Thursday night win propels Rams in Week 16 Power Rankings

The St. Louis Rams came together for a full offensive effort in a Thursday Night Football victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the effort showed in the newest Power Rankings. The win was only the second time this season St. Louis has been able to string together consecutive victories. The Rams dominated, leading 28-6 at one point in the third quarter, but Tampa Bay made things interesting with a fourth quarter comeback that fell just short. The 31-23 final score was the second highest offensive output by the Rams this season.

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ESPN: Ranked 22nd (Last Week 26)

It’s undeniable how valuable Tavon Austin has been to the Rams this season. His ten total touchdowns (including return touchdowns) leads the team by a wide margin. It seems every time St. Louis needs a big play they turn to Austin and allow to seemingly create something out of nothing. However, it hasn’t all been roses for the young star. His receiving yard total (427-yards) leaves something to be desired, and at times he has tried to do too much and caused more harm than good. (Division Rivals: Seattle 7, Arizona 2, San Francisco 30)

Elliot Harrison at NFL.com: Ranked 18th (Last Week 24)

Another season with out the playoffs is just another failed season in St. Louis. With the reported return of genera manager Les Snead and head coach Jeff Fisher in 2016, it’s understandable for Rams fans to be frustrated. The duo have failed to post a winning record since they arrived in St. Louis four years ago. Now on the verge of relocation, the city of St. Louis needs a winning team, and something to hold onto more than ever. The question is, are these two the best men for the job? (Division Rivals: Seattle 4, Arizona 2, San Francisco 28)

Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) passes as Detroit Lions defensive tackle Caraun Reid (97) defends during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Pete Prisco at CBSSPorts.com: Ranked 22nd (Last Week 25)

Since it’s on our minds, it really is a tough sell to justify bring back both head coach Jeff Fisher and GM Les Snead. The two have failed to produce any resemblance of a competitive football team since they arrived. They have also failed to produce any level of consistency which might be the most maddening part of it all. Flashes of brilliance and some solid draft picks have left the Rams in football purgatory. Never bad enough to claim their franchise player at the top of the draft, but never good enough to take a serious shot at the postseason. (Division Rivals: Seattle 4, Arizona 2, San Francisco 30)

Mike Florio at ProFootballTalk.com: Ranked 20th (Last Week 24)

Mediocre coaching staff, check. Lack of impact players, check. Lack of support from ownership, check. With so many factors going against this team, maybe a 7-9/8-8 finish isn’t as bad as it seems. Lack of experience and talent along the offensive line doomed this team from the start. A stellar defense held strong, but after being leaned on so heavily for weeks on end, even they showed cracks. It’s been beaten into the ground, but this team really is a couple pieces away from competing, but it’s unclear how quickly they accumulate those pieces. (Division Rivals: Seattle 5, Arizona 2, San Francisco 31)

Dan Schneier at FOXSports.com: Ranked 14th (Last Week 20)

Dan Schneier and FOX Sports placed the Rams in the top 15, and it’s their highest rating in quite some time. He credits new offensive coordinator Rob Boras for providing starting quarterback Case Keenum with solid passing plays and easy completions to get this offense moving again. Bringing Tavon Austin back into the fold also helps tremendously. The pairing of former offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti and former starting quarterback Nick Foles may not have been the whole issue, but it certainly wasn’t helping things. The Rams need to start the hot and at every position regardless of draft status or what it cost to acquire the player. This team needs wins. Period. (Division Rivals: Seattle 4, Arizona 2, San Francisco 28)

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