There are two ways to look at the 2019 season so far: It’s already half over, or there are still eight weeks remaining. For the Rams, they’re undoubtedly viewing it through the latter lens, seeing an opportunity to better their record in the second half of the year.
After going 5-3 in the first eight weeks, the Rams have a lot of work to do. They likely need to go at minimum 5-3 in the second half of the season, which would put them at 10-6 on the year – three games worse than their 2018 record.
A third straight division title isn’t out of reach, but with San Francisco rolling, it’ll be difficult to catch the 49ers.
Here’s a look at how the NFC playoff picture shakes out right now, and yes, the conference is absolutely loaded. Aside from the NFC East, each division has at least two teams above .500.
NFC standings
1. West: 49ers (7-0)
2. South: Saints (7-1)
3. North: Packers (7-1)
4. East: Cowboys (4-3)
5. Wild card: Seahawks (6-2)
6. Wild card: Vikings (6-2)
In the hunt
Rams (5-3)
Panthers (4-3)
Eagles (4-4)
Lions (3-3-1)
Cardinals (3-4-1)
Bears (3-4)
As you can see, the Rams are looking up at Super Bowl contenders in the standings. The 49ers, Saints and Packers all look like three of the best teams in the NFL, right there with the Patriots.
The Vikings have found their groove on offense, and the Seahawks are always dangerous with Russell Wilson at quarterback. The Cowboys are the worst team with a playoff spot currently, but even they possess the talent to win it all.
The Rams’ clearest path to a playoff berth is in the wild card. They need some help from the Vikings, who they don’t play this season. The Rams do play both the 49ers and Seahawks once more each, so those are two opportunities to gain ground in the division.
It’s too early to talk about “controlling their own destiny,” of course, and you can bet the Rams are just taking this one week at a time. Next up, it’s the Steelers in Week 10.
