Updated NFC Playoff picture after Rams' Week 16 win over Jets

Week 16 featured a relatively uneventful matchup between the L.A. Rams and New York Jets, with the former in control of their own destiny the rest of the way.

Should the Rams win the remaining regular season games and finish 11-6, they'll take home the NFC West and an automatic playoff berth. But, the division race is far from over. On Sunday afternoon, at least, the Rams did what they needed to do and took care of business against the Jets.

For a little while, fans might have been worried. The Rams went into halftime down 9-6 to New York, but in the second half, L.A. tightened things up even more and ended up winning by a score of 19-9.

Matthew Stafford threw for the least amount of yards he's had all season long, going 14-of-19 for 110 yards, one touchdown and one interception. But, Kyren Williams had himself a game, rushing for 122 yards on 23 carries and the lone Rams touchdown.

Now, after the Rams improved to 9-6, where do they sit in the current NFC playoff picture?

Updated NFC Playoff standings after Rams' Week 16

1. Detroit Lions (13-2)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)
3. Los Angeles Rams (9-6)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6)
5. Minnesota Vikings (13-2)
6. Green Bay Packers (10-4)
7. Washington Commanders (10-5)
8. Seattle Seahawks (8-7)
9. Atlanta Falcons (8-7)

Note: All other NFC teams have been eliminated from playoff contention

Who would have thought, just a month ago, the Rams would be looking at the no. 3 seed right now? What a run this team has gone on.

Looking ahead, Los Angeles finishes their season taking on the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 17 followed by another home, divisional tilt, against the Seattle Seahawks. Would the Rams have it any other way?

If they take care of business over their two divisional foes, the Rams win the division. It's that simple. But, with playoff seeding also on the line, the Rams will want to root for a few other things over the last couple of weeks.

In Week 17, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Carolina Panthers. If the Bucs were to lose, while the Rams beat Arizona, that puts the Rams in firm control of the no. 3 seed. Meanwhile, when it comes to the division, fans will want to see the Chicago Bears somehow take down Seattle on Thursday night to kick off the week just four days from now.

For seeding purposes, the Bucs play the New Orleans Saints in Week 18 while, of course, the Rams end the year against the Seahawks.