Does Cooper Kupp Help Los Angeles Rams Rank as Playoff Contenders?

With the return of star receiver Cooper Kupp, the Los Angeles Rams could be looking to make a push at playoff contention after a 2-3 start.

The Los Angeles Rams seem to be a team flying under the radar through the season's first five weeks. No, a 2-3 record doesn't exactly jump off the page, but a deeper look into how the Rams have managed to be where they are after a 23-14 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles tells a different story. 

After a 5-12 season a year ago, which can best be described as a post-Super Bowl hangover, the Rams have a case for being one of the NFC's fastest-improving teams. The record doesn't show that, but after the Dallas Cowboys' embarrassing 42-10 defeat on the road to the San Francisco 49ers, the top of the NFC hierarchy seems to have taken its shape, with the tiers below them yet to be filled. 

Stafford's Rams as contenders?

At the top of the hierarchy are the 49ers and Eagles, both of whom are viewed as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, while the tier directly below them looks to be in question. Leading up to Sunday, the Cowboys would've likely been viewed as a potential equal to the Niners and Eagles or just behind them. However, following their 32-point loss to San Francisco, many have questions about the now 3-2 Cowboys. 

So, if the Cowboys aren't the team to push the Niners or Eagles, could it be the Rams? 

It is an intriguing question, considering the Rams have already faced both of the NFC's perceived powerhouses and largely held their own. L.A. did fall short in both games, losing by a touchdown to the Niners in Week 2, where the teams were tied at halftime before San Francisco's firepower proved too much as they outscored the Rams 13-6 in the second half. 

Then, this past Sunday also saw the Rams stay competitive versus the high-flying Eagles in another game that was decided in the second half. While close losses ultimately don't mean anything in the end for the Rams, especially if they are watching the postseason from their homes, it is a sign of a team whose floor is relatively high. 

Compared to preseason expectations, a 2-3 start may even net the Rams the title of "overachievers," especially considering they were without top playmaker Cooper Kupp until Sunday. 

While Kupp's eight receptions for 118 yards didn't prove to be enough against the Eagles, his return could come just at the right time for a team seemingly in playoff contention. 

Kupp's absence did allow the emergence of standout rookie receiver Puka Nacua, who now gives quarterback Matthew Stafford a reliable second option. If the young offensive line and defense can continue to hold their own, the Rams could find themselves playing in January once again.