J.B. Long
Few teams have as much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving weekend.
The most successful coach in franchise history securing an eighth winning season, in just nine years on the job.
The top spot in the NFC standings.
The NFL leader in passing touchdowns, the league leader in receiving touchdowns, and the league's best scoring defense.
A Landman and a Landshark.
Coordinators and assistants that stayed in Los Angeles this offseason and brought cherished continuity (that may not last much longer).
Record-setting attendance at SoFi Stadium in recent weeks.
The list is longer than the reel ofMatthew Staffordtouchdown passes this year, but the point is we're very thankful and don't take any of it for granted.
Which is not to say that anyone wearing a Rams uniform is satisfied far from it.
Welcome to the season of giving taking, as LA looks to generate more turnovers in Carolina in pursuit of a division crown and the top spot in the NFC.
Seeding at Stake
Let me preface this section with a disclaimer: The top seed in the NFC is not a two-horse race.
I'll write it again: Plenty of teams, including the Bears and Seahawks and Packers, are still in play for a first-round bye.
If we can all agree on that, I'd like to compare remaining schedules with the Eagles.
Why?
Because they're the reigning champs and the closest competition, for now. They also have the head-to-head advantage over the Rams (something no other team can currently claim), so LA must finish ahead of Philadelphia (in the event of a two-way tie).
Also, the Rams can't be the 1-seed if they don't win the West over Seattle and San Francisco, so while prevailing in the division will be a tall order, it has to be taken for granted for this comparison to even be relevant.
With six games to go, the Rams have a road-heavy finish, but only two opponents currently holding winning marks:
at Carolina (6-6)
at Arizona (3-8)
Detroit (7-5)
at Seattle (8-3)
at Atlanta (4-7)
Arizona (3-8)
Philadelphia's finish, by comparison, has three foes with winning records and three games against teams looking at lottery picks:
Chicago (8-3)
at Chargers (7-4)
Las Vegas (2-9)
at Washington (3-8)
at Buffalo (7-4)
Washington (3-8)
Can the Rams win at least as many games as the Eagles the rest of the way?
Roster Shuffling
The last two weeks have been the busiest of the season from a roster turnover standpoint.
Landing on injured reserve since the win over Seattle:Tyler Higbee,Rob Havenstein,Quentin Lake, andRoger McCreary.
Returning from injured reserve this week:Tutu AtwellandAhkello Witherspoon.
Added to the roster recently: tight endNick Vannett, defensive backChris Smith II, and of course kickerHarrison Mevis.
Plus, the extension forNate Landman.
To help us recalibrate, here's a fresh Between the Horns with Kirsten Watson, D'Marco Farr, and Stu Jackson.
The RightTackle
Offensive coordinatorMike LaFleurhad an interesting comment this week about the recent achievement of the Rams offensive line.
"I think they're straining because they know if (Stafford) gets one extra click, a lot of times good things will happen," LaFleur told the media this week.
Behind the MVP campaign in Year 17 for Stafford or better put, in front of it is a position group that many were surprised to see go unenhanced through the first wave of free agency and the draft.Justin Dedichwas able to hang tough at left guard inSteve Avila's absence. NowWarren McClendon Jr.is in his second stint at right tackle withRob Havensteinback on the shelf. Once again, he's grading out like a starter.
We sat down with the third-year pro this week to discuss the success of the Class of 2023, how this year's team has similarities to his championship rosters at Georgia, and how he goes about his weekly preparation.
Game Notes
If you're a regular reader in this space, you know I value DVOA. Therefore, this is the most encouraging update I can share with you this week:
Part of the reason I trust DVOA is because it's opponent-adjusted. And in broad strokes, that means the Rams get credit for having achieved against very good teams. After all, they have the third-highest strength of victory (.520) in the NFL. LA has won seven games against teams with a winning record.
League research says the Rams point differential of +127 is the franchise's best through 11 games played since 2001 (+155).
I liked these posts a lot, too.
Meantime, the Panthers have scored fewer than 10 points in three of their last five games (all losses). Carolina is generating only 14 points per game since Week 8, among the most anemic offenses in the game lately.
Did you know? This Sunday marks a year to the day since Washington releasedEmmanuel Forbes Jr.Last week, he faced seven targets and did not allow a reception, while earning a career-high 5 passes defensed and the pick.
The Rams next interception will match their season total for picks last year (13).
Watching the West
Let's circle back on the division race now. We momentarily overlooked the Seahawks for the sake of discussing the one-seed earlier. But no one around this space is taking Seattle for granted.
At 8-3, the Seahawks finish with the Vikings at home, a trip to Atlanta, the Colts and Rams back-to-back at Lumen Field, then visit Carolina and Santa Clara to close out the regular season. Five of those six games are against highly motivated opponents.
As for the 49ers? Their next three weeks are at Cleveland, bye, and versus the Titans. Currently with eight wins, they'll likely have a playoff ticket punched before finishing at Indianapolis followed by home games against the Bears and Seahawks. I've said all along that San Francisco's schedule rolls out the Wild Card carpet, and that still appears to be the case.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
