This early in the season a lot of the rankings are still based on the preseason predictions. The Rams have risen considerably in the rankings, even though they have yet to play a team that has beaten anybody but the Rams.
For YEARS other teams have played the Rams when they've been down and they haven't been placed lower. It was always something along the lines of "so and so team played well, and other teams should take them seriously."
The Rams can't help who is on their schedule, and it's damn time they kicked the other teams' ass.
As I pointed out, as time goes on, the Rams will have victories over teams that, you know, actually can win games. At that point they will rise in the rankings. But it's only an eighth of the way into the season, not something to get panicked about. In fact, based on how these somewhat arbitrary rankings are normally done, rising a dozen or more spots despite having a home loss and having played a very easy schedule shows that the Rams are being shown a bit of respect, actually.
Recently, the Rams have beaten playoff teams and teams that would eventually win the Super Bowl (Seattle, Denver). Did anything change? No. Granted, the end of the year record wasn't good, but at the time?
Edit: Oh, and while you mention the pluses, you don't mention that a few hours before the new ranking was done, the Rams had given up 39 points to a team that had managed a total of 4 field goals in its first 2 games.
So what? A win is a win. On the road, division. It's impressive...give up 39 and STILL win.
Besides, even with a 2-1 record, the Rams have been playing quite well. They aren't inept, they aren't to be taken lightly, and guess what...players on other teams make plays, too.
When a team like the Chargers finds ways to lose, and they get the benefit of the doubt, that's BS.
