The Los Angeles Rams didn’t just notch their seventh win of the season on Sunday. By beating the 10-2 Buffalo Bills, the Rams sent a message to everyone that they could be a threat in the playoffs – if they get in.
A win over a Super Bowl contender like Buffalo is certainly notable and while the Rams were only slight underdogs, few people expected them to beat the Bills.
Entering Week 14, the Rams’ average spot in 10 different power rankings was 16.8. After taking down the Bills, they’ve moved up an average of 2.9 spots, cracking the top 15 in all 10 polls.
Power rankings don’t mean nearly as much as playoff standings, but it does show the Rams are to be taken seriously in the NFC. USA TODAY ranked them as high as No. 10 and their lowest position is No. 15. Their ceiling is getting higher and so is their floor.
USA Today: 10th (last week: 18th)
ESPN: 14th (last week: 16th)
NFL.com: 15th (last week: 16th)
CBS Sports: 13th (last week: 17th)
Bleacher Report: 15th (last week: 16th)
ProFootballTalk: 15th (last week: 16th)
Yahoo Sports: 14th (last week: 16th)
The Athletic: 15th (last week: 16th)
FOX Sports: 13th (last week: 17th)
The Ringer: 15th (last week: 20th)
High: 10th – Low: 15th – Average:13.9
By no means is the Rams’ work done, but they’ve put themselves in position to make a late-season push for the playoffs. If they win out, they’ll take the NFC West crown and secure a top-four seed in the NFC.
All they have to do is stay within striking distance of the Seahawks before their Week 18 showdown, which could be for all the marbles.
