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There might not be a more compelling divisional race in the NFL than the one taking shape in the NFC West.
That's not much of a surprise; the division has housed at least three sides with above-.500 in two of the past three seasons.
MORE: Updated NFL playoff picture for Week 16
In the 2024 season, the Rams lead the way entering Week 16, spearheaded by a high-octane offense featuring Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. But Los Angeles had been facing quite the competition from the Seahawks and the Cardinals for the division crown.
Coming out of the Rams' Week 16 victory over the Jets, here's a look at how the NFC West standings shake out, as well as what the Rams need to do to secure entry into the playoffs.
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Rams playoff picture
The Rams hold a slim lead in their divisional race, striding into first place in the NFC West with a 9-6 record. The Seahawks entered the weekend with the same mark through 14 games, but Los Angeles handled its business against the Jets, giving Sean McVay's side a one-game edge for the time being.
The Rams hold the tiebreaker, having vanquished Mike Macdonald's side in overtime, 26-20, on Nov. 3.
NFC West standings
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1. | Los Angeles Rams | 9-6 |
| 2. | Seattle Seahawks | 8-7 |
| 3. | Arizona Cardinals | 7-8 |
| 4. | San Francisco 49ers | 6-9 |
The Cardinals had lurked, sitting just one game back from both Los Angeles and Seattle ahead of Week 16's slate of games. Their overtime loss to the Panthers ensured they would miss out on postseason play once more.
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NFC wild-card standings
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 5. | Minnesota Vikings | 13-2 |
| 6. | Green Bay Packers | 11-4 |
| 7. | Washington Commanders | 10-5 |
| 8. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8-7 |
| 9. | Seattle Seahawks | 8-7 |
Los Angeles' place at the top of the NFC West is under serious threat from the Seahawks. The same could be said about the team's wild-card chances. At present, the only thing separating the Rams from the first spot out of the postseason is their one-game advantage over Seattle.
The Commanders are nearing a momentous postseason berth, entering the weekend with a glistening 85% chance of nabbing a playoff spot — one that is certain to improve after their latest win over the Eagles. Green Bay nabbed its postseason voucher on Monday, placing further pressure on those sides vying for supremacy in the NFC West.
For Los Angeles, that means keeping its nose in front of the Seahawks. The Rams will go head-to-head with Seattle in a potentially do-or-die Week 18 game.
Staying ahead of the pack is easier said than done. But L.A. controls its destiny after 16 weeks of the NFL season. After falling to 0-2 to start the campaign, you'd have to imagine Sean McVay & Co. will take their current status.
MORE NFL WEEK 16:
- Week 16 NFL Power Rankings
- Week 16 NFL picks straight-up
- Week 16 NFL picks against the spread
- Week 16 NFL playoff picture
Rams remaining schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Dec. 28 | vs. Arizona Cardinals | 8:15 p.m. |
| TBD | vs. Seattle Seahawks | TBD |
After downing the Jets in Week 16, Los Angeles is set for a Week 17 matchup with the Cardinals. A win would go a long way in cementing the Rams' playoff prospects.
That'll set up a pivotal matchup against the Seahawks in Week 18 — one that could determine the fate of the divisional crown.
Rams updated playoff chances
Entering the Rams' Week 16 duel with the Jets, ESPN's Football Power Index gives Los Angeles a 54.0% chance of making the playoffs and a 53.4% chance of winning the division. Those percentages likely soared given Los Angeles' win and losses by the Seahawks and Cardinals.
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