Rams must handle the Chargers to keep playoff hopes realistic

It's time for uncomfortable truths. The once-heralded Los Angeles Rams, projected as the Super Bowl favorites, are no longer more likely to make the playoffs than not. That's not a dramatic statement even with the Rams climbing back to 3-4 with a win over the Raiders. It's a historic fact. 3-4 teams make the playoffs only 25 percent of the time.

While a Week 6 loss to the Cardinals dropped LA to the bottom of the NFC West pile, a Week 7 win in Las Vegas flashed hope once more. After seven games, the Rams find themselves 10th in the NFC standings, three spots out of a playoff berth. Leaguewide, they are 20th. There is no more wiggle room. There are no more excuses. This team cannot afford to lose.

In Week 8, the Rams host the 0-6 Chargers in a game that should fall in the win column. Should. This season, the Horns can't take any game for granted. Like them, the Chargers have run into a buzzsaw of potent teams early in their schedule, competing against foes with a combined record of 24-16. They're also coming off a bye.

Rams must beat the winless Chargers or officially concede the season

The Rams may have won their last game, but they still haven't won consecutive games this season. Even if they win in Week 8, they will remain in third place in the NFC West, and on the outside looking in as far as the playoff picture.

The Rams are facing the easiest part of their season. But after a Week 11 bye, the schedule roars back with an endless string of aspiring playoff teams. The roster is depleted by injuries. No game is a presumed win at this point.

The Chargers are struggling, but the Rams are by no means safe. Running back Omarion Hampton has been very effective, and he will test LA's run defense. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert can beat teams with both his arm and his legs. That's the one-two punch the Buffalo Bills deployed to trample the Rams in Week 5. The defense had no answer.

Week 8 against the Chargers may feel like a safe game to many fans. But the Bolts are just as desperate to win as the Horns. Right now, one more loss could prove fatal to LA's postseason aspirations.

Head coach Sean McVay must do something he hasn't done yet this season and lead this team to a second straight victory.

As always, thanks for reading.

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