NFC Playoff field wide open IF LA Rams win Week 15

Winning a playoff berth

The LA Rams have four games remaining in their 2021 NFL schedule. But each of the four remaining teams on their schedule has a chance, however remote, to earn an NFL Playoff berth. How likely? For the Seattle Seahawks, they must win out and both the LA Rams and San Francisco teams must lose everything until their season-ending matchup.  Of course, there are other teams that must lose enough games to finish the season below .500 in the NFC.

One of the more curious scenarios that could play out in the NFC is the NFC West Division earning all wild card berths in the playoffs. While remotely possible, it’s not a scenario we will spend much time on here. If you wish to spend the time to explore the countless possiblities that remain with the NFL playoffs, I invite you to check out the ESPN NFL Playoff Machine (link here).

If the LA Rams win

The LA Rams greatly enhance their chances by defeating the Seahawks in Week 15. With 10 wins, the LA Rams fall into the race for a wild card spot with a lead on the remaining teams within striking distance of them at just seven losses: New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Football team.

A win against Seattle and then on the road against the Minnesota Vikings guarantees the LA Rams a playoff berth, and the only has their wildcard seeing to be determined, very likely in the final game of the season against the San Francisco 49ers.

If the LA Rams win their next three games, then the final game of the season will likely determine the NFC seeding between the Rams and the 49ers. Since beating the Rams, the 49ers are 5-1 and have a last-place team’s schedule. The LA Rams must expect to face the 49ers in Week 18 with something to play for.