What do the LA Rams need to make the playoffs? Week 16 scenarios explored

Thursday night's Week 15 game between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers had significant playoff and NFC West implications for both teams. The Rams (8-6) emerged winners 12-6 as they moved closer to the Seattle Seahawks (8-5) in the NFC West standings.

Since coach Sean McVay took over in 2017, the team has advanced to the playoffs five times, including two trips to the Super Bowl, winning one of them in 2022. With an 8-6 record, the Rams now seem likely to qualify for the playoffs once again.

Rams playoff scenarios after going 8-6

Since returning from their Week 6 bye, the Los Angeles Rams have won seven of their nine games played and are still in the running for the NFC West title, despite having only won one of their first five games of the season.

The Rams are still out of the NFC playoff picture and still behind the Seahawks in the NFC West after their win in Week 15, but they have complete control over their own fate now. That is because the Rams will still play Seattle, and if they win that game, they will have the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage.

The Rams' best chance of qualifying for the playoffs may be through the NFC West, as they are still behind the Washington Commanders, who are in last place in the NFC playoff picture.

Even if they are unable to overtake the Commanders in the wild-card race, the Rams would still qualify for the playoffs if they win out their final three games, with two of those games coming against NFC West rivals.

The Rams' last three games of the regular season will come on the road at New York Jets on Dec. 22, at home against the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 29, and at home against the Seahawks on Jan. 5.

Sportkeeda's Playoff Predictor

San Francisco 49ers' playoff scenario explored

The Los Angeles Rams will finish the season with a 10-7 record after winning two of their final three games, per Sportskeeda's Playoff Predictor tool. The team is predicted to finish as the fourth seed in the NFC and be able to overtake the Seahawks to win the NFC West title.

The predictor tool further projects that the Rams will face the No. 5 seeded Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the playoffs in January.

Sportkeeda's Playoff Predictor

If the Rams win all three of their remaining games, they will qualify for the playoffs, considering the current NFC Wild Card scenario.