The Rams are still in the playoff hunt despite their loss in Week 17. They’re currently sitting as the No. 6 seed but have a chance to move up to No. 5 in Week 18.
Six teams from the NFC, including Los Angeles, have secured a spot in the playoffs. Let’s break down the current playoff picture and how Week 18 matchups, such as the Rams vs. Cardinals at SoFi Stadium, could play out.
No. 1 seed – Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks stand at 13-3 after a recent win against the Panthers. Their mission this Saturday is clear: win or tie, and they’ll clinch both the division and the top seed in the conference. A loss can drop them to the No. 5 seed.
No. 2 seed – Chicago Bears
The Bears, with an 11-5 record, kept their No. 2 seed even after losing to the 49ers. To secure this position, they either need to win, hope the Eagles lose, or settle for a tie.
No. 3 seed – Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have won three straight games and are looking strong at 11-5. They can clinch the No. 2 seed if they win and the Bears falter.
No. 4 seed – Carolina Panthers
The Panthers dropped to 8-8 after losing to the Seahawks. They can clinch their first NFC South title since 2015 with a win or by having the Falcons beat the Saints.
No. 5 seed – San Francisco 49ers
Sitting at 12-4, the 49ers secured their position after a dramatic win against the Bears. To grab the NFC West title, a win on Saturday is essential.
No. 6 seed – Los Angeles Rams
Even with a Monday night loss, the Rams hold an 11-5 record. They still have a shot at moving up one seed with a win combined with a Seahawks victory.
No. 7 seed – Green Bay Packers
The Packers are 9-6-1 and managed to clinch a playoff spot after the Lions lost to the Vikings. Unfortunately, they can’t move beyond the No. 7 seed, meaning they’ll face either the Bears or Eagles in the Wild Card round.
Crucial Week 18 Games
Week 18 isn’t just another game; it could change the playoff outcomes significantly. Here are some key matchups:
- Panthers at Buccaneers (Saturday, 1:30 p.m. PT): Carolina needs a win to clinch their division.
- Seahawks at 49ers (Saturday, 5 p.m. PT): If the Seahawks win, the Rams will be competing for the No. 5 seed; a Seahawks loss puts them at No. 6.
- Lions at Bears (Sunday, 1:25 p.m. PT): This game influences whether the Rams go to Chicago or Philadelphia in the playoffs.
- Commanders at Eagles (Sunday, 1:25 p.m. PT): The Eagles need help from the Lions to secure the No. 2 seed.
As we move toward the playoffs, every game becomes crucial. How teams perform in Week 18 will decide their fate as they chase their championship dreams. With sports analyst insights showing that momentum is key this time of year, teams need to find their rhythm fast.
For more details on the playoff scenarios, check out [ESPN’s comprehensive guide on playoff brackets](https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs). The stakes are high, and fans are eager to see how it all unfolds!
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Football,Playoffs,Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams (2025-REG-18)
