Rams and 49ers clash on TNF used 'Highlander' series plot to thrill fans

Rams all but ended 49ers playoff hopes

The LA Rams and the San Francisco 49ers are competing for the same limited number of spots in the upcoming 2025 NFL Playoffs. The clearest and easiest path to the playoffs for either team is to win the NFC West Division title. Right now, the Seattle Seahawks (8-5) hold a slight edge to the division title, but they have already lost to the Rams and must now host the Green Bay Packers (9-4).

If the Seahawks lose, the Rams will effectively ascend to the NFC West Division's top spot, holding that head-to-head tiebreaker over the Seahawks. If the Seahawks win, they remain atop the NFC West, but knock the Packers into striking distance for another team to leapfrog their spot in NFC seeding for a Wild Card spot.

The 49ers do not have much hope of competing in the postseason right now. While they did not have a winning hand before facing the Rams, after losing it's all over but the shouting for team that competed in Super Bowl LVIII.

While the Rams are not advertising to sell playoff tickets, they still must win their remaining three games to ensure a spot in postseason. That is mindblowing for a team that opened 2024 with a record of 1-4 before the Week 6 BYE.

The Rams may not be playing a complete game from all phases. But I am very impressed at the way the Rams managed to win from an offensive explosion in Week 14, to a defensive stand on the road in Week 15. Not pretty wins, no. But some of the grittiest performances that few expected. And that is the way championship teams are forged. Players step up and learn to play at a championship level.

Right now, Rams players are doing that.