5 Week 15 NFL games that hold playoff impacts for the LA Rams

The LA Rams (8-6) have the best of both worlds going for them in Week 15. By winning two consecutive games in five days, the team has catapulted from a 6-6 record to 8-6, a far more favorable spot to be in with only three games remaining on the schedule. But by winning on Thursday Night Football, the Rams have 10 days to rest up before flying across the country to the Big Apple to face the New York Jets (3-10) in hopes of continuing a three-game winning streak and push for the 2025 NFL Playoffs.

But it's Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season. Games of other NFL teams begin to play larger roles for the final 2025 NFL Playoffs picture.

It's that time of year that NFL fans across the nation begin to cheer for other teams. And those 'enemy of my enemy is my friend,' creates odd and suspicious alliances. For instance, fans of the Seattle Seahawks unabashedly rooted for the San Francisco 49ers (6-8) on Thursday Night Football, because a 49ers victory was far better for their won postseason aspirations than a win the by the Rams.

So, if only temporarily, former foes and rivals become allies as the NFL Playoffs and NFC seeding for those playoff slots hang in the balance. So which games most aptly impact the chances for the LA Rams, and how? And for that matter, which teams should the Rams cheer for in Week 15 of the games remaining on the schedule? Thanks to the ESPN Playoff Machine, we have the answer:

If you need to get your football fix, here are five games that hold particular interest for LA Rams fans:

(5) New York Jets (3-10) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-10)

While the New York Jets at the Jacksonville Jaguars does not hold any direct implications for the Rams playoff hopes directly, the Jets are the upcoming opponent for Week 16. So if nothing else, putting this game on your radar affords you and opportunity to scout the next team standing in the way of the Rams.

It's tough to imagine that the Jets were considered an AFC favorite for the playoffs at the start of 2024. And they looked the part, winning two of their first three games. But the Jets are 1-9 in their last 10 games and are absolutely facing a complete rebuild at the end of this season. NFL rumors have already reported that the team is lining up GM candidates.

The thing is, teams with nothing to lose can be very dangerous opponents right now.

And so, I not only want to see how hard the Jets play, and who their playmakers are, but I am rooting for the Jets. Any team on an extended losing streak plays all the harder to break the downward spiral. The Jets have nothing to play for right now, but pride.