Let me preface this section with a disclaimer: The top seed in the NFC is not a two-horse race.
I’ll write it again: Plenty of teams, including the Bears and Seahawks and Packers, are still in play for a first-round bye.
If we can all agree on that, I’d like to compare remaining schedules with the Eagles.
Because they’re the reigning champs and the closest competition, for now. They also have the head-to-head advantage over the Rams (something no other team can currently claim), so LA must finish ahead of Philadelphia (in the event of a two-way tie).
Also, the Rams can’t be the 1-seed if they don’t win the West over Seattle and San Francisco, so while prevailing in the division will be a tall order, it has to be taken for granted for this comparison to even be relevant.
With six games to go, the Rams have a road-heavy finish, but only two opponents currently holding winning marks:
Philadelphia’s finish, by comparison, has three foes with winning records and three games against teams looking at lottery picks:
Can the Rams win at least as many games as the Eagles the rest of the way?
The last two weeks have been the busiest of the season from a roster turnover standpoint.
Landing on injured reserve since the win over Seattle: Tyler Higbee, Rob Havenstein, Quentin Lake, and Roger McCreary.
Returning from injured reserve this week: Tutu Atwell and Ahkello Witherspoon.
Added to the roster recently: tight end Nick Vannett, defensive back Chris Smith II, and of course kicker Harrison Mevis.
Plus, the extension for Nate Landman.
To help us recalibrate, here’s a fresh Between the Horns with Kirsten Watson, D’Marco Farr, and Stu Jackson.