LA Rams Standings & Playoff Picture: Week 18 Outlook

Rams’ Playoff Seeding Hangs in the Balance

Los Angeles, January 4, 2026 – The Los Angeles Rams have clinched a playoff berth but their seeding for the NFC Wild Card round remains uncertain heading into the final week of the 2025 NFL season.

The Rams currently hold the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoffs, but their position could shift depending on the outcomes of saturday’s games.

Did you know? – The NFL’s playoff format includes seven teams from each conference. The top seed receives a bye, while the remaining six teams compete in the Wild Card round.

As of now, the Rams are slotted in at the No. 6 Wild Card spot, but several scenarios could change their standing, according to reports. If the carolina panthers defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and clinch the NFC South, and the Seattle Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers to secure the top seed in the NFC and the NFC West title, the Rams would move up to the No. 5 Wild Card spot and face the Panthers.

This scenario could also unfold if the Rams beat the Arizona Cardinals, coupled with wins for both the Panthers and the atlanta Falcons this week. In that case, Carolina would win the NFC South, and the Rams would face the Panthers in the Wild Card round.

Conversely, if the Rams lose their game and the 49ers win, the Rams will remain the sixth seed.In that scenario, they will play either the Philadelphia Eagles or the Chicago Bears to kick off the postseason, and a 5-seed is considered the more favorable option.

Updated NFC Playoff Picture

Here is the current NFC playoff picture before Saturday’s games:

1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3) – Clinched playoff spot
2. Chicago Bears (11-5) – Clinched NFC North
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) – Clinched NFC East
4. Carolina Panthers (8-8)
5. San Francisco 49ers (12-4) – Clinched playoff spot
6. Los Angeles Rams (11-5) – Clinched playoff spot
7. Green Bay packers (9-6-1) – Clinched playoff spot
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)

Pro tip – Checking updated standings throughout the weekend is crucial. The NFL standings can change rapidly as games conclude, impacting the Rams’ potential opponents.

Why It Matters

The Rams’ final seeding has important implications for their playoff path. A jump to the No. 5 seed would mean facing a perhaps less daunting opponent in the Carolina Panthers, who currently hold an 8-8 record. Remaining at No. 6 would pit them against either the Eagles or the Bears, both of whom boast stronger records at 11-5.

Who: The Los Angeles Rams, along with the Carolina Panthers, seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are all vying for playoff positioning.

What: The Rams are attempting to improve their seeding in the NFC playoffs, currently holding the No. 6 spot with a record of 11-5.

Why: A higher seed offers a more favorable matchup in the Wild Card round and potentially an easier path to the NFC Championship game.

How: The Rams’ seeding will be steadfast by the outcomes of Saturday’s and Sunday’s games, specifically the Panthers-Buccaneers, Seahawks-49ers, and Rams-Cardinals contests.

The Rams clinched their playoff berth with a Week 17 victory over the New Orleans Saints. though, their journey is far from over. The final week of the regular season will determine not only their opponent but