How large of an impact will shocking Rams travel snafu play in Week 16?

While traveling is never smooth, the 11-3 Los Angeles Rams travel itinerary for a vital Week 16 showdown with the 11-3 Seattle Seahawks certainly was anything but normal. As the team prepared to fly to higher-than-optimal ground winds in the Pacific Northwest region, they never got off the ground. The flight was delayed due to the plane's equipment malfunction.

Los Angeles was able to reschedule their flight to Seattle, Washington. But the new travel plans sent the team's players and coaches on a flight scheduled at 5:25 pm PT, while the remaining staff will rejoin them in Seattle after a later flight. It all seems to fall in line with the mounting drama and pressure that have been building up for weeks.

Now, as LA attempts to travel to the site of their Week 16 game, a shocking snafu derails their plans. That's the sort of thing that can break the focus and preparation plans for a visiting team. With so much on the line this week, how great an impact will this make?

Rams have to circle the wagons in Week 16

This is not a typical game, nor is this a typical week. LA is trying desperately to give elite wide receiver Davante Adams every possible second to play on Thursday Night Football. Whether he plays in Week 16 or not will be a game-time decision.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Puka Nacua thought it might be fun to embarrass NFL officiating before the game. Nothing good can come out of that decision.

And the cherry on top is the birth of Sean McVay's infant son on a short week. This has to be one of the most chaotic five-day periods Los Angeles has faced this season. Add the fact that the plane broke down, and you can see how wild this is becoming.

Professional sports have a history of superstitions, rituals, and an unwarranted reliance upon luck. Even now, the broadcast booths that cover NFL games are fully aware that naming a trend before it happens is considered a faux pas, as the mere mention of the streak jinxes it. It's simply one more aspect of entertainment.

Will it derail LA's chances for a victory? It certainly won't help the cause. But great teams overcome adversity. Looks like the LA Rams will face plenty of adversity in Week 16.

As always, thanks for reading.