NFL schedule makers couldn't have predicted Rams' tough opening to 2025

Jacksonville Jaguars v Los Angeles Rams | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/GettyImagesWhen the NFL schedulers set up the 2025 season, the Los Angeles Rams' opponents were already assigned.

But schedulers still have a huge role to play, as the order of opponents is often more important than the opponents themselves. As soon as the schedule came out, fans gasped at what appeared to be a gauntlet of opponents who were expected to contend for playoff berths this season.

After five weeks, the teams vying for playoff berths have changed dramatically. The 1-4 Baltimore Ravens and 2-3 Houston Texans are struggling in the early going in 2025. But the 4-1 Indianapolis Colts, 4-1 Philadelphia Eagles, 4-1 San…