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Just before kickoff at home against the winless New York Jets a week ago, it seemed unfathomable that the Los Angeles Rams would have to sweat out a playoff chase until Week 17.
Yet, after consecutive defats to the Jets and the Seattle Seahawks, the Rams sit 9-6 and have not yet qualified for the post season. They would have clinched a playoff spot with a win over the Seahawks. Yet, Seattle, who beat the Rams 20-9, has clinched the NFC West title.
Still, the Rams control their destiny. They will make the NFC playoffs with a home win over the Arizona Cardinals next week. However, the Cardinals will also be in the playoffs with a win, so this won’t be an easy task.
If the Rams lose in Seattle, they can clinch a playoff berth in Week 17 if:
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) December 28, 2020
The Rams win vs. the Cardinals OR
If the Bears lose to the Packers.
I'd bet on the Rams earning a playoff berth.
The Rams now have two paths to the postseason. Remember, the Green Bay Packers will be trying to clinch the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in Week 17, so they will be trying to beat the Bears.
The worst case scenario for the Rams is if they lose to the Cardinals and the Bears knock off the Packers. In that instance, there would be a three-way tie for two spots between three 9-7 teams and the Rams would be out of the postseason for the second straight year.
Still, if the Rams — who beat the Cardinals 38-28 in Arizona three weeks ago — win, there is a strong chance they will face the winner of the pitiful NFC East in the first round of the playoffs.
Again, it should have never gotten to this point, but this is far from a dire situation for the Rams.