.

DEC 16  MINNESOTA
The Vikings could be a whole new-look team next year, for better or worse. I can see the Rams winning this one at home. The Vikes will either be too injured or too dysfunctional.

DEC 23 @ TAMPA BAY
The Bucs weren't so hot last year, but call that a down year. With several new acquisitions from free agency, they could create a buzz in the NFC South. This one could be tough if the Bucs are vying for a wild-card spot. I think they will come back strong this year.

DEC 30 @ SEATTLE
It seems the Rams are always destined to play one of their last games against division rival Seattle. Although the Rams haven't had much success in Seattle over the last few years, they will try to shed that label and end their season on a high note. I'm assuming that neither of these teams will be in playoff contention, so it'll be a physical game of pride and glory.

So there it is. Overall, according to an ESPN report, the Rams have the fourth toughest overall schedule. My guess is that they'll finish somewhere around 7-9 or 8-8 if everything works out, a dramatic improvement from last year. Maybe even over .500 if they can pull a New Orleans style win from last year. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.