Breaking down the Rams' playoff path with the Week 17 scenario in focus
A Seattle Seahawks' win over the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football did not help the Los Angeles Rams, but it's still possible for Sean McVay's team to clinch a playoff berth in Week 17. For that to happen, though, a combination of results must happen. The first part is obvious: The Rams have to […]
A Seattle Seahawks' win over the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football did not help the Los Angeles Rams, but it's still possible for Sean McVay's team to clinch a playoff berth in Week 17. For that to happen, though, a combination of results must happen. The first part is obvious: The Rams have to beat the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night.
After that, the Rams must hope to secure the strength of victory over the Seahawks. And that's where things get a little tricky.
Teams that the Rams had a better record against in the regular season have to win their games as much as possible.
At least three and a half of these teams have to win in Week 17 (and that means at least three wins and a tie).
- Cincinnati Bengals vs Denver Broncos
- Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons
- Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets
- San Francisco 49ers vs Detroit Lions
- Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers
- Cleveland Browns vs Miami Dolphins
Curiously, every team the Rams will root for plays at home in Week 17. It's plausible that four of them win their games (Bengals, Commanders, Bills, and Vikings look to be the best bets).
If the Rams lose or if the combination of results doesn't happen, Los Angeles will be a head-to-head matchup with the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18 as a NFC West decider.
However, if the Rams beat the Cardinals and lose to the Seahawks, even without all combinations needed in Week 18, it will still be possible to clinch a playoff berth based on strength of victory in the final week of the regular season.
The most logical path for the Rams is to win out. Meanwhile, though, projections will be a key part of Rams fans lives over the next nine days.
The NFL made sure you know how important the Rams-Cardinals game is for the season
It will be a special matchup
