The NFC playoff scenario is beginning to take shape. In Week 16, Thursday Night Football saw the Los Angeles Rams defeat the New Orleans Saints, which helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take the lead in the NFC South. In Week 17, LA will travel to play the New York Giants, and they will be much ahead of the “big blue.”
This late in the NFL season, sleep is precious. Over the course of the 17-game marathon, Cooper Kupp, Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Kyren Williams—a few of the Rams’ most important players—have battled injuries. After hosting the Saints on Thursday night, they may now enjoy their “mini-bye.” On Christmas Day, the Giants are playing the Eagles in Philadelphia. This provides Los Angeles with a four-day respite to recuperate and get ready for their crucial journey to New York.
The Rams are at a disadvantage because of their schedule, which includes four teams that have just had a bye week. LA was only 1-3 in these kind of games. At least one must-win contest is at least somewhat ahead of the other. With a win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18, the Rams would maintain their sixth-seed position going into their final game. It remains to be seen whether the 49ers can guarantee themselves the top spot in the NFC Conference and whether they would bench important players when they play the Rams in the regular season finale.
A lot of recuperation would be beneficial for Sean McVay’s team, especially in light of the extensive list of injuries sustained at MetLife Stadium, the site of the Rams’ game against the Giants the following weekend.