During the 2021 season, the Los Angeles Rams won five of their last six games to clinch a playoff spot. They won three playoff games before competing in Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals. A heads-up defensive play sealed Los Angeles’ second franchise Super Bowl title and first in Los Angeles.
Fast forward to 2024 and the Rams are in the same situation. They won five of their last six games to clinch the NFC West against the Seattle Seahawks. Then, they dominated the Minnesota Vikings in their Wild Card Round encounter. While they played at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, it’s technically a home game for the Rams because the field had Los Angeles’ colors.
Matthew Stafford as a Ram in the #NFLPlayoffs:
— NFL (@NFL) January 14, 2025
15 total TDs
5-1 record
LA is a win away from the NFC Championship Game pic.twitter.com/Bg2xz16Iu9
In addition to limiting the Vikings to nine points, the Rams tied a playoff record with nine sacks. Kobie Turner had two sacks, while Neville Gallimore and Byron Young had 1.5 each. Meanwhile, Jared Verse had a defensive touchdown off a fumble recovery.
Conversely, Matthew Stafford had two touchdown passes and zero interceptions. Those numbers improved his playoff record with the Rams to 5-1 with 15 total touchdowns. What’s scary is that playoff pressure doesn’t faze him because he has led this team to a Super Bowl victory.
While the Philadelphia Eagles will be at home for their Divisional Round showdown, the Rams will be a tough out. In addition to their roster talent, the Rams can draw inspiration from playing for a city struggling from devastating wildfires.
-Lance Fernandez