Rams Playoff Scenarios 2025: Paths, Seeds, and What Must Happen

The Los Angeles Rams have secured their spot in the 2025 NFL postseason, but the story of their playoff journey is still unfolding. As Week 17 wraps up and Week 18 looms, the Rams’ fate hangs on a complex web of results, rival performances, and just a little bit of luck. So, what exactly are the Rams’ playoff scenarios—and what needs to happen for the team to climb the NFC ladder?

The Rams clinched a playoff berth early, an achievement that speaks to their consistency this season. But the NFC West title—and the coveted No. 1 seed that comes with a first-round bye and home-field advantage—is just out of reach, at least for now. Let’s break down what’s at stake, what’s possible, and how the Rams’ postseason could shake out.

• The Rams are currently the NFC’s No. 6 seed with an 11-4 record (USA TODAY).
• They cannot clinch the NFC West or No. 1 seed without outside help, as a loss to Seattle and San Francisco’s recent victory closed those doors (USA TODAY, Turf Show Times).
• Their remaining games are against the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals.

So, what do the Rams need for a division crown or higher seeding? The math is tricky and the odds slim, but here’s the breakdown:

NFC West Title

For the Rams to win the division, several results must align:

• Rams must win both remaining games (vs. Falcons, vs. Cardinals), finishing 13-4.
• The Bears need to beat the 49ers.
• The 49ers then must defeat the Seahawks in Week 18 (Turf Show Times).

This scenario puts the Rams in a tie with the Seahawks, but with the right combination of tiebreakers, the Rams could leapfrog into the division lead. Still, given the current form of their rivals, this is a long shot.

No. 1 Seed

Securing the top spot in the NFC—and the all-important first-round bye—is even more complicated. Here’s how it could happen:

• Rams win both games.
• Bears beat the 49ers.
• 49ers beat the Seahawks.
• Lions beat the Bears in Week 18.

If all of that falls into place, the Rams could theoretically clinch the No. 1 seed. But each additional requirement makes the odds slimmer.

Most Likely Path: The Road Wild Card

Let’s face it: the Rams are almost certainly headed for a wild-card spot, likely the No. 6 seed. That means they’ll be on the road for the playoffs, facing tough NFC opponents. According to ESPN Analytics and Philadelphia Eagles reports, the Rams have a 32% chance to remain the sixth seed. Their most probable first-round opponent would be the Philadelphia Eagles, who themselves are locked into a battle for the No. 2 or No. 3 seed.

The Rams’ likely path mirrors their 2021 playoff run, where they entered as a lower seed and still managed to capture the Super Bowl. History is on their side—if they can recapture some of that postseason magic.

Who Else Is In?

The NFC playoff field is nearly set. The Seahawks, Bears, Eagles, 49ers, Rams, and Packers have clinched berths. The NFC South winner—either the Panthers or Buccaneers—will claim the fourth seed. The Rams cannot face the Packers in the first round, as Green Bay is locked into the seventh seed and will play either Chicago or Philadelphia.

Key Rivals and Tiebreakers

With so many clinched berths, attention turns to tiebreakers and head-to-head matchups. The 49ers and Seahawks are locked in a race for the division and top seed, and their Week 18 showdown could tip the balance. The Bears, meanwhile, are battling for the second seed and need a win against Detroit to hold off the Eagles (Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles).

Meanwhile, the Rams can only control their own destiny to a limited extent. Wins against the Falcons and Cardinals are non-negotiable if they want any hope of climbing the ladder. But the bulk of their playoff fate depends on other teams’ results.

The Draft and Beyond

While the Rams’ focus is squarely on the postseason, non-playoff teams are already looking to the 2026 NFL Draft. The Rams themselves own the Falcons’ first-round pick, which could add future value regardless of how their playoff run ends (ESPN).

What’s Next?

Week 18 will be decisive. The Rams must take care of business against Atlanta and Arizona, then watch as the NFC’s top teams battle for position. The wild-card slot is almost assured, but the NFL is no stranger to surprise outcomes. The Rams are on the outside looking in for the division and No. 1 seed, but hope lingers as long as the games are played.

For fans, the message is simple: Every snap, every score in Week 18 matters. The Rams have punched their ticket, but the journey is only beginning.

Analysis: The Rams have proven their resilience by securing a playoff berth in a competitive NFC field. Their chances for a division title or a first-round bye are slim, requiring an unlikely cascade of results from other teams. The most probable scenario is a wild-card slot, setting up a challenging road to the Super Bowl. But as past seasons have shown, the Rams thrive in adversity. If they can channel the grit that defined their 2021 run, another deep playoff journey is within reach. Sources: USA TODAY, ESPN, Turf Show Times, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears.