Kelly Stafford Questions Rams’ Shortened Bye Before Packers Game

On November 3, Kelly Stafford challenged the NFL’s decision to give the Los Angeles Rams a 10-day break before their Thanksgiving Eve matchup with the Packers. The league’s usual bye period is about 13 days, and the Rams are the only team this season without that longer interval, she wrote on Instagram. Kelly, the wife of quarterback Matthew Stafford, said even watching the season from the stands had left her tired after 18 years around the league. She asked the NFL to explain its scheduling choice.

Green Bay’s schedule runs in the opposite direction: the Packers’ bye begins after the game, and they are not set to play again until December 6. The Rams, meanwhile, will have eight days before facing the Chiefs on December 3.

Los Angeles has gone 4-4 and recently reached .500 with a win over the Chargers. The team has dealt with injuries and a demanding travel schedule. It opened the season in Melbourne, Australia, on September 10, then did not play again until September 21. The Rams subsequently had consecutive road games against Denver and Philadelphia, followed by a home Monday night game against Buffalo.

The Rams are projected to travel 34,847 miles this season, the NFL’s second-highest total, behind the 49ers at 38,105 miles. After the Chiefs game, Los Angeles is scheduled for consecutive Sunday matchups against San Francisco and Dallas, followed by games at Seattle and Tampa Bay before closing at home against Seattle.