The Los Angeles Rams’ 3-6 start to the season put them in a difficult situation early on. They’ve since turned things around and are currently sitting at 6-7 after 13 games, but they still have worse than 50% chances of making the playoffs and they have no say in the NFC wild-card race.
The Rams are not assured of a postseason berth, even if they win out. That is a difficult fact for Sean McVay’s team to accept. But if they do manage to win their final four games, they should have a decent chance of making it in, provided the Packers, Vikings, or Seahawks falter late.
The Rams’ chances of making the playoffs won’t significantly increase after their game against the Commanders on Sunday, but losing will be devastating to their hopes. The Rams’ chances of making the playoffs are currently 31%, according to the New York Times. Their chances decrease to just 9% if they lose, and they rise to 40% if they win (depending on the outcomes of the other teams).
Present playoff odds for the Rams: 31%
Playoff chances if you win versus WAS: 40%
9% for the playoffs with a loss against WAS
Naturally, the Rams’ chances of making the playoffs will alter if the Packers, Seahawks, and Vikings lose. The Rams will have a 56% chance of making the playoffs if Los Angeles triumphs and the Seahawks, Packers, and Vikings all lose. Los Angeles’ odds drop to 13% if the Rams and those three other teams fall short as well.
The NFC still has a lot of unresolved issues, and the playoff landscape won’t be determined in the upcoming week or even the next two. However, the Rams cannot afford to lose this Sunday’s game against Washington.
