The Los Angeles Rams are currently the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoff bracket thanks to their 10-6 record, but they have work to do if they want to stay there. With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, the Rams could potentially drop to No. 4 in the conference if they lose to the Seattle Seahawks.
Here are the scenarios for the Rams today against Seattle as it pertains to their playoff seeding.
No. 3 seed
Rams win OR tie vs. Seahawks
No. 4 seed
Rams loss vs. Seahawks
Had the Buccaneers lost to the Saints, which looked like a possibility deep into the second half when New Orleans led 19-13 in the third quarter, the Rams would have absolutely nothing to play for today. They’d have clinched the No. 3 seed with no possibility of dropping to No. 4.
But now that the Bucs won, the Rams also have to win in order to keep the No. 3 spot.
If the Rams do win or tie, they will face the Washington Commanders in the wild-card round. Washington clinched the No. 6 seed with its win over the Dallas Cowboys today.
If the Rams lose, they’ll play either the Minnesota Vikings or Detroit Lions next week. They can no longer face the Green Bay Packers, who are locked into the No. 7 seed.