The Los Angeles Rams face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17 with a playoff spot at stake. For the Rams, winning is likely the key to securing a postseason berth. The path to victory just became a bit easier, as the Cardinals’ injury report continues to grow.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday that Cardinals’ offensive linemen Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams have been ruled out for the game. This means two of Arizona’s top linemen will be sidelined, leaving the team weakened. Additionally, star running back James Conner, who suffered a knee injury last Sunday, may also be unavailable. Regardless, the Cardinals will be significantly diminished as they face the Rams, who are vying for the NFC West title.
For the Rams, the simplest way to clinch a playoff spot is by defeating the Cardinals in Week 17 and hoping for a Seattle Seahawks loss to the Chicago Bears. If those outcomes occur, the Rams will officially secure their place in the postseason. There is also a more complicated scenario that could allow them to make the playoffs by next Tuesday.
Since the Rams defeated the Seahawks in Week 9, if both teams win this weekend and Seattle beats Los Angeles in Week 18, the team with the better strength of victory will secure the playoff spot.
In 2024, the Rams have defeated the Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers twice, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets. The Seahawks have wins over the Cardinals, 49ers, Denver Broncos, Patriots, Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and Jets.
With a significantly stronger set of victories, the Rams could clinch the strength of victory tiebreaker this Sunday, making the Week 18 matchup irrelevant.
