The 1997St. Louis Rams season was the team's 60th year with the
National Football League (NFL) and the third season in
St. Louis. Still struggling to find answers, the Rams looked to improve on their 6–10 record from
1996 and make the playoffs for the first time since
1989, when the team was still based in
Anaheim. The Rams started out the season mediocre, splitting their first four games. However, after beating the
New York Giants at home, things began to unravel, as the Rams lost their next eight games before winning three of their last four to end the season 5–11. This was
Dick Vermeil’s first season as head coach of the Rams. Despite the losing record, Vermeil had brought the Rams back to competitiveness. Of their 5-11 record, five of those losses were only by a touchdown or less.