The Los Angeles Rams could clinch a playoff berth as early as today, but they can’t do so without some help. As the No. 6 seed in the NFC, the Rams can get in if they simply win their next two games, or if they win one and the Seahawks lose one in the final two weeks.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s contests, there are only two games that have a real impact on the Rams’ playoff chances: Steelers-Seahawks and Packers-Vikings. Other than that, no games will have an effect on Los Angeles’ postseason hopes.
Odds based on New York Times’ playoff simulator.
Steelers at Seahawks: 4:05 p.m. ET
Rams’ playoff chances with Steelers win: 78%
Rams’ playoff chances with Seahawks win: 60%
If the Rams win and the Seahawks lose, Los Angeles will clinch a playoff berth. It’s as simple as that. Therefore, every Rams fan should be rooting for the Seahawks to lose today, which is what most Rams fans do every week anyway.
If the Rams and Seahawks both lose, the Rams will only have a 20% chance of making the playoffs. So first and foremost, the Rams have to take care of business against the Giants and let the other chips fall where they may.
Packers at Vikings: 8:20 p.m. ET
Rams’ playoff chances with Packers win: 62%
Rams’ playoff chances with Vikings win: 69%
It really won’t make much of a difference who wins this game between the Packers and Vikings because whoever is victorious tonight must also win in Week 18 — assuming the Seahawks beat the Steelers and Cardinals.
If the Vikings win, the Rams can still get into the playoffs if they finish 1-1 and the Vikings lose to the Lions in Week 18. If the Packers win, the Rams can still get in if they go 1-1 and the Packers lose the Bears in the finale.
It won’t ultimately matter if the Rams go 2-0, but the 49ers won’t be easy to beat. The best-case scenario is a tie, which would punch the Rams’ ticket with a win over the Giants. Otherwise, it’s the second-best scenario is probably the Vikings winning tonight because it’ll be tough for them to take down the Lions — assuming the Lions don’t rest their starters.
