NFL playoff picture: How the Rams can clinch a playoff berth in Week 15

We have reached that magical time of the season where NFL teams can start locking down playoff spots.

The Los Angeles Rams are one such team.

The Rams take on the Detroit Lions this week at SoFi Stadium, in a game with playoff implications for both teams. For Detroit, the Lions are fighting to stay in the hunt. If the playoffs began today, the Lions would be on the outside looking in, as they are currently 8th in the NFC.

But the Rams can clinch a spot this weekend.

Here’s how.

Rams playoff berth clinching scenarios

The Los Angeles Rams have just one path to a playoff spot in Week 15, but it is rather straightforward.

With a win over the Detroit Lions, the Rams are back in the playoffs.

It is also worth noting that this would not clinch the NFC West for Los Angeles. The Seahawks and Rams have matching 10-3 records heading into Week 15, and the Rams currently hold a tiebreaker edge thanks to their win over Seattle. That means the NFC West title will have to wait at least one more week.

And do not count the surging San Francisco 49ers out in this race.

Rams remaining schedule

Looking ahead, here are the four games left on the Rams’ schedule:

• vs. Detroit Lions (8-5)
• at Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
• at Atlanta Falcons (4-9)
• vs. San Francisco 49ers (9-4)

NFC standings entering Week 15

Here are the current NFC playoff standings:

1. Los Angeles Rams (10-3)
2. Green Bay Packers (9-3-1)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-5)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)
5. Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
6. San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
7. Chicago Bears (9-4)
8. Detroit Lions (8-5)
9. Carolina Panthers (7-6)
10. Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1)
11. Minnesota Vikings (5-8)
12. Atlanta Falcons (4-9) – e
13. Arizona Cardinals (3-10) – e
14. New Orleans Saints (3-10) – e
15. Washington Commanders (3-10) – e
16. New York Giants (2-11) – e

NFC West standings entering Week 15

Here are the NFC West standings entering Week 15:

1. Los Angeles Rams (10-3)
2. Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
3. San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
4. Arizona Cardinals (3-10)