The Los Angeles Rams are the favorites to supplant the Seattle Seahawks as NFC West champions and also win the Super Bowl this season. While they got off to a disappointing start after losing in decisive fashion to the San Francisco 49ers in the season opener, those predictions have not changed.

After the walkabout in Australia, the Rams get back to business Monday night as they host the New York Giants. It is expected that Aaron Donald will be in the lineup as he returns to competition after retiring following the 2023 season. The Rams have not said how many plays Donald will play or if there is a “pitch count” as the star defensive player makes his return.

The Rams will not have explosive pass rusher Myles Garrett in the lineup because he went on Injured Reserve after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Garrett's absence could have an influence on how much Donald plays against the Giants. However, Donald did not decide to end his retirement and return to competition so he could dominate early-season games.

He wants to be an impact player in the most decisive games in the regular season and help his team win postseason games. NFL insider Ian Rapoport said that Donald and the Rams are focused on the big picture. “After being out of football for the past two seasons, the Aaron Donald that you see Monday night is not going to be the same player you will see in Weeks 16, 17 or 18,” Rapoport said. “He is a work in progress.”