Rams Playoff Scenarios

by Ryan Van Bibber on Dec 26, 2006 3:52 PM CST in Events

We all knew it could happen at the beginning of the month, but as the Cardinals - Arizona variety - were putting it to the Rams on December 3, few rational fans felt that it would happen. And now, with two straight wins under their belt the Rams' playoff chances look really, really good.

Here's what needs to happen:

Rams beat Minnesota.

and...

NY Giants lose (or tie) at Washington.

and...

Carolina Panthers lose (or tie) at New Orleans.

and...

Atlanta Falcons lose (or tie) at Philly.

This scenario heavily favors the Rams. Now, playing Minnesota at home is not to be taken for granted; however, the Rams should still be favored in this game. As for the rest of the chips that have to fall in the scenario outlined above, those teams have tough matchups.

The Giants are in free fall, and neither Tom Coughlin or Eli "Maybe Phil Rivers wasn't so bad" Manning can do anything to halt that train wreck of a season. They did beat Washington in NY (New Jersey really) by a score of 19-3 back in week 5, but things have changed for each team considerably. Washington will come out fighting their division rival in order to salvage a win and give fans something to look forward to next season.

New Orleans is clearly the favored team in their game against the Panthers, but with the number two spot in the NFC and home field advantage all but locked up, Brees and the other starters could get some rest time on the bench. Still, Peyton's a Parcels guy and they won't cede any ground just to get an extra quarter of rest before the playoffs start. They'll want that 11th win as bad as they wanted the first one. Besides, that week 4, 21-18 loss at Carolina won't sit well in the NO locker room. No word if Delhomme will play this week. I can't see that it would help all that much.

Speaking of teams in free fall, Atlanta simply can't beat Philly, in Philly, in Atlanta, on a plane, not in Spain, not even in the rain. This will definitely be Jim Mora's last game on the sidelines for the Falcons. Besides, Philly needs to win in order to make sure that they grab the NFC East title in case Dallas wins.

There's a second playoff scenario that could unfold if the Rams tie the Vikings this week. It's unlikely, but seeing as how making the playoffs wasn't even considered worthy of a list for Santa just a few weeks ago, let's review the scenario anyway.

If the Rams tie, they need the Giants to lose, the Falcons to lose, the Panthers to lose, and the Packers to lose.

Sometime late Sunday night we'll know whether or not we're waiting for next week or next season.

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Comments

A big IF, but ...

... IF the Rams sneak in to the playoffs, the first round would be against the Seahawks, right?

Other than Rams/Vikings, I fear that Giants/Washington game the most. Tiki's last game, and the Jets looking playoff-bound gives the Giants something to play for. Then again, Strahan's reaggravated his injury, and that's a huge blow.

by matty fred @ Turf Show Times on Dec 26, 2006 5:13 PM CST reply actions

no

the Rams can only be the 6 seed in the playoffs meaning that they would go on the road to play the 3 seed in the first round. the three seed (if the Rams were to get into the playoffs) would have to be Philadelphia. this is the case because all Philly needs for the NFC east title is a win in the last week. if they lose, then the Rams are out of the playoffs because they would lose to Atlanta (a team the Rams need to lose). therefore, the Rams playoff opponent would be Philly because they would be 10-6 and Seattle at best can be 9-7.

by stlcardinalsfang on Dec 27, 2006 11:23 AM CST up reply actions

thanks

by matty fred @ Turf Show Times on Dec 27, 2006 2:51 PM CST up reply actions

I hope the Redskins can do their part

The Giants are just in a daze right now, waiting for the end. Hopefully the Redskins can oblige the Rams and win.

=====Curly R: the Redskins Blog=====

by thatguyben on Dec 26, 2006 8:39 PM CST reply actions

Giants/Skins

Out of all the teams up there the Giants seem to have given up more than anyone. But that's the most likely game to monkeywrench the Rams' playoff hopes.

Go Skins!

by Ryan Van Bibber on Dec 27, 2006 8:48 AM CST reply actions

Yeah Go Skins

still, isn't it somehow wrong for a really mediocre team like the Rams to be in contention for the playoffs.

I have an idea: require a winning record for the playoffs. If there aren't 6 teams in a conference with a winning record, assign the playoff spot to the seventh seeded team in the other conference. It'd be fun to see a Cincinnati or Jacksonville go rampaging through the NFC. Something new.

by WideRight on Dec 29, 2006 10:07 PM CST reply actions