The Los Angeles Rams have their own business to take care of on Sunday when they host the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium, a game that carries big playoff implications for Sean McVay’s squad. A win will improve their playoff odds slightly, while a loss will crater them below 10%.
There are also four other games taking place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday that will impact the Rams’ postseason chances. Los Angeles is focusing on its own game and beating the Commanders, but fans will want to keep an eye on these four matchups elsewhere in the NFL.
Below is a rooting guide for the Rams in Week 15, including their implied postseason odds based on the New York Times’ playoff predictor.
Bengals vs. Vikings: Saturday, 1 p.m. ET
Rams’ playoff odds with CIN win: 34%
Rams’ playoff odds with MIN win: 26%
The Rams need the Vikings to lose at least a couple games down the stretch if they’re going to catch Minnesota, which is currently the sixth seed in the NFC. The Bengals are playing well despite missing Joe Burrow, and Minnesota will now be starting Nick Mullens over Josh Dobbs.
A Vikings win would obviously hurt the Rams’ chances of making the playoffs, so Los Angeles should be pulling for Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon.
Buccaneers vs. Packers: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Rams’ playoff odds with TB win: 35%
Rams’ playoff odds with GB win: 28%
The Buccaneers and Packers are both 6-7, so a win by either team will potentially put them ahead of the Rams if Los Angeles loses. The Packers, however, are more likely to earn a wild-card spot than the Bucs, who are competing to win the unimpressive NFC South.
Because the Packers already beat the Rams, they own the tiebreaker. Therefore, if the Rams are going to edge out Green Bay for a wild-card spot, they’ll need to finish a game ahead of the Packers.
Panthers vs. Falcons: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Rams’ playoff odds with CAR win: 31%
Rams’ playoff odds with ATL win: 30%
This game obviously doesn’t have huge playoff implications based on the projected odds above, but the Rams should be rooting for the Panthers. If the Falcons win, it will prevent the Rams from moving into a wild-card spot this week no matter what. If the Panthers win, it’ll drop Atlanta to 6-8, potentially a game behind the Rams if they can beat the Commanders.
Again, this game is more important for Atlanta’s division-title hopes, but it can also help the Rams if the Falcons lose.
Eagles vs. Seahawks: Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
Rams’ playoff odds with PHI win: 33%
Rams’ playoff odds with SEA win: 28%
The Rams own the tiebreaker against the Seahawks after sweeping them this season, so even if the two teams are tied at the end of the season like they are now, the Rams would get in. That being said, any loss by a division rival that’s also in the wild-card race is good news for the Rams.
There’s a 5% difference in the Rams’ playoff odds based on the outcome of this game, which isn’t exactly insignificant. The Seahawks are more than capable of pulling off an upset but the Eagles will likely be motivated coming off that loss to Dallas.
