The Los Angeles Rams were left for dead after a 1-4 start that saw an injury-riddled offense and inexperienced defense struggle. But since October, the Rams have quietly been one of the best teams in the NFL, notching impressive wins over Super Bowl contenders like the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings.
All that led to the Rams clinching the NFC West for the first time since 2021 after a dramatic Week 17 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Then, on Sunday, the Rams finalized their seed and now know who their opponent will be on Wild Card Weekend.
What Is the Los Angeles Rams’ Playoff Picture?
The Rams entered the weekend with the NFC West already secured. So their loss to the Seattle Seahawks, 30-25, does not impact that.
That’s because the Rams got the right combination of results to clinch the strength-of-victory tiebreaker in Week 17. The Washington Commanders’ Sunday night overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons last week formally won the division for the Rams.
Los Angeles was the No. 3 seed entering Week 18, but how does the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ win earlier on Sunday impact the Rams’ seeding?
What Is the Rams’ Playoff Seed?
Although the Rams entered the week leading the Buccaneers by one game, they lose any tie with the Bucs due to an inferior conference record. Therefore, Los Angeles’ loss to the Seahawks on Sunday means they will fall to the NFC’s No. 4 seed. The Bucs knocked off the Saints earlier in the day. Coupled with the Rams’ loss, the Bucs will be the NFC’s No. 3 seed.
However, Los Angeles did not appear to prioritize seeding, as notable players to sit out Week 18 include Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Kyren Williams.
Who Are the Rams’ Potential Wild Card Round Opponents?
The Rams had two potential opponents entering Sunday Night Football: the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings.
As the No. 4 seed, the Rams will face the No. 5 seed. That distinction goes to the loser of the Sunday Night Football game between the Lions and Vikings. The Vikings lost and will finish the season 14-3, possessing the most wins ever for a Wild Card team. The Lions will get the bye as the top NFC seed.
The NFL announced that the Rams and Vikings will play on Monday Night Football of Wild Card Weekend. Kickoff is slated for 8:20 p.m. ET.