The 2025 season is finally heading toward the home stretch and the Los Angeles Rams will need to use these last two games to get ready for the postseason.
The Rams clinched a playoff berth with their win over the Detroit Lions in Week 15, but their heartbreaking loss to the Seattle Seahawks just days later may have cost them a shot at the NFC West division title and home field throughout the 2026 NFL Playoffs. Los Angeles could still come in first, though it would require at least one Seattle loss to accomplish it.
Fortunately for the Rams, the final two games are ones that they should win starting with the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17. Atlanta has largely disappointed this season, so they represent a good bounce back spot for a Los Angeles team that could use a pick me up.
However, the Rams will still remain a bit shorthanded as head coach Sean McVay announced Rob Havenstein and Tyler Higbee won’t be activated from injured reserve, via Sarah Barshop of ESPN:
Sean McVay said the Rams will not activate RT Rob Havenstein and TE Tyler Higbee from injured reserve for Monday night against the Falcons.
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) December 22, 2025
Higbee was placed on IR due to an ankle injury while Havenstein was designated due to his own ankle and knee issues. Both veterans not being activated doesn’t sound encouraging given the team could use all the help it can get, but they’re understandably being cautious with two players who have a long history of injuries.
Terrance Ferguson has assumed more responsibility in Higbee’s absence, while Warren McClendon Jr. has been solid in place of Havenstein. Aside from Ferguson, Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen have also been more involved in the offense especially with McVay’s new affinity for 13 personnel.
While the Atlanta matchup on paper looks easy, Los Angeles can’t afford to take another opponent lightly. It seemed like they take their foot off the gas in the fourth quarter against the Seahawks so hopefully they’ve learned their lesson and close out the Falcons if they get the chance.
Sean McVay loves position Rams are in despite loss to Seahawks
The loss to the Seahawks was truly gut wrenching considering what was at stake for the Rams. While it would be easy to sulk and be upset, Sean McVay actually said he likes the position his team is in and is confident they’ll respond in the right way.
