The Los Angeles Rams are in a dark place, having followed three straight wins with three consecutive losses to fall below .500 through seven games for the ninth time in the past 10 years.
But reasons for optimism loom.
Coming out of their bye week, the Rams have two critical factors in their favor: A soft schedule and uncommon health. There's at least a slight chance that every single one of their players will be healthy by the time they play again on Nov. 6. And that day will mark the beginning of a four-week stretch against four teams -- the Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints -- that sit a combined 8-17.