Rams' Week 8 game vs. Chargers could have overlooked trade-deadline implications

With the 3-4 Los Angeles Rams hosting the 0-6 Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8, many NFL fans might see a game that has little to no postseason implications. Au contraire, mon frère. Unlike many games on the slate, this one could easily impact a half-dozen or so contenders who will be monitoring the outcome.

The NFL trade deadline occurs on Tuesday, November 10, at 1:00 pm PT. Right now, both the Chargers and the Rams are viewed as potential trade partners whose willingness to deal coveted veterans could hinge on the outcome of Week 8.

Of course, the Rams still have to play the Commanders before the deadline, but the Chargers will most likely be sellers either way. If the Horns lose this week, they could be willing to deal players as well .

The possibility is real. Rams trade candidate lists have already seen the light of day. After all, if LA loses to the winless Chargers, hopes for a turnaround will dim rapidly.

Other teams could start circling Los Angeles for deadline additions

ESPN's Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler recently named the Chargers' Khalil Mack, Donte Jackson, and Quentin Johnston as players who could be dealt before the deadline. While no Rams were cited as outgoing candidates, Vikings receiver Jauan Jennings and Buccaneers defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson were linked to LA as potential acquisitions.

And so it goes. While the game has little impact on the postseason seeding, its trade-deadline ramifications could have a say in determining the eventual Super Bowl winner. As the 2021 Rams well know, the right late-season additions go a long way. A Chargers loss all but guarantees their status as sellers. A Rams loss and they could be as well.

Trades are already starting to heat up. Both the Seattle Seahawks (who traded for Eagles offensive lineman Quentin Nelson) and the San Francisco 49ers (who acquired Colts DT DeForest Buckner) have been active. Other teams will surely load up on talent to keep up.

Meanwhile, the Rams must win in Week 8 to keep fading playoff hopes alive. A 4-4 record entering Week 9 against the Commanders, with the trade deadline looming just two days later, would feel a lot different than 3-5.

They'll have to handle the Chargers once again without the benefit of multiple injured stars. It's just one more week of NFL drama, and it could center unexpectedly in Los Angeles, California, in Week 8.

As always, thanks for reading.

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