After offseason expectations of being one of the more dominant divisions in the 2024 NFL season, the NFC West hasn’t been as imposing as expected. From injuries to tough outings, the division has underachieved, and just two wins separate the first- from fourth-place teams.
After a surprising win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 14 and a massive NFC West win in Week 15, what are the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff scenarios with three weeks left? Let’s look at their chances at an NFC West title and playoff berth.
Los Angeles Rams Playoff Situation | Week 15 Update
NFC Scores in Week 15 Relevant to Playoff Race
- Rams defeated 49ers, 12-6
- Commanders defeated Saints, 20-19
- Cowboys defeated Panthers, 30-14
- Buccaneers defeated Chargers, 40-17
- Cardinals defeated Patriots, 30-17
- Bills defeated Lions, 48-42
- Eagles defeated Steelers, 27-13
- Packers defeated Seahawks, 30-13
- Vikings defeated Bears, 30-12
- Falcons defeated Raiders, 15-9
According to PFN’s Playoff Predictor, the Los Angeles Rams’ victory propelled their playoff chances by a whopping 18.2%. They now have a 56.6% chance to make the postseason, and are still in the NFC West race, with a 46.1% chance to win the division.
After the Seahawks lost to the Packers in Week 15, the Rams moved to the top of the NFC West and are now seated as the fourth seed with an 8-6 record.
For Los Angeles, it’s easy — win out, and they are division champs. To do that, they’ll need to defeat the Jets, Cardinals, and Seahawks in consecutive weeks, which isn’t out of the total realm of possibility.
If they were to drop one of these games, it would likely come down to a photo finish for the NFC West Division Title.
The Seahawks’ record is 8-6, and they have matchups against the Vikings, Bears, and Rams. The Cardinals are a little more on the outside looking in but still within reach at 7-7. Over the next three weeks, they’ll take on the Panthers, Rams, and 49ers.
If the Rams fall out of contention for the NFC West title, their path to the playoffs will be a bit harder. The Vikings hold the fifth seed with a 12-2 record, while the Packers are sitting in sixth with a 10-4 record. The seventh seed currently has the Washington Commanders slated in with a 9-5 record.
If the West is out of the equation, PFN’s Playoff Predictor gives the Rams a 9.4% of that happening. The Commanders would need to lose two of their remaining three games against the Eagles, Falcons, and Cowboys.
Their only chance, realistically, would be to catch the Commanders, but they’d need to lose two of their remaining three games against the Eagles, Falcons, and Cowboys.
Head over to PFN’s free NFL Playoff Predictor, where you can choose who will win the remaining NFL games to see your ideal playoff picture and how it differs from the current NFL playoff bracket.
