Los Angeles Rams near-locks to make playoffs according to ESPN Insiders & Football Outsiders

As the Los Angeles Rams emerged victorious in Week 12 against the New Orleans Saints, the Rams inched closer to their first playoff berth since the 2004 season.

According to Football Outsiders via ESPN (Insider subscription required), the Rams are considered a “favorite” to make it this season with a 95.9% chance overall:

4. Los Angeles Rams (8-3)

Chances of making the playoffs: 95.9 percent

Chances of getting the No. 1 seed: 6.3 percent

Chances of getting a bye week: 23.4 percent

Chances of Super Bowl LII appearance: 19.5 percent

Chances of Super Bowl LII championship: 12.0 percent

When we last covered the playoff chances three weeks ago, the Rams were entering their proving ground: three games in four weeks against the other NFC division leaders. So far, it's gone pretty well, as they lost on the road but held serve at home against New Orleans. There are still plenty of tough games left to go, however. The Rams play three of their next four on the road, and the only home game is against the league's best team, the Eagles.

One unit that differentiates the Rams from the other top NFC squads: special teams. The Rams are No. 2 in special-teams DVOA, while the Eagles rank 10th and the other NFC division leaders are below average. (Carolina, which could take over the NFC South lead this weekend, also has strong special teams, ranked fourth.)

With a break in the schedule after two tough games, the Rams will look to continue their winning streak against the Arizona Cardinals this week, further increasing their chances of ending their long playoff drought.