Rams slick success has forced another upheaval to the NFC playoff picture

It's done. The Los Angeles Rams have risen to the top of the NFC through Week 12, surfing the crest of phenomenal second-half success so far. After bumping along to a 3-2 start, Los Angeles has torn through a six-game winning streak through five NFL playoff contenders to get this far.

So, what of the upcoming NFL Playoffs? While last week's victory knocked the entire NFC playoff picture for a loop, this win seemed to be the dawn of a new day. This is a turning point in the NFL, a moment in which what was no longer seems to define what will be. Who are the NFC playoff teams right now?

Los Angeles Rams | 9-2
Philadelphia Eagles | 8-3
Chicago Bears | 8-3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 6-5
Seattle Seahawks | 8-3 (Wildcard)
Green Bay Packers |7-3-1 (Wildcard)
San Francisco 49ers | 7-4 (Wildcard)
Still in the Hunt: Detroit Lions (7-4), Carolina Panthers (6-5), Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1)

And suddenly, it's Los Angeles that has taken the pole position in postseason prowess. How long can it remain atop the NFC? Only as long as it keeps winning.

Rams continue to surge in the second half of the season

Defeating the 6-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a win the team needed. And it was clear that it was a win the team wanted. It was an offensive eruption, a 34-point explosion of scoring that proved that the offense can still find the end zone, while the defense proved that it can still score points.

In the end, this was a game that ended:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7
Los Angeles Rams defense 7
Los Angeles Rams offense 24

There was no added pleasure to this win. This was merely a red-hot team sensationally dispatching a very good team. Rams fans still love former quarterback Baker Mayfield. He simply had the misfortune of appearing on the schedule when the Rams honored legendary All-Pro Aaron Donald.

There were more heroes in this win than can be cited at one time. But to be fair, there needed to be The Rams won ugly in Week 11. The team silenced all doubters in Week 12, starting with a masterful display from quarterback Matthew Stafford. .

Right now, the Rams have the greatest chance of opening the NFL Playoffs with a BYE. But as the Detroit Lions proved last season by getting upset by the pesky Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs, being the top seed offers no guarantees.

As it now stands, LA stands to advance to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs, and face the worst team remaining. With the exception of the Green Bay Packers, any other possible opponent at this point in that round has tasted defeat at the hands of The Horns.

Playing at home is more for Los Angeles than a week off. It's home-field advantage. It forces opponents to play on the West Coast, while the Rams have the luxury of familiar surroundings and predictable weather.

There are six games to play. And that is plenty of football. But for the first time, the Los Angeles Rams control their own destiny. For a team that has been fighting an uphill battle all season long, that is reward enough for now.

As always, thanks for reading.

Rams continue to surge in the second half of the season

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