Updated NFC playoff picture pushes Rams into an impossible gauntlet

For most of this season, it has looked like the Los Angeles Rams are on track to make another Super Bowl run. Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level with two of the best receivers in the league at his side, and defensive coordinator Chris Shula has constructed a unit capable of shutting down even the most dangerous offenses.

But with just one more game to go in the regular season, the Rams have found themselves in a difficult position.

Based on the current NFC playoff picture, Los Angeles is set to face a seemingly impossible gauntlet on its way to reclaim the conference title.

Rams set for brutal stretch as NFC playoff picture takes shape

After a heartbreaking loss to the Atlanta Falcons in which they were severely outplayed in the first half, the Rams hold a record of 11-5. Somehow, despite their excellent season, that puts them at third in the NFC West. If the playoffs started today, they would be the sixth seed in the conference.

It's more than possible to make a run through the playoffs starting as a lower seed. The Rams were just the fourth seed when they won the Super Bowl back in 2022. But it's the road through the playoffs that should have fans worried.

Currently, Los Angeles would play the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round. The Eagles are far from perfect, but they did beat the Rams earlier in the season. In the second half of that game, Philadelphia's star wide receivers were able to take advantage of the Rams' secondary, leading to a thrilling finish. Especially in a hostile environment, this would be a difficult game to win.

If they did make it out of the first round, the Rams would likely be set up for another matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. Their two previous games against Seattle this season have been decided by a combined three points, showing just how evenly matched these two teams are. If the Seahawks lose to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18, the Niners would take the top seed.

That matchup wouldn't be much easier, as the Rams split that season series as well.

There's absolutely still a chance that Stafford goes on another electric run and carries the Rams through an improbable stretch of victories, but they certainly have set themselves up for a difficult path without a home playoff game in sight.