Breaking down the Rams five remaining games

At 10-1, the Los Angeles Rams are having their best season in a long time.  However, with five games to go, we look at the remaining games and what is in store for our team.

12/2: At the Detroit Lions

The Lions have been Jekyll and Hyde this season. They beat the Patriots, but got blown out by the Jets. They have a strong armed quarterback (Matthew Stafford) who can sling it, but at 4-7 are all but out of the playoff race.  By all accounts, the Rams should control the game and win, especially coming off a bye. But this is the NFL, and anyone can beat anyone on any day.  Also interesting to note: This is the Rams only early game (1PM EST) all season.

12/9: At the Chicago Bears

The Bears may be the most formidable opponent left. They have one of the best defenses in football (second in points; first in yards) and a young QB who they do not ask to do too much. The Bears will try and keep it a 17-14 game and eke out a win. Can they contain Los Angeles’ high powered offense?  Remember, that the Rams season low in points was against the Denver Broncos, at 23.  Can the Bears defense stop them? Also keep in mind that these two teams may meet again in the post season. This will be a fun one on a Sunday night.

12/16:  Philadelphia Eagles (Home)

Before the season started, this seemed to be one of the top matchups. The defending super Bowl champs go to Hollywood. The Rams get the chance to avenge last years regular season loss against them. However, the Eagles have been injury plagued and have had a down year. At 5-6, they are in a battle for the playoffs, trailing the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins. Despite their down season, you would think they they have it in them to dial it up on the road and take down the boys in blue. We will see!

12/23: At the Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are currently 2-9, trying out a rookie QB, and doing their best to gain experience for the future.  Their only wins have been against the Jimmy Garoppolo-less 49ers.  The Rams dominated them the first time they played in week two, 34-0.  The Rams should take care of business, though it will be interesting to see how home field advantage and playoff seeding come into play.  It is likely that the Rams stars make an early exit from this game.

12/30: San Francisco 49ers (Home)

The 49ers are also 2-9, with only one win since the Garoppolo injury, which was against the Raiders in week nine.  The story here will be how many starters for the Rams will be playing.  There is a chance they will have a chance to steal the number one seed, or the die could already be cast, leaving them to rest their starters in preparation for the playoffs.  If you ask me, San Francisco will only benefit from the Garoppolo injury, as they were unlikely to go very far this year.  As it is, they get another year of experience for their youngsters and a higher draft pick to add weapons.  Expect them to be in the hunt for a playoff birth in 2019.

In conclusion, it is possible the Rams could win out.  In every game remaining, they are likely to be favored.  However, I see them going 4-1 in this stretch and finishing 14-2, likely tied with the Saints in record, but losing the number one seed due to losing the tiebreaker in week nine.

The NFC Championship will likely go through New Orleans.