Rams’ playoff odds take big hit, drop to 16.5% after Seahawks beat 49ers

Week 10 was a disaster for the Rams.

Week 10 was not kind to the Los Angeles Rams. Not only did they drop a crucial game to the Steelers, but their competition in the NFC moved further ahead in the standings. The Vikings beat the Cowboys, while the Packers knocked off the Panthers. The Bears got a much-needed win, too, for good measure.

The biggest game of the week came on Monday night when the Seahawks and 49ers squared off in arguably the most important game of the season in the NFC. The Seahawks won 27-24 in overtime, moving just a half-game behind the 49ers for the division lead.

More importantly, they pulled 2.5 games ahead of the Rams for one of the wild-card spots. The ideal outcome on Monday night would’ve been a 49ers win, dropping the Seahawks to 7-3, but the Rams weren’t that fortunate.

According to ESPN’s FPI, the Rams’ playoff chances took a significant hit after Monday’s game. Their odds of making the postseason dropped from 23.5 to 16.5 percent just based on the 49ers-Seahawks finish. Even with the 49ers losing, the Rams’ chances of winning the NFC West sit at 1.6%.

It hasn’t gotten to “Dumb and Dumber” levels of “So you’re telling me a chance” desperation, but the Rams’ playoff hopes are on life support right now. If they don’t beat the Bears on Sunday night and the Cowboys, Eagles, 49ers and Vikings all win, the Rams can all but kiss their postseason plans goodbye.

Top Bama players in the NFL from Week 10

The Alabama Crimson Tide was well represented during week 10 of the NFL regular season as many former Crimson Tide players had big moments for their teams, some of which clinched the win. Let’s start with the offense. There were 5 players who had …

The Alabama Crimson Tide was well represented during week 10 of the NFL regular season as many former Crimson Tide players had big moments for their teams, some of which clinched the win.

Let’s start with the offense. There were 5 players who had big games this weekend,

  1. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans

Derrick Henry had a big game on Sunday as the Tennessee Titans beat the Kansas City Chiefs 35-32 at home. Henry finished the game with 23 carries, for 188 yards, and 2 TDs.

2. Josh Jacobs, RB, Oakland Raiders

Jacobs has had a stellar rookie season for the Raiders. Not only has he broken franchise rookie records, but he has also had several game winning moments, including a go-ahead touchdown on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers that put the Raiders on top over the Chargers 26-24. Jacobs finished the game with  16 carries for 71 yards and 1 TD. He also had 3 catches for 30 yards.

3. Amari Cooper, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Cooper, who has continued to dominate in the NFL had another stellar game on Sunday. Even though the Cowboys lost 28-24 against the Vikings, Cooper finished the game with 11 catches for 147 yards and 1 TD.

4. OJ Howard, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Howard, who has continued to help the Buccaneers’ offense, had an impressive performance on Sunday as the Bucs beat the Arizona Cardinals 30-27. Howard finished the game with 4 carries for 47 yards, and 1 TD.

5. Mark Ingram, RB, Baltimore Ravens

On Sunday, the Ravens put on a show on the road as they beat the Cincinnati Bengals 49-13. Ingram had 9 carries for 34 yards and a TD.

Now, let’s go over the Top 5 defensive players for the Crimson Tide in the NFL in week 10.

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Broncos QB Drew Lock not guaranteed to return from IR

“[He’s] one of the two that we can bring off IR,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said. “That doesn’t [necessarily] mean that he’ll be activated.”

Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (thumb) is still on injured reserve but the rookie quarterback returned to practice Tuesday, a positive sign in his recovery. During his media availability Monday, coach Vic Fangio was asked about how many reps Lock will get this week.

“We’ll try to get him as many as we can,” Fangio said. “Some of that will be scout team, too. You’ve got to remember this guy hasn’t taken a snap or been in the huddle since the middle of August.”

Lock injured his thumb during a preseason game on Aug. 19 and hasn’t practiced since then. When he returned to practice Tuesday, Lock triggered a 21-day window for the Broncos to make a decision about his season. Denver has three weeks to decide if the QB will return to the active roster or spend the rest of the season on reserve.

Fangio was asked Monday if there’s a mapped-out plan for Lock’s transition from injured reserve to the 53-man roster and the coach was non-committal about Lock’s potential return.

“No, it’s not mapped because it’s going to be determined by how he looks and what we think,” Fangio said.

The coach was then asked directly if Lock will be activated this year.

“[He’s] one of the two that we can bring off IR,” Fangio said. “That doesn’t [necessarily] mean that he’ll be activated.”

NFL teams are allowed to bring back two players from IR per season. Wide receiver Tim Patrick is expected to be brought back this week — Lock might be the second player brought back.

Asked what will need to happen for Lock to be activated, Fangio said he needs to see “good quarterback play” and for the rookie QB to show that he belongs. So it’s up to Lock to perform well in practice.

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