Week 12 NFC playoff picture has Los Angeles Rams needing help to get in the mix

While the Los Angeles Rams got their W in Week 11, they didn’t get any help in terms of the developing NFC playoff picture. None of the top six in the conference lost with four teams picking up a win and two on the bye.

Here’s the current NFC playoff picture:

1. San Francisco 49ers (9-1)
2. Green Bay Packers (8-2)
3. New Orleans Saints (8-2)
4. Dallas Cowboys (6-4)
5. Seattle Seahawks (8-2)
6. Minnesota Vikings (8-3)
7. Los Angeles Rams (6-4)
8. Philadelphia Eagles (5-5)
9. Carolina Panthers (5-5)
10. Chicago Bears (4-6)

San Fran, New Orleans, Dallas and Minnesota all won to match the Rams while Green Bay and Seattle were on a bye. The three teams behind the Rams all lost. We’re not far off from cutting this down to a seven-team race, but even then the Rams are going to need help.

Here’s what’s on tap for Week 12:

San Francisco 49ers v. Green Bay Packers

Kind of a big one on Sunday Night Football this weekend. We’ll have to see what happens with the Seahawks before we get here. With the Vikings out, not a ton to glean in terms of rooting interest before this.

New Orleans Saints v. Carolina Panthers

Can Carolina play spoiler in the Big Easy? Hard to see it happening, but it’s the NFL.

Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots

Massive one here with the Pats picking up a close win over the Eagles yesterday. It’s a huge challenge for the Cowboys on the road, but it’s a huge opportunity as well.

Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles

The Rams could really use a pick-me-up from QB Carson Wentz and his crew in Week 12.

Minnesota Vikings - bye

It’s the last bye week in the NFL with the Vikings one of four teams not in action this weekend.

Los Angeles Rams v. Baltimore Ravens

If the Cowboys are dealing with an AFC behemoth in the Pats with a chance to extend their lead atop the NFC East, the Rams have a similar setup with less wiggle room. The Ravens are playing fantastic football. They’ve got wins over the Seahawks, Patriots and Houston Texans in the last four games. Demonstrable wins at that.

Hands full.

New York Giants at Chicago Bears

I suppose I’ll keep Chicago in here for at least one more week. A loss here though would cut them out moving forward.

ESPN’s Football Power Index gives the Rams just an 18.5% of making the playoffs right now. It’s going to take some help from our NFC West & North duos in the weeks ahead to open the door. The Rams still have to handle business on our end.

Starting with Week 12.