The Los Angeles Rams were viewed as a fringe playoff team before the season began, with their odds trending more toward them missing the postseason in 2023. After their blowout win of the Seattle Seahawks, who now lead the NFC West, in Week 1, the outlook improved for the Rams.
But now after a 3-5 start and with Matthew Stafford injured, it seems unlikely that Los Angeles will be vying for a playoff berth.
According to the New York Times’ playoff picture, the Rams now have an 18% chance to make the postseason. This is based on 453,000 simulations, giving the Rams a 15% chance to be a wild-card team and 3% chance to win the division.
In the next three games, the Rams have pivotal NFC matchups with the Packers, Seahawks and Cardinals. If Los Angeles can win all three of those and get back to 6-5, it will put Sean McVay’s team right in the mix again in a conference that is getting more wide open by the week.
According to the New York Times’ simulator, the Rams can push their playoff odds up to 49% if they win their next three, and up to 63% if their win their next four.
That’s all contingent on Stafford’s health, of course. If he’s out, Los Angeles will struggle to string together wins.
