There might not be a more compelling divisional race in the NFL than the one taking shape in the NFC West.
That’s not much of a surprise; the division has housed at least three sides with above-.500 in two of the past three seasons.
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In the 2024 season, the Rams lead the way entering Week 16, spearheaded by a high-octane offense featuring Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. But Los Angeles is facing quite the competition from the Seahawks and the Cardinals, who are within arm’s reach of a division crown.
Ahead of the Rams’ Week 16 duel with the Jets, here’s a look at how the NFC West standings shake out, as well as what the Rams need to do to secure entry into the playoffs.
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Rams playoff picture
The Rams hold a slim lead in their divisional race, striding into first place in the NFC West with an 8-6 record. The Seahawks have posted the same mark through 14 games, but Los Angeles holds the tiebreaker for now, having vanquished Mike Macdonald’s side in overtime, 26-20, on Nov. 3.
NFC West standings
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1. | Los Angeles Rams | 8-6 |
| 2. | Seattle Seahawks | 8-6 |
| 3. | Arizona Cardinals | 7-7 |
| 4. | San Francisco 49ers | 6-8 |
The Cardinals are lurking in the distance, just one game back from both Los Angeles and Seattle with a 7-7 record. Arizona claims the tiebreaker advantage over the Rams courtesy of a 41-10 win back in September, but the two sides will face off with attempt to settle scores in Week 17.
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NFC wild-card standings
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 5. | Minnesota Vikings | 12-2 |
| 6. | Green Bay Packers | 10-4 |
| 7. | Washington Commanders | 9-5 |
| 8. | Seattle Seahawks | 8-6 |
| 9. | Atlanta Falcons | 7-7 |
| 10. | Arizona Cardinals | 7-7 |
| 11. | San Francisco 49ers | 6-8 |
| 12 | Dallas Cowboys | 6-8 |
Los Angeles’ place at the top of the NFC West is under serious threat from the Seahawks and, to a lesser extent, the Cardinals. The same could be said about the team’s wild-card chances. At present, the only thing separating the Rams from the first spot out of the postseason is their tiebreaker over Seattle.
The Commanders are nearing a momentous postseason berth, entering the weekend with a glistening 85% chance of nabbing a playoff spot. Green Bay is all but assured a postseason voucher as well, placing further pressure on those sides vying for supremacy in the NFC West.
For Los Angeles, that means keeping its nose in front of the Cardinals and Seahawks. And the Rams will go head-to-head with both teams in the final three weeks of the season.
Keeping ahead of the pack is easier said than done. But the Rams control their destiny after 15 weeks of the NFL season. After falling to 0-2 to start the campaign, you’d have to imagine Sean McVay & Co. will take their current status.
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Rams remaining schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Dec. 22 | at New York Jets | 1:00 p.m. |
| Dec. 28 | vs. Arizona Cardinals | 8:15 p.m. |
| Jan. 5 | vs. Seattle Seahawks | TBD |
After the Rams lock horns with the Jets in Week 16, they’ll take part in their most important contests of the season in back-to-back weeks. First, Los Angeles will face the Cardinals in Week 17 in the hopes of fortifying its place atop the NFC West. A win would go a long way in cementing the Rams’ playoff prospects.
If that contest isn’t a must-win for Los Angeles, its Week 18 duel with the Seahawks will be. The division crown could very well be on the line.
Rams updated playoff chances
Entering the Rams’ Week 16 duel with the Jets, ESPN’s Football Power Index gives Los Angeles a 54.0% chance of making the playoffs and a 53.4% chance of winning the division.
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