Rams' path to the playoffs is growing steeper by the week

The 1-2 Los Angeles Rams are tied with the Cardinals for third place in the NFC West. But if fans step back, the season is becoming quite challenging.

LA's path to the NFL playoffs is getting steeper all the time. Both the San Francisco 49ers (3-0) and the Seattle Seahawks (2-1) hold the tie-breaker advantage. Else where in the NFC, the Vikings (3-0), Bears (2-1), Lions (2-1), Giants (2-1), and Eagles (2-1) all have better records.

Right now, winning any game is the top priority. But beating good NFC teams comes in as a close second. And the Rams have no shortage of tough opponents on the schedule. They have already played the 49ers and the G-Men. Next up, the Horns face formidable Philly on the road.

The team is not exactly firing on all cylinders right now.

Perhaps LA can find the will to win. But a growing list of injured players is becoming a concern. Injuries do not come with do-overs. Some teams manufacture wins despite injuries. So far the Rams' efforts have fallen short.

Rams need to get healthier, and quickly

The Rams' list of injured players reads like an Pro Bowl roster. Entering Week 4, they have at least nine injured players, including wide receiver Puka Nacua, cornerback Jaylen Watson, and edge rusher Myles Garrett.

The team is carrying many injured players aside from those on injured reserve, which currently holds four members (Garrett plus offensive linemen Justin Dedich and Keagen Trost and running back Ronnie Rivers).

And there it is. Coaches would love to address problems that surface during games. But until starters prove durable enough to suit up from week to week, the staff's energy is spent on setting up new starters to compensate for injuries. Even the deepest rosters can only compensate so much, and the Rams were already thin are multiple positions.

Their lone win over the Giants, by a score of 28-6, was a solid victory. But it's one win in three games. LA has to get healthy and start winning. The NFC North and East Divisions are showing up with strong contenders - to say nothing of the Seahawks and Niners in the West. The Horns will need to become just as competitive, and fast.

As always, thanks for reading.

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