The Los Angeles Rams’ playoff hopes took a hit on Sunday in their loss to the Baltimore Ravens, though it was a game few people expected them to win. They fell in overtime, 37-31, on a walk-off punt return touchdown by Tylan Wallace – a heartbreaking way for the Rams to lose a hard-fought game.
According to the New York Times, the Rams had a 48% chance to make the playoffs going into Week 14. With their loss to the Ravens, as well as the Vikings’ win over the Raiders, Los Angeles’ playoff odds have now dropped to only 33%.
That number will be further impacted by Monday night’s game between the Packers and Giants. The Rams obviously hope the Giants win that game because a victory by Green Bay will hurt Los Angeles postseason chances even more.
- Pre-Week 14 playoff odds: 48%
- Current playoff odds: 33%
- Playoff odds if Packers win: 31%
- Playoff odds if Giants win: 38%
Los Angeles’ postseason hopes could come down to Week 18 against the 49ers, as well as the records of the Packers, Vikings and Seahawks. If the Rams win their next three games, ignoring outcomes of the Packers’, Vikings’ and Seahawks’ remaining games, they’ll have a 72% chance of making the playoffs entering Week 18.
Even if those three teams win all of their remaining games (except the Packers-Vikings game in Week 17), the Rams will have an 83% chance to make the playoffs if they win out.
They don’t completely control their fate the rest of the way, but if the Rams keep winning, they’ll have an excellent shot to make the playoffs – and it’ll help if the 49ers are resting their starters in Week 18.