The Los Angeles Rams are rolling-and after a 45-17 dismantling of the Arizona Cardinals, they’re not just looking like a playoff team, they’re looking like a legitimate NFC powerhouse. Matthew Stafford continues to play some of the best football of his career, tossing three more touchdown passes to bring his season total to 35, against just four interceptions. That kind of efficiency and production has him firmly in the MVP conversation, and if he keeps this up, he might just run away with the award.
But Stafford’s story takes on a little extra drama this week. In Week 15, the Rams head to Detroit to face the Lions-his former team.
And the stakes couldn’t be higher. With a win, the Rams would officially punch their ticket to the postseason.
That’s right: beat the Lions, and they’re in.
Now, the division is still very much up for grabs. The NFC West is shaping up to be a three-team dogfight, with the Rams and Seahawks tied at 10-3, and the 49ers lurking just behind at 9-4. So while a playoff berth is within reach, the division crown will likely come down to the wire.
Seattle hosts the Indianapolis Colts this week, and that matchup suddenly has a wild twist: Philip Rivers, at 44 years old and fresh out of retirement, is reportedly in line to start. Meanwhile, the 49ers welcome Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans to Santa Clara. All three NFC West contenders are expected to be favored in their respective matchups, setting the stage for a dramatic finish to the regular season.
And speaking of drama, circle Week 17 on your calendar. That’s when the Rams head to Seattle for a Thursday Night Football showdown that could very well decide the division.
The Rams already took the first meeting, thanks in large part to a defensive masterclass that saw them intercept Sam Darnold four times. If they can repeat that performance, they’ll have a serious edge in the NFC West race.
Looking ahead, the Rams’ remaining schedule includes the Lions in Week 15, a road trip to face the Atlanta Falcons, and a season finale at home against the Cardinals. It’s a manageable stretch, but with so much on the line, there’s no room for error.
As for the 49ers, their closing slate features the Titans, a road game against the Colts, a home game versus the Bears, and a potential winner-take-all season finale against Seattle. The Seahawks finish with the Colts and Rams at home, then hit the road to face the Panthers and 49ers.
Bottom line: the Rams are in the driver’s seat. They’ve got an MVP-caliber quarterback, a defense that can take over games, and a clear path to the playoffs.
But the NFC West is a gauntlet, and every game from here on out matters. Buckle up-this race is far from over.