The Rams haven’t technically been eliminated from playoff contention just yet, but Monday night’s 45-6 loss to the Ravens all but killed any hope they had of making the postseason. Los Angeles is now two games behind the Vikings for the final wild-card spot, and three back of the Seahawks for the No. 5 seed.
They have no chance of catching the 49ers in the NFC West and will essentially need to win out in order to have a chance at a wild-card berth. In other words, their season is over.
Their playoff odds took a big hit, but they didn’t drop very far in Doug Farrar’s power rankings for Touchdown Wire. The Rams dropped from No. 18 to 19 after their loss to the Ravens, one spot behind the Steelers and two back of the Browns.
The Rams have been teetering on the edge of irrelevance all season, as the reigning NFC champs have struggled to get and keep things together on either side of the ball, especially on offense. But this was unlike anything the franchise could be prepared for. Los Angeles’ 45-6 loss to the Ravens on Monday Night Football was the worst loss for the Rams by point differential in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum era, which goes back to 1946. Wade Phillips had absolutely no answer for what Lamar Jackson brought as a runner or as a passer, and Sean McVay had to be looking on with deep envy at an opposing quarterback who can tilt the field whenever he wants. Jared Goff, the guy McVay’s going to be tied to for a very long time, was his usual unimpressive self, completing 26 of 37 passes for 212 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. If the Rams needed a reality check to shake them out of any thoughts of postseason potential, this should do it.
Unless the Vikings and Seahawks completely fall apart in the next five weeks, the Rams are going to be on the outside looking in – and with a lot of questions to answer in the offseason. Jared Goff hasn’t lived up to his contract, nor has Todd Gurley. And will they sign Jalen Ramsey to an extension?
The Rams are entering a difficult time, and Monday’s 39-point loss was a small sample of their issues right now.
