While the prediction of an 8-8 season normally isn’t a great sign for a team’s future, in the case of the Los Angeles Rams it’s actually a step in the right direction.

The last time the Rams finished the season at .500 was back in 2006, and it’s been even longer since the team has had a winning record. Their 12-4 season in 2003 was the last time they nabbed more than eight wins and the last time the Rams made it to the playoffs.

However, ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez believes the winds of change are blowing – even if they are blowing slow and steady. In his recent early look at how the season could shake out, he predicts that the Rams will struggle on the road but manage to finish out strong with a win over the San Francisco 49ers in the final game of the season.

Here’s how he sees things going:

Week 1: Win vs. Colts

Week 2: Loss vs. Washington

Week 3: Win at 49ers

Week 4: Loss at Cowboys

Week 5: Loss vs. Seahawks

Week 6: Loss at Jaguars

Week 7: Win vs. Cardinals (London)

Week 8: BYE

Week 9: Loss at Giants

Week 10: Win vs. Texans

Week 11: Loss at Vikings

Week 12: Win vs. Saints

Week 13: Loss at Cardinals

Week 14: Win vs. Eagles

Week 15: Win at Seahawks

Week 16: Loss at Titans

Week 17: Win vs. 49ers

Home games to bookend the season certainly help the Rams odds, and if they can steal one of those other toss-up games (perhaps vs. Washington or at Jaguars) then we could be looking at the first winning Rams season in 14 years.