Can the Rams still make the playoffs? Los Angeles' qualifying scenarios and chances explored after Week 14 win

The LA Rams secured a major win against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in a hard-fought and dramatic game on Sunday that was decided in the final minute of the fourth quarter. Despite entering the game as a 3.5 underdog, the Rams were off to a strong start and dominated the first three quarters of the game

Although the Bills scored 21 points in the fourth quarter, the Rams held onto their lead and secured the 44-42 win despite three passing and three rushing touchdowns from Josh Allen. Beating one of the best teams in the NFL must have given a confidence boost to Matthew Stafford and Co. while their playoff chances are stronger after this duel.

After an overachieving 2023 season, they entered this one with renewed expectations, but a tumultuous start to the campaign derailed their progress. Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp dealt with injuries during the season. They stayed afloat and competed in an NFC West division that includes three other inconsistent teams unable to drift away from the rest of the competition.

Rams' playoff chances after improving to 7-6

Los Angeles has a difficult fixture in the next four games. They will face their divisional rivals and the already eliminated New York Jets in the middle of it. They could still make the playoffs with a series of results, and it seems like the Rams are in charge of their future.

The final stretch of the season will start on Thursday at Levi's Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers before they travel to MetLife Stadium to clash with Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. They will close out the regular season at home, first hosting the Arizona Cardinals and then the Seattle Seahawks.

These games will define if they win the division, advance to the postseason as a wild card or get eliminated.

Sportskeeda's Playoff Predictor

According to Sportskeeda's Playoff Predictor, the Rams will exchange wins and losses to finish with a 9-8 record, enough to advance to the playoffs as the NFC West winner. The prediction says they would face the Green Bay Packers after beating the Seahawks (9-8) to win the division.

LA Rams' playoff scenario amid 7-6 record

Sean McVay's team currently ranks second in the NFC West behind the Seattle Seahawks (8-5) and above the Cardinals and 49ers (both with a 6-7 record). This means they will have to beat the Seahawks and hope they lose two more games to finish the season at 9-8. If they win the rest of the games, they'll finish at 11-6, which could give them an easy way to make it to the playoffs.

Los Angeles isn't obligated to win every game for the rest of the season, but if they win the correct ones, their chances to play January football will get considerably bigger.