The NFL playoff picture is heating up, and while the Detroit Lions sit comfortably atop the NFC standings, there’s a surprising team gaining momentum— one that could shake up the postseason picture. Former Lions quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky stirred the pot by declaring the Los Angeles Rams as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Dan Orlovsky’s Optimism Rides High on the LA Rams
After a rough start to the season, the Rams have rattled off three straight wins, and Orlovsky believes that if they stay healthy, they have the potential to top any team in the NFC.
“I think if the Rams stay healthy, they win that division and they can beat anybody in that conference,” Orlovsky said during his appearance on NFL Live.
"I think if the Rams stay healthy, they win that division and they can beat anybody in that conference."@DanOrlovsky7 thinks the Rams could win the NFC West 👀 pic.twitter.com/1CyEnoC6Q8
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 4, 2024
Orlovsky’s optimism comes at a critical time for the Rams. Sitting at 4-4 and second in the NFC West behind the 5-4 Arizona Cardinals, LA is right back in the playoff mix. Their resurgence has been backed by a healthier roster, with wideouts Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua finally back in action.
The Rams have a big test ahead as they gear up to face the Miami Dolphins on Monday night, followed by a game against the New England Patriots in Week 11. A string of wins at this stage could push LA closer to the top of the NFC West. However, it won’t be easy—the Rams fight to keep their hopes alive in a division where no team has a record above .500.
Head coach Sean McVay is impacted by several key factors, including the performance of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and the health of their supporting cast.
LA Rams Back on Track Because of Matthew Stafford?
Stafford has proven to be the heartbeat of the Los Angeles Rams this season. The Rams quarterback has taken it upon himself to steer Sean McVay’s squad this season, which has a 4-4 record and is currently second in the NFC West.
It’s no secret that McVay has made constant roster changes this season and shifted offensive lineups, trying to find the right combination to complement Stafford’s steady hand.
The Rams HC is in awe of his starting QB, stating, “He’s been great. There’s been a lot of moving parts around him…he just stayed steady.”
Lately, Stafford has been able to adapt and deliver clutch performances, keeping the Rams in contention despite challenging circumstances. In Week 9’s 26-20 win over the Seattle Seahawks, Stafford left it late in the game. He made critical throws to try and wrap up the ordeal in regulation time but failed. However, in overtime, Stafford delivered the knockout punch again, proving his reliability in crucial moments.
It’s clear that as Stafford goes, so do the Rams—keeping fans hopeful as they chase postseason dreams. That said, it’s always a rollercoaster ride for Stafford.
Based on the Pro Football Network QB+ Metric, Stafford had a C- grade in Week 9. While it was ultimately Stafford’s right arm (along with the defense) that got them there, their veteran quarterback was more of a hindrance than an elevator for the majority of the game.
Coming off of his best performance of the season when pressured (6-of-8 with three first downs), he was miserable in such spots in Seattle: 2-of-11 with an interception.
Games like this are why “result” is not factored into QB+. He made enough plays to pull out this victory, and that matters for the NFL standings. But our goal is to isolate quarterback play, and for the bulk of Week 9, Stafford struggled significantly.