Recent Forum Topics › Forums › The Rams Huddle › Wild Card race
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Zooey.
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December 16, 2023 at 4:37 pm #147558
ZooeyParticipantWell done, Cincinnati.
December 16, 2023 at 6:20 pm #147559
znModeratorWell done, Cincinnati.
So Jake Browning out duels Nick Mullens for the 27-24 win.
As was written in the prophecies.
December 16, 2023 at 6:42 pm #147560ZooeyParticipantWell done, Cincinnati.
So Jake Browning out duels Nick Mullens for the 27-24 win. As was written in the prophecies.
The key thing here is that both Green Bay and Minnesota have 1-game losing streaks, and are trending in the right direction.
December 16, 2023 at 7:38 pm #147562znModeratorWell done, Cincinnati.
So Jake Browning out duels Nick Mullens for the 27-24 win. As was written in the prophecies.
The key thing here is that both Green Bay and Minnesota have 1-game losing streaks, and are trending in the right direction.
Yep. (My snark about Mullens and Browning was not aimed at your comment, it was just a snide reference to the unbelievable level of qb injuries this year. Sry, that wasn’t clear. I was thinking along the lines of comments like this, from twitter:
Ross Tucker@RossTuckerNFL2023: The year everyone who didn’t already know it realized just how important your team’s backup QBs are.)Anyway. Back to different snark.
GB and Minn losing puts the Rams in a good position, which just once again goes to show–the Rams just absolutely cluelessly suck at tanking. They do not have the first clue how to tank.
Next thing you know they will not only be in the playoffs but on a super bowl run.
The very OPPOSITE of tanking.
Say goodbye to all those great high draft picks–which they could have used to help them build a playoff team.
December 17, 2023 at 12:44 am #147573ZooeyParticipantYep. (My snark about Mullens and Browning was not aimed at your comment, it was just a snide reference to the unbelievable level of qb injuries this year. Sry, that wasn’t clear.
It was clear. I got it. It was funny.
December 17, 2023 at 3:34 pm #147586znModeratorWith 6 or so minutes to go Bux leading GB 34-20.
Panthers down 6-7 to Falcons with 4 minutes to go.
Edit: Panthers win 9-7.
December 17, 2023 at 3:56 pm #147587
nittany ramModeratorVikings, Packers, and Falcons all lost.
The table’s set for the Rams.
Why does that make me nervous?
December 17, 2023 at 7:35 pm #147596znModeratorFishkiller@FV_Mylia_LynnOK, need Seahawks to lose tomorrow night, Rams win on Thursday obviously, Lions over Vikings, Colts over Falcons & Jags over Bucs next Sunday. Also need GB to lose 1 more over the next 3 weeks just to be safe.December 18, 2023 at 12:09 pm #147624ZooeyParticipantVikings, Packers, and Falcons all lost. The table’s set for the Rams. Why does that make me nervous?
Yeah, 2 weeks ago, looking at the remaining schedule, WA, the Saints, and Giants all looked easy.
Now it’s starting to look like a murderers’ row.
And what about those 9ers? They have looked like the best team in football for 4 months now. I hate that. How horrible will it be if it’s a Dallas/SF game for the championship?
Once the Rams get their Exit Ticket, I will be all in with the Ravens, I guess.
You know…IF the Rams get screwed out of their destiny, I mean.
December 18, 2023 at 2:19 pm #147626nittany ramModeratorHow horrible will it be if it’s a Dallas/SF game for the championship?
If that happens, then for one 3.5 hour period, I will be the biggest Dallas fan that ever lived. How bout’ dem’ Cowboys…
December 18, 2023 at 4:03 pm #147628ZooeyParticipantHow horrible will it be if it’s a Dallas/SF game for the championship?
If that happens, then for one 3.5 hour period, I will be the biggest Dallas fan that ever lived. How bout’ dem’ Cowboys…
Well, I’ll be watching it with the sound off, and my eyes closed, wondering what I did to piss off … who’s the Greek god of football again? Hermes?
December 18, 2023 at 5:02 pm #147630
wvParticipantAs of Dec 18
Division leaders :
49ers – 11 – 3
Eagles 10-3
Lions 10-4
Bucs 7-7
==
Wildcard 1 – Dallas 10-3
Wildcard 2 Vikes 7-7
Wildcard 3 Rams 7-7
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In the hunt: Saints, 7-7. Seahawks 6-7, Packers 6-8, Falcons 6-8
December 18, 2023 at 8:08 pm #147639wvParticipantMike Florio mentioned that if the Rams could get a 6th seed, maybe they end up playing the Lions.
Now THAT would be fun.
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December 19, 2023 at 10:40 pm #147666znModeratorroberto clemente@rclemente2121
w/l records of 7-win teams, last 5 games:4-1 rams
3-2 bucs
3-2 broncos
2-3 saints
2-3 vikings
1-4 seahawks
1-4 steelersDecember 20, 2023 at 1:25 am #147672ZooeyParticipantI reformatted this article in hopes this will post. It may be easier to read if you go to the site linked.
Rams playoff rooting guide for the final 3-game stretch
Here’s how the Rams can get to the playoffs based on how the next 3 weeks play outBy Jake Ellenbogen
The Los Angeles Rams are 7-7 following their win over the Commanders at home. The team is 4-1 since the bye and are now all of a sudden the seventh-seed in the playoffs and one of the league’s scariest teams in December.
The Rams have turned their season around from 3-6 to 7-7 but they only have three games left and have plenty of teams breathing down their neck.
According to the NY Times interaction playoff simulation, the Rams currently have a now 49-percent chance of making the playoffs following what transpired on Sunday. Keep in mind, this is a predictive model that simulates games based on the model itself. It’s worth mentioning a few weeks ago it was sitting at 17 percent.
Here are several scenarios in which the L.A. Rams can complete a 3-6 turnaround into a playoff berth (playoff odds in parentheses):
10-7 (Run the table)
Win vs. Saints (73%)
Win vs. Giants (95%)
Win vs. 49ers (100%)
9-8 (2-1 the rest of the way – Loss vs. 49ers)
Win vs. Saints (73%)
Win vs. Giants (95%)
Loss vs. 49ers (92%)
9-8 (2-1 the rest of the way – Loss vs. Saints)
Loss vs. Saints (11%)
Win vs. Giants (14%)
Win vs. 49ers (75%)
9-8 (2-1 the rest of the way – Loss vs. Giants)
Win vs. Saints (73%)
Loss vs. Giants (25%)
Win vs. 49ers (92%)
8-9 (1-2 the rest of the way – Loss vs. Saints & 49ers)
Loss vs. Saints (11%)
Win vs. Giants (17%)
Loss vs. 49ers (5%)
8-9 (1-2 the rest of the way – Loss vs. Giants & 49ers)
Win vs. Saints (73%)
Loss vs. Giants (25%)
Loss vs. 49ers (14%)
8-9 (1-2 the rest of the way – Loss vs. Giants & Saints)
Loss vs. Saints (11%)
Loss vs. Giants (1%)
Win vs. 49ers (6%)
ESPN Analytics Matchup Predictor:
Rams have a 60.1% chance of beating the Saints
Rams have a 81.9% chance of beating the Giants
49ers have a 74.4% chance of beating the Rams
Here’s your weekly rooting guide if you want the Rams to get into the playoffs. This is of course the perfect scenario for each game the rest of the way. The percentages only reflect the odds if the Rams win their game. The games are ranked based on importance and impact for the Rams odds.
Week 16: 49% chance going into the week
Rams victory over Saints (73%)
Titans victory over Seahawks (79%)
Panthers victory over Packers (79%)
Lions victory over Vikings (76%)
Cardinals victory over Bears (76%)
Colts victory over Falcons (74%)
Eagles victory over Giants (74%)
Week 17: 73% chance going into the week
Rams victory over Giants (93%)
Steelers victory over Seahawks (99%)
Vikings victory over Packers (94%)
Week 18: 93% chance going into the week
Rams victory over 49ers (100%)
IF the Rams lose (92%):
Cardinals victory over Seahawks (98%)
Bears victory over Packers (95%)
Lions victory over Vikings (94%)
The Rams are in a great position right now after a dream of a scenario unfolding in week 15. Sure, the Eagles winning would have made things way better for the Rams and set up a easier clinching scenario in week 17. However, the Rams still always knew the assignment and the mission ahead. They were to win the next two games for sure and if they win out they are in. So, the Rams cannot make the playoffs at 7-10 but that’s not news to anyone. They can make it at 8-9 but you would need a lot of help and 8-9 would entail the Rams to lose three of their last five games of the year which is hard to imagine.
In case you really don’t have any faith in the Rams winning week 18 like I do against the 49ers. Here are the scenarios left on the table for the Rams to clinch a playoff berth before week 18:
1st Scenario
2-0 vs. Saints and Giants
Lions win in week 16 over the Vikings
Seahawks lose either of the Titans or Steelers games
2nd Scenario
2-0 vs. Saints and Giants
Lions win in week 16 over the Vikings
Panthers win in week 16 over the Packers
Packers win in week 17 over the Vikings
December 20, 2023 at 2:53 am #147675znModeratorRams power rankings roundup: LA continues its climb into top 10
Cameron DaSilva
Rams power rankings roundup: LA continues its climb into top 10
It’s been a long time since the Rams were considered a top-10 team in the NFL but they’re approaching that territory after winning four of their last five games. Some experts have already ranked the Rams in the top 10, while others are beginning to come around to the idea of Los Angeles being one of the 15 best teams in football.
Here’s a roundup of the latest power rankings from around the internet, showing how everyone views the Rams entering Week 16.
Touchdown Wire: No. 12
The Rams moved up one spot in Touchdown Wire’s power rankings this week and are now approaching the top 10. The Jaguars, Browns and Texans are all ahead of Los Angeles, but the Rams could overtake them in these rankings soon.
Last Week: 13 Matthew Stafford is playing like a top five quarterback right now. If the season ended today, the Rams would play the Cowboys in the playoffs, and I have to say, this may be the year where a No. 7 seed defeats a No. 2 seed. If the Rams get in, watch out.
USA TODAY: No. 9
USA TODAY’s Nate Davis already had the Rams in the top 10, ranking them 10th last week, but they jumped up one spot to No. 9 this week following their win over the Commanders.
9. Los Angeles Rams (10): Since he was forced to miss Week 9’s game at Green Bay, Matthew Stafford is playing as well as anyone (4-1 record, 1,250 passing yards, 13 TD passes, 2 INTs, 105.2 QB rating) — which correlates to LA’s belated rise into wild-card contention.
ESPN: No. 14
At 7-7, the Rams are currently No. 14 in ESPN’s rankings, one spot better than where they were last week.
The Rams have scored a touchdown or field goal on 97.7% of their trips to the red zone. And while head coach Sean McVay said Monday that the Rams have overall “been pretty good in the red area,” he stressed that he needs to do a better job with his playcalls to make sure they’re scoring touchdowns instead of field goals more consistently. “Once we do get in the tight red area, we’ve been consistent [at] making those kicks,” McVay said. “… But ultimately you want to come away with touchdowns. I think there’s been a heightened awareness, which you have to acknowledge those things because it’s always about what have you done lately and being able to continue to take steps.” — Sarah Barshop
The Athletic: No. 10
The Athletic moved the Rams into the top 10, putting them 10th after they were ranked No. 11 a week ago.
This was supposed to be a reset year for the Rams, and it looked like it when they started 3-6. Since then, Sean McVay’s crew is 4-1 with the only loss coming to the Ravens. During the winning streak, the Rams are fourth in the league in scoring (29.8 ppg), and Matthew Stafford is fifth in the league in passer rating (105.2) and second in passing touchdowns (13). It’s been good enough to get them to the seventh seed, for now at least.
CBS Sports: No. 16
CBS Sports gives Sean McVay props for the job he’s done with the Rams this season, moving them up from No. 17 to 16.
They currently hold the final spot in the NFC playoffs. That’s impressive coaching by Sean McVay.
The Ringer: No. 10
The Rams stayed put at No. 10 this week in The Ringer’s power rankings, remaining a top-10 team entering Week 16. It’s tied for their highest ranking of the season at The Ringer.
The Rams’ postseason hopes improved in Week 15 thanks to their 28-20 win over the Commanders, combined with Green Bay’s loss to the Buccaneers. Los Angeles now has just better than a coin-flip chance of making the playoffs, per The New York Times’ predictor. The offense is finally healthy, with some star players in Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Kyren Williams leading what could be a very scary attack. The problem for this team lies in the defense. Against one of the most sack-prone offenses in the league-Washington-L.A.’s front got home just once. And the secondary is also a concern. Cornerback Derion Kendrick, in particular, is a problem for the Rams: He allowed multiple scores that nearly gave Washington a window for an improbable comeback. -Riley McAtee
Bleacher Report: No. 13
Bleacher Report moved the Rams up two spots from No. 15 to 13 this week following their win over the Commanders as they continue to approach the top 10.
Had you said before the season that the Los Angeles Rams would be in the playoffs 15 weeks into the season, you would have been going out on a limb. After taking care of the Commanders on Sunday to move to 7-7 on the season, that’s where the Rams find themselves. But head coach Sean McVay told reporters that he’s not looking any further ahead than Thursday’s contest with the 7-7 New Orleans Saints.
ProFootballTalk: No. 14
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk moved the Rams up one spot, ranking them 14th after they were No. 15 a week ago. And like so many other fans, he wants to see the Rams face the Lions in the playoffs.
14. Rams (7-7, No. 15): All I want for Christmas is Rams at Lions in the playoffs.
Pro Football Network: No. 13
Pro Football Network has been lower on the Rams than most outlets in recent weeks, ranking them 18th a week ago. They’re beginning to get on board with Los Angeles, moving the team up to No. 13 this week.
Few offenses are humming like the Rams’ after Week 15. Los Angeles has averaged 33 points per game over the last month, and that includes matchups against the Browns and Baltimore Ravens, who may field the NFL’s two best defenses. Back in playoff position at the NFC’s No. 7 seed, the Rams need at least two more wins to feel good about a postseason slot.
December 22, 2023 at 12:19 pm #147807ZooeyParticipantRandom Thoughts:
Looks like the Rams are trending towards a first round matchup with the Lions. That will be a memorable matchup no matter what happens in the game, and I would expect a barn burner.
The Rams have flawed special teams, pass rush, and secondary, and they won’t survive a 4-game playoff gauntlet, but they will go toe-to-toe with anyone they face.
I heard somebody on the radio this morning say that the one team the 49ers do not want to see in the playoffs is the Rams, and I got to thinking about that, and I think he’s right. The 49ers have beaten Jacksonville, as well as Dallas and Philadelphia, and in my view they are clearly the team to beat in the NFL. Without looking, I know they are the SB favorites in the betting circles right now. That is an excellent football team.
And they really haven’t got much to fear from Philly or Dallas, imo, especially with home field advantage. Those are good football teams, and they won’t go down without a fight, but the 9ers are favorites there.
The Rams familiarity with them, though, combined with an offense that is rolling right now – that’s the team that would have the best chance of upsetting them.
I don’t think the Rams will get that far, but if they do… Jiminy Cricket.
I think that threat alone will make Shanahan take Week 18 seriously. I expect the 9ers to come out and play that game. They are not going to fold. I don’t think so. I think Shanahan is coaching to win it all this year, and he won’t take his foot off the gas. The 9ers get a first round bye, so they will have all the extra rest as well as home field for their game against whatever sad football team wins the South anyway. And you have to put your rival away. You have to do that. Even if the game means nothing in the standings.
December 22, 2023 at 4:06 pm #147813
JackPMillerParticipantI like our chances, if we play the Lions on the road, then I do with going to Philly, Dallas, or SF. The Lions are not really that good defensively. I feel if we had to go to Dallas, Philadelphia, or San Fransisco, in the playoffs, we will get blown out.
December 23, 2023 at 8:07 pm #147883wvParticipantSo, i guess these are the games we are interested in, Sunday:
Vikings vs Lions
Packers vs Panthers
Bucs vs Jaguars
Seahawks vs Titans
49ers vs Ravens
December 24, 2023 at 4:27 pm #147905wvParticipantVikes lose. 7-8
Seattle wins. 8-7
Packers win. 7-8
Falcons win. 7-8
Not sure what all the permutations, and algebra would be involving possible 2 and 3 and 4 and 5-way ties. Yes, there could be a 5-way tie, i guess.
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December 24, 2023 at 6:34 pm #147907
HramParticipantI think that means that if the playoffs started today LA and Seattle would both be in.
December 24, 2023 at 7:25 pm #147908wvParticipantI think that means that if the playoffs started today LA and Seattle would both be in.
True, but think of the possibilities this year. If, say, the Rams lost to the Giants, and a bazillion things happened over the next two weeks….and five or six teams all finished 8-9.
It could come down to the 42nd tie-breaker, which i believe is, which team could name all the Dire Wolves and the order they died, on Game of Thrones.
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December 24, 2023 at 10:07 pm #147910wvParticipantAccording to a vid i saw, if the Rams beat NYG and the Steelers beat Seattle, the Rams clinch a playoff berth. So that there is one scenario.
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December 24, 2023 at 10:07 pm #147911wvParticipantDecember 26, 2023 at 12:07 am #147932JackPMillerParticipantI have been looking for it, and was wondering, if we can clinch a Wild Card spot, this Sunday? If there is, how can it be done, besides beating the Giants? What teams do we need to lose?
Check to see if I am right or wrong, I think we get in, after we 17, if,
We beat the Giants
The Bears beat or tie Falcons
The Buccaneers beat or tie the Saints
The Steelers beat the Seahawks
The Packers & Vikings somehow tie.I know we beat Seattle(twice) and New Orleans, but we may have to deal with possibly 3 or 4 teams, in a tie breaker, as a possibility.
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This reply was modified 4 months ago by JackPMiller.
December 26, 2023 at 12:40 pm #147946znModeratorThere are two Week 17 clinching scenarios for @RamsNFL:
1) Win + SEA loss to PIT
*or*
2) Win + MIN-GB tie— J.B. Long (@JB_Long) December 26, 2023
December 26, 2023 at 12:46 pm #147947znModeratorFollowing wins by the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks wins on Sunday in Week 16, there is a realistic chance that the season still ends with the Rams on the outside looking in. The Seahawks could finish 10-7 while the Packers and Rams finish 9-8. If that scenario were to happen, the Rams would miss the playoffs.
December 26, 2023 at 12:54 pm #147948ZooeyParticipantThe Seahawks could finish 10-7 while the Packers and Rams finish 9-8. If that scenario were to happen, the Rams would miss the playoffs.
That would mean the Rams would have to lose another game this season, and I don’t see how that can happen.
December 26, 2023 at 2:16 pm #147950znModeratorThat would mean the Rams would have to lose another game this season, and I don’t see how that can happen.
The football gods say: “that happens if the 9ers want to redeem themselves by beating a fiesty division rival.”
December 26, 2023 at 2:49 pm #147952ZooeyParticipantThat would mean the Rams would have to lose another game this season, and I don’t see how that can happen.
The football gods say: “that happens if the 9ers want to redeem themselves by beating a fiesty division rival.”
The way you framed that…sounds like you think it’s up to the 49ers. Honestly, I just hope that Nittany doesn’t see this post because it will just confirm his worst fears about you.
Now, I didn’t get to see more than about 5 minutes last night, but one of those minutes that I saw featured a Guard getting an owie, and the talkers saying that the 49ers were going to be forced to bring in their last OL on the active roster, and that Trent Williams was also in a jacuzzi, if not on an operating table.
I am also informed that Brock Purdy was also in pain, and even at full health the man is never mistaken for Matthew Stafford (9).
I forcefully reject your entire post.
From this point forward, I am Mr. Arrogant. The Rams have the entire NFL in the bag. That’s my line, and I will not be deterred.
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