Updated NFC playoff standings after Rams' frustrating loss to Dolphins

The Los Angeles Rams fell to the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football, dropping them to 4-5 on the year. This was a terrible weekend for the Rams' playoff hopes, as they not only lost a winnable game but saw both the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers win their games and move further ahead in the NFC West (and playoff) standings.

The NFC West wasn't expected to be as close as it has been and the Rams missed out on a golden opportunity to move up the playoff ladder. A win against the Dolphins wouldn't have put them in the playoff picture but it'd have at least put them closer to it.

NFC playoff standings after Rams' Week 10 loss

1. Detroit Lions (8-1)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (7-2)
3. Atlanta Falcons (6-4)
4. Arizona Cardinals (6-4)
5. Minnesota Vikings (7-2)
6. Washington Commanders (7-3)
7. Green Bay Packers (6-3)
In the Hunt: San Francisco 49ers (5-4), Chicago Bears (4-5), Seattle Seahawks (4-5), Los Angeles Rams (4-5), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)

If the season ended right now, the Rams would not only not be in the playoffs but they wouldn't even be close to making it with three teams ahead of them in the 'in the hunt' category. Had the Rams beaten the Dolphins, they'd have moved into the first spot out of the postseason due to their win over San Francisco in Week 3.

Speaking of San Francisco though, the 49ers also wouldn't be in the playoffs so there's a silver lining for Rams fans. The Cardinals have surprised this year and are in front in the NFC West while the 49ers have stumbled more than people expected them to.

This has been a very up and down season for the Rams and they started the season off on an incredibly tough note. When the Rams were 1-4, no one was even thinking the playoffs could still be a possibility but then they fought back to get to 4-4. And now, well, here we are.

Anything is possible in sports but this loss definitely put a dent in the Rams' playoff hopes. Let's hope they bounce back once again and can get themselves back into a favorable postseason position.