Kelly Stafford, wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, has publicly criticized the NFL's scheduling decisions that resulted in a shortened bye week for the team. Stafford expressed her dissatisfaction via an Instagram Story on Tuesday, questioning the league's rationale for the Rams receiving only a 10-day break between games.
NFL teams typically receive a 13-day bye week to allow players adequate rest and recovery. However, due to the Rams' upcoming Thanksgiving Eve game against the Green Bay Packers, their bye week has been reduced to 10 days. This schedule means the Rams will play on Wednesday night, followed by their abbreviated break, before facing the Packers.
"Just curious to hear the thought process behind making the Rams the only team in the NFL without a true bye week," Kelly Stafford wrote, as reported by the New York Post. "Because damn, after 18 years around this league, even I need a week off during the season … and I have never played a single snap."
She added, "I’m tired just watching from the stands. Can’t imagine how the guys feel."
In contrast, the Packers will benefit from an extended break. After their Thanksgiving Eve contest with the Rams, Green Bay will enter its bye week and not play again until December 6.
The Rams' schedule this season has been demanding. The team opened its season in Melbourne, Australia, on September 10, followed by a significant wait for their next game on September 21. They have also faced consecutive road games and a Monday night home game.
The Rams currently stand at a 4-4 record and have been dealing with injuries throughout the season. Their recent win against the Chargers brought them back to a .500 record.
Following the game against the Packers, the Rams will have eight days off before playing the Chiefs on Thursday, December 3. Their schedule continues with back-to-back Sunday games against the 49ers and Cowboys, followed by a road game against the Seahawks. The team will then travel to Florida to play the Buccaneers before concluding their season at home against the Seahawks.
According to the New York Post, the Rams are projected to be the second-most-traveled team in the NFL this season, covering 34,847 miles, trailing only the San Francisco 49ers.