Rams Rise in NFL Power Rankings Following Week 15 Win vs. Commanders

The Los Angeles Rams continue to climb the NFL pecking order in search of an NFC playoff berth.

The Los Angeles Rams are fresh off a hard-fought 28-20 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday, and their standing in the NFL power rankings has shifted as a result.

The resurgent Rams come in at No. 12 on Sports Illustrated's updated list released on Tuesday, reaching the upper half of the league in this category. You can read an excerpt from the piece below.

It seems like only the greatest offensive minds, like Mike McDaniel and Sean McVay, can consistently create game-breaking plays for elite players. It’s nice to have McVay back in the week-in, week-out playoff conversation. 

Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Washington Commanders during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles is certainly back in that playoff conversation, and if the season ended today, they would hold the No. 7 seed in the NFC after suffering through a 3-6 start to the year. The Rams seem to have gotten healthy at the right time, seeing the return of quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Kyren Williams from injury a few weeks ago.

Now, the Rams will simply need to take care of business in the weeks ahead in order to secure a playoff berth, a feat that seemed unthinkable after nine games were played on their schedule. 

Sean McVay Analyzes 'Gritty' Win vs. Washington, Short Turnaround For 'Thursday Night Football'

Coming up for Los Angeles, it has a short turnaround this week as it will play host to the New Orleans Saints on "Thursday Night Football" in a game that could go a long way in determining the NFC playoff picture. The Saints are currently No. 9 in the NFC (two spots out of the postseason), but with a 7-7 record like that of the Rams, this tiebreaker will prove vital in the wild card race.

Kickoff between Los Angeles and New Orleans is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. PT, and the game will be televised on Prime Video.