Each LA Rams loss can impact berth in NFL Playoffs

Avoid the roller coaster

As teams play well, the emotional ride becomes ever more erratic. Each game changes everything. Each halftime score is either euphoria or depression.  It’s a tough road. So don’t allow yourself to fall into that trap. Keep in mind that the NFC West will likely be won by a team with a record of 12-4.

That means that the Rams and Seahawks can only lose one more game.  The Cardinals must play perfect football the rest of the way. And the San Francisco 49ers are by all accounts clinging desperately to hopes for a playoff berth. But the Rams can get into the playoffs even without winning the NFC West outright.

Wild card berth

Of course, the Rams would prefer to play at home in the NFL Playoffs. To do so, the team needs to win the NFC West. But the Rams have the type of team that can win anywhere against any opponent this year. So getting to the playoffs still means a chance to advance. To do that, the minimal record that will likely ensure a playoff berth in the NFC this year is 10-6.

That allows both the Rams and Seahawks to still have a shot if they lose three more games. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Arizona Cardinals can lose two more games. The Chicago Bears can lose just one more game, while the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers must win all of their remaining games. So the sky is not falling if the Rams finish the season with a record of 10-6. That is just three more victories.

The Rams face the San Francisco 49ers (4-6), the Arizona Cardinals (6-4), the New England Patriots (4-6), the New York Jets (0-10), the Seattle Seahawks (7-3) and finally the Arizona Cardinals.  Of the remaining games, the Rams are realistically looking at a likely 12-4 or 11-5 season.   Beating the 49ers vaults the Rams to 8-3, and that is an even better record for a playoff berth. The LA Rams playoff run rolls on this Sunday.