NFL experts reassure Rams fans to not give up on playoff hopes just yet

Here we are, cheering on the 11-5 Los Angeles Rams, but feeling alone and overlooked. The same team that once rode a wave of the number one seed in the NFC has tumbled to the sixth seed, with little hope of anything better.

That means that after hosting the 3-13 Arizona Cardinals to close out the season, this team will be forced to win four more games on the road to hoist the Lombardi trophy. This team is only 5-4 on the road this season.

Not all hope is lost, faithful fans. That point is driven home by NFL analyst Jason McCourty on a recent episode of First Take. His confidence in head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford is well-placed. That same point was hammered by ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky as well.

If you find yourself overreacting to this team's recent struggles, consider this. LA's roster has been struggling without multiple starters on the offensive line, catching passes, and secondary. Despite those absences, LA has been in every game played this season. In fact, in many ways, the losses only occurred with fluke circumstances.

Whether it was a breakdown on special teams, a shockingly porous defense, lousy officiating, or simply a veteran quarterback throwing multiple interceptions, losses only occur when something extraordinary happens.

Rams still have solid reasons to encourage fans in NFL playoffs

Don't allow the modern trend of overreacting and doomsday mindset to afflict you in this postseason. Let's break down some fundamentally sound reasons for confidence.

1. Los Angeles can defeat any opponent on the road

If you examine the field of potential NFC playoff teams, you will discover two facts. Los Angeles is 3-4 against potential NFC playoff opponents. But if you examine the point differential of those seven games, you can see that LA holds a +31 point differential against those teams.

A deeper dive reveals that of the four losses, the main reason for the losses was either horrific special teams play or an uncharacteristic bad performance by quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Neither of which is likely to happen in the playoffs.

2. LA's offense is formidable, and will be at full strength

The Los Angeles Rams offense is tops in the NFL, averaging 30.1 points per game. And the offense will welcome back left tackle Alaric Jackson, wide receiver Davante Adams, and right guard Kevin Dotson at a minimum for the postseason. If you don't think that makes a difference, consider this.

Matthew Stafford has thrown for 4,448 yards, 42 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He's been sacked 22 times. Davante Adams has caught 14 of those touchdowns.

3. Defense should be welcoming back Quentin Lake

As soon as this defense lost safety Quention Lake, opponents began to score at will. Lake was the equalizer, a defender whose forte was sliding into any position and performing admirably. Whether nickel backer, slot corner, or deep safety, the team had an answer to any offensive formation simply by moving this dynamic defensive back.

Now, he will be back. That unlocks defensive coordinator Chris Shula's full arsenal of dominating weaponry. With Lake on the football, his teammates can relax and focus on their roles.

4. Special teams has turned the corner

Hey, it's only one data point, but it was a great first step. In Week 17, the special teams did not make a gaffe, mistake, or faux pas. In fact, Jared Verse blocked a field goal and returned it for a touchdown. While that offers no guarantees of a repeat performance,

It was promising to say the least.

And former UFL kicker Harrison Mevis has only missed one field goal attempt since taking over the kicker role. Things are definitely looking up.

5. Nobody expect the Lost Angeles Rams to win any longer

At 9-2, NFL analysts heaped incessant praise upon the team. At 11-5, their hyperbolic gaze is looking elsewhere. And with a certain wild card berth, few are going on record to back LA in the NFL playoffs. But this team has been under the radar before. In 2021, the team finished the season at 12-5, locking in the fourth seed.

That team won Super Bowl LVI.

It's not the seeding nor where the games are played that truly matter. It's getting there with a healthy enough roster to win games. Right now, this team has that going in its favor.

Who are the other NFC teams that are likely Super Bowl-bound? LA has defeated both Seattle and San Fran, and lost on the road to Philadelphia by a blocked field goal. If you don't like the LA Rams' chances, just keep an open mind and a barrel of popcorn nearby. You won't be disappointed.

And as always, thanks for reading.