The Los Angeles Rams, led by Matthew Stafford and his MVP-type season, are looking like the top team in the NFL this season. At 10-3, the Rams have a Week 15 bout vs. the Detroit Lions, which will have huge playoff ramifications.
But mainly for the Lions. The Rams are in such great shape that a loss wouldn’t put them at risk of missing the playoffs this season. While they aren’t in yet, they’re in great shape and can even clinch a berth this week.
However, their NFC West title odds are also of interest. With the Seattle Seahawks hot on their tail, how close are the Rams to running away with the division? Ali Bhanpuri of NFL.com highlighted the Rams’ NFC West title odds, which are over a 50% chance.
Rams’ NFC West title odds greater than 50% entering Week 15 vs. Lions
Bhanpuri notes that the Rams Division % is at 55%, with a 10-3 record and a 3-1 NFC West record. The Seahawks, tied at 10-3, have just a 35% chance of winning the West, while the San Francisco 49ers are at just a 10% chance.
Looking at the remaining schedules for these teams, and considering the tiebreakers in place, it’s no surprise that the Rams have the leg up on the competition.
The Rams face the Lions, Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals to close out the year. The Lions and Seahawks matchups are big, but with two easy games to finish the season, the Rams should be able to notch at least two more wins on their record.
More: How Rams can clinch playoff berth in Week 15 vs. Lions
Seattle, meanwhile, faces the Indianapolis Colts (with Philip Rivers), the Rams, the Carolina Panthers, and the 49ers. San Francisco has the Tennessee Titans, Colts, Chicago Bears, and Seahawks to finish out the season.
That Week 18 49ers-Seahawks game is a huge one for the Rams, as the loser of that game will be a lock to miss out on the division title. Along with the Rams’ schedule being easier than the Seahawks’ and the 49ers, it’s no surprise the Rams have the best NFC West odds.
The Rams can clinch a playoff berth in Week 15 with a win over the Lions, who are fighting for their playoff lives at this point. A win would also be a huge step forward towards winning the West, regardless of the Week 16 matchup against the Seahawks.
