The Rams have just eight games left in the 2019 season and after starting just 5-3, they’ll need a strong second half to make a push for the playoffs. Unfortunately, they face some legitimate Super Bowl contenders down the stretch, including two more games against the Seahawks and 49ers.
With the Rams being off this week, we ranked the eight remaining games on their schedule from most to least important. They’re all crucial at this point, but some are more important than others.
Week 14 vs. Seahawks
This game will likely have major playoff implications, more so than the Rams’ showdown with the 49ers two weeks later. By that point, San Francisco may have the division locked up, which makes this a crucial game for the Rams.
Depending on how the next five weeks go, this game could be the difference between being a wild-card team and missing the playoffs entirely. A loss will make the Rams 0-2 against the Seahawks in the NFC West, causing them to lose any potential tiebreaker with Seattle.
Week 16 at 49ers
The Rams still have time to catch the 49ers in the NFC West, but the division is slipping away. They’re three games back with only eight weeks to go, making that a steep hill to climb. Still, this is a very important game because Los Angeles needs as many wins against NFC teams as possible.
Beating the 49ers would be a huge statement win for the Rams if they can pull it off in the second-to-last week of the season, potentially giving them momentum heading into the playoffs.
Week 15 at Cowboys
If the Cowboys make the playoffs, it’ll likely be as the NFC East champions. However, depending on what the Eagles do, Dallas could fall into the wild-card race, potentially making this a huge game in the NFC playoff picture.
The Rams and Cowboys have been on similar paths this season and it could all come to a head in Week 15. Beating an NFC contender would be a nice check on the Rams’ resume as they vie for a postseason berth.
Week 11 vs. Bears
The Bears have been a huge disappointment this season, but that doesn’t make this game significantly less important. Putting together a good performance against a solid Bears defense would be a confidence-builder for the Rams, especially after last year’s debacle in Chicago.
Depending on the Bears’ record at the time of this game, Los Angeles could potentially end Chicago’s playoff hopes with a win. Or, a loss to the Bears would drop the Rams back near or at .500, depending on whether they beat the Steelers in Week 10.
Week 12 vs. Ravens
Being in different conferences, this game doesn’t carry the same weight as an NFC matchup. Still, it’s a good gauge for the Rams, facing a team that has Super Bowl potential. Lamar Jackson is a handful for even the best defenses, so the Rams will be tested in that facet.
There’s some added intrigue with this game being in prime time as it’ll be a Monday night showdown at the Coliseum. Even with it being an NFC-AFC game, this is one the Rams would love to have.
Week 17 vs. Cardinals
Arizona doesn’t figure to be in the playoff hunt in Week 17, but the Rams sure hope to be. Considering how clustered the NFC is, the Rams could need a win in the season finale in order to make the playoffs.
The Cardinals are a far better team than their current record indicates, which makes this a tough matchup for the Rams – with or without a playoff berth on the line. Capping off the season with a win would be nice for Sean McVay’s team.
Week 10 at Steelers
It’s not that this game isn’t important, but the Steelers aren’t the Super Bowl contenders we’re used to them being. Coming out of the bye, it’s a game the Rams absolutely should win, even being on the road. They should not lose to backup quarterback Mason Rudolph, especially after getting the week off with the bye.
A win will get the Rams to 6-3, which puts them right in the thick of things in the NFC. A loss will drop them to 5-4, which will potentially be four games back of the NFC West-leading 49ers.
Week 13 at Cardinals
The Rams’ first matchup with the Cardinals won’t come until Week 13, and as tough as Kyler Murray can be to defend, they might be the Rams’ easiest opponent left on the schedule. The Rams can’t afford to overlook Arizona, but the Cardinals probably won’t be in the playoff mix at this point in the season.
Ariona pushed San Francisco to the brink on Thursday night, so this isn’t a team to take lightly.
