As the 2024-25 NFL regular season enters its final week, the Los Angeles Rams are in a favorable position for the playoffs, having already clinched the NFC West division title. Their current Super Bowl odds stand at +3500, placing them ninth among all NFL teams regarding championship likelihood. This represents a slight improvement from their preseason odds of +3000, indicating that the Rams have met mainly or exceeded expectations throughout the season.
Playoff Picture and Scenarios
Heading into Week 18, the Rams have clinched a playoff birth and are locked into either the third or fourth seed in the NFC playoffs. Their final seeding will be determined by the outcome of their game against the Seattle Seahawks and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ result. Los Angeles will secure the third seed if the Rams win or the Buccaneers lose. However, if the Rams lose and the Buccaneers win, the Rams will drop to the fourth seed.
The Rams’ potential wild-card opponents include the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, and Green Bay Packers. Based on current probabilities, the Lions are the most likely opponent at 36.38%, followed by the Commanders at 28.88%, the Vikings at 26.09%, and the Packers at 8.75%. Many analysts consider a matchup against the Commanders the most favorable for the Rams, given Washington’s struggles against playoff-caliber teams this season.
Current Injuries and Team Status
Injuries remain a concern as the Rams prepare for their final regular-season game and the playoffs. The team’s injury report includes several key players. Offensive tackle Rob Havenstein is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury, which is particularly noteworthy given his importance to the offensive line. Additionally, wide receiver Jordan Whittington is dealing with an ankle injury and is questionable for Week 18.
The Rams have also placed several players on injured reserve, including offensive tackle Conor McDermott, safety John Johnson, linebacker Troy Reeder, and defensive tackle Larrell Murchison. These injuries could impact the team’s depth as they head into the postseason.
Despite these injury concerns, the Rams have shown resilience throughout the season. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has thrown for 2,557 yards with 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while running back Kyren Williams has been a standout with 750 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. On the defensive side, Byron Young leads the team with 6.0 sacks, and Jaylen McCollough has contributed four interceptions.
Historical Super Bowl Performances
The Los Angeles Rams franchise has a rich history of Super Bowl appearances, having played in the big game five times. Their first Super Bowl appearance came in January 1980 (Super Bowl XIV), where they fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-19. The Rams’ fortunes changed in January 2000 when, as the St. Louis Rams, they secured their first Super Bowl victory, defeating the Tennessee Titans 23-16 in Super Bowl XXXIV.
The team’s subsequent two Super Bowl appearances resulted in losses. In February 2002, they narrowly lost to the New England Patriots 20-17 in Super Bowl XXXVI. Their fourth appearance came in February 2019, where they again faced the Patriots, this time falling 13-3 in a defensive struggle.
The Rams’ most recent and triumphant Super Bowl appearance occurred in February 2022. Playing in their home stadium, SoFi Stadium, the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI. Since returning to the city, this victory marked their second Super Bowl championship and their first as the Los Angeles Rams.
Looking Ahead
The Rams will focus on maintaining their momentum and health as they prepare for the playoffs. Head coach Sean McVay has indicated that the team may rest some starters in the final regular-season game, prioritizing readiness over playoff seeding. This strategy could prove beneficial, especially considering the team’s recent injury history and the importance of key players like Stafford and Williams to their postseason success.
The Rams’ playoff experience, balanced offensive attack, and improved defense make them a formidable opponent in the NFC playoff picture. While their +3500 odds to win the Super Bowl suggest they’re not among the top favorites, the Rams have shown in recent years that they can make deep playoff runs and compete for championships.
As the regular season concludes and the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on the Rams to see if they can recapture the magic that led them to Super Bowl victory just two seasons ago. With a mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent, the Los Angeles Rams remain a team to watch as they aim to add a third Lombardi Trophy to their franchise history.
