That's a three game increase compared to the number of playoffs teams faced a season ago, which certainly could have something to do with the arguably low 7.5 season win number.

Of course two of these contests are against the suspect Seahawks, now devoid of long time QB Matt Hasselbeck.

Other potentially difficult matchups for the '11 Rams include games @Dallas, @NY Giants, @San Francisco, and home to Washington (looking good this preaseason).

On the plus side, St. Louis' schedule contains many winnable games on paper including; the aforementioned two tilts with Seattle, two tilts with Arizona, home to San Francisco and Cincinnati, and @Cleveland.

However, the Rams first 7 contests are as follows; Philadelphia, @NY Giants, Baltimore, Washington, @Green Bay, @Dallas, and New Orleans.

Can you say, "ouch!"?

If the Rams can survive the first half of season onslaught with at least 2 or 3 wins, then we project a high probability of St. Louis winning the NFC West.

Record Projection:
In 2011 we project the Rams to go (9-7), topping the Vegas season win total of 7.5 games. St. Louis is a team on the rise. Especially if production is seen at WR from Mike Sims-Walker or Donnie Avery. And if there is a contribution from rookie TE Lance Kendricks.

Of course there's always the chance injuries could wreak havoc in the other direction. To get FootballLOCKS.com's favorite season win totals picks, sign up here.

Updates:
Revisit this prediction page for any potential preseason upgrades or downgrades to the 2011 St. Louis Rams season record forecast & outlook. This 2011 NFL projection will be "frozen" before the '11 season officially kicks off... Once the regular season begins, you can track in season, rolling NFL win total standings picks here.

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