8 is conservative. If we perform well in the first two road games, we should go 9-7 or better, even if it takes a 4 game winning streak in the second half of the season. We split the road games, and win 5 at home. That's not a big reach.
Rams played poorly in most away games last year. We beat Houston and the Colts, but were only competitive in two other away games. Until we see results in TB and Philly, we won't be able to assess this team. Seems to me we have the potential to compete in those two games, winning at least one.