5.) Los Angeles Rams
The biggest shock of the NFL in 2023 for the better was the storyline for the Rams. After their injury-plagued 2022 season and not having a first round pick, there was not much hope going into 2023 for Sean McVay. Little did we all know that quarterback Matt Stafford would get back to his old self, but not because of wideout Cooper Kupp, but fifth-round rookie wide receiver out of BYU in Puka Nacua. In his rookie year, Nacua recorded 105 catches for 1,486 yards and 6 touchdowns. In addition, running back Kyren Williams took the reins of the running game where in just 12 games played, he rushed for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Rams finished 10-7 on the season before being bounced out of the playoffs by the Detroit Lions. They overachieved seeing as they looked like a potential favorite to land a top-three draft pick and possibly get quarterback Caleb Williams. The Rams have drafted very well the last two seasons, and they have the chance to do it again which includes a first round pick (as of right now). In 2022, the Rams hosted the Bills in the opening game where Buffalo completely decimated the Rams in front of the home crowd 31-10. This game will take place in Inglewood again.