Carson Wentz to Start in Place of Matthew Stafford For Rams vs. 49ers

With a playoff spot locked up, the Los Angeles Rams are resting starting quarterback Matthew Stafford

The Los Angeles Rams are playoff-bound after taking down the Giants in Week 17 and getting some help from the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Seattle Seahawks. 

With their spot secured, the Rams had a decision to make as to whether or not they should rest their starters in Week 18 or go all in and try and improve their playoff position. 

On Wednesday, it appears that a decision has been made, with the Rams reportedly electing to start backup quarterback Carson Wentz over starter Matthew Stafford at Levi's Stadium, per insider Mike Garafolo.

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The start will be Wentz's first under center since his 2022 stint with the Washington Commanders. 

As of now, what happens on Sunday with Wentz under center could carry some serious ramifications, specifically in terms of playoff positioning. 

Currently, the Rams are slotted into the sixth seed heading into their matchup with San Francisco, and with a win, would likely lock up a matchup with the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, which of course, would be a homecoming for Matthew Stafford. 

Should the Rams lose and the Packers win on Sunday vs. Bears in Green Bay, the Packers would own the head-to-head tiebreaker, moving L.A. to the seventh seed, where they could face either the Dallas Cowboys or Philadelphia Eagles. 

Breaking Down Potential Rams' Playoff Opponents

The Rams have already faced the Cowboys and the Eagles this season, falling to Philadelphia 23-14 in Week 5, and being blown out 43-20 by Dallas at AT&T Stadium.

The Lions could also potentially make it to the seventh seed, but that would require them beating the Vikings, and the Cowboys and Eagles both losing to the Commanders and Giants, respectively.

Not matter what happens though, Stafford, and presumably a few more veterans should be well rested.