$5 Games That Will Define St. Louis Rams\' Season In 2014$

5 Games That Will Define St. Louis Rams' Season In 2014

By Timothy Downs

5 Games That Will Define St. Louis Rams' Season In 2014

St. Louis Rams — The St. Louis Rams have reason to be confident heading into the 2014 season as they have a ton of talent that will inevitably learn to gel as they spend more time as a unit. The Rams could be a surprise playoff team despite playing in the brutal NFC West, but there are going to be games that are 'must wins' that they have to show up for if they intend on contending.

Here's a look at the five games that will define St. Louis' 2014 campaign.

5. Week 1 vs. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings v St. Louis Rams

5. Week 1 vs. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings v St. Louis Rams — It's imperative that the Rams get off to a fast start at home against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. The Rams have a tough schedule being in the NFC West, and they cannot afford to lose to any team that they are better than or equal with. Conference wins can break ties for playoff berths as well, making the game that much more critical. The Rams must set a tone and send a message to the league that they are tough in their own building.

4. Week 6 vs. San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers v St. Louis Rams

4. Week 6 vs. San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers v St. Louis Rams — The NFC West is arguably the toughest division in the NFL, but if the Rams want to take a step forward in 2014 they are going to have to win their division home games at the minimum. Going into San Francisco's new stadium in Week 9 is going to be incredibly difficult, so winning in Week 6 and splitting the series is pivotal to their season.

3. Week 7 vs. Seattle Seahawks

St Louis Rams v Seattle Seahawks

3. Week 7 vs. Seattle Seahawks

St Louis Rams v Seattle Seahawks — In Week 7 the Rams will host the Seahawks in a critical matchup that they cannot afford to lose. The two teams will see each other again in Week 17, but St. Louis cannot expect to beat the Seahawks in Seattle, especially if the Seahawks are playing for home-field advantage in the playoffs. Losing two to Seattle will devastate their season.

2. Week 10 at Arizona Cardinals

St Louis Rams v Arizona Cardinals

2. Week 10 at Arizona Cardinals

St Louis Rams v Arizona Cardinals — St. Louis could get a huge lift by taking one road NFC West matchup, and the Arizona Cardinals are tough, but it's far more feasible that this is the game the Rams get it done rather than San Francisco or Seattle. The Rams really need to beat the Cardinals twice in 2014 or else they have an incredibly difficult path to the postseason.

1. Week 16 vs. New York Giants

St. Louis Rams v New York Giants

1. Week 16 vs. New York Giants

St. Louis Rams v New York Giants — St. Louis' season will, in all likelihood, come down to their Week 16 home matchup against the New York Giants. The Rams have a path to ten wins even if they lose against Seattle to end the regular season, and the Giants are by far an easier opponent, making this game an absolute must win. St. Louis cannot afford to travel to Seattle with anything on the line.

Timothy Downs is a St. Louis Rams/NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. You can add him on Google or follow on Twitter @Tidow1212.

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