It took handling their own business and some help from other teams, but the Rams became the NFC West division champions Sunday via the Strength of Victory tiebreaker over the Seahawks and are headed to the playoffs.
It is the Rams' fourth division title under head coach Sean McVay and first since 2021.
In order to clinch the division in Week 17, the Rams needed a win over the Cardinals Saturday night, plus at least four wins from any of the Bengals, Bills, Browns, Vikings, Commanders and 49ers to win the Strength of Victory tiebreaker over the Seahawks. The Bengals knocked off the Broncos in overtime Saturday leading into Rams-Cardinals. On Sunday, the Bills defeated the Jets, the Vikings defeated the Packers, and the Commanders defeated the Falcons in overtime on Sunday Night Football.
McVay in a video conference with reporters Sunday morning acknowledged he'd have the games on to keep tabs on those outcomes, but that most of his focus was toward preparing for next week's regular season finale against the Seahawks.
"I'll have them on," McVay said. "I'll definitely be paying attention to them but I think for us… we'll clean this film up. We'll get with the coaches and then we'll start to get our plans together as far as what's the best way to approach our Seattle preparation like we would in any other week while having our eye on those games. Maybe a little bit more intentful, but that's typically what I would do if we had played a little bit earlier anyways."
Asked how the team would celebrate if they ended up clinching today, given they've structured their week of preparation in anticipation of facing the Seahawks next Saturday and therefore have the player off day scheduled for tomorrow instead of Tuesday, McVay said he don't know, but "that'd be a positive problem though."
"Maybe I'll call guys up, say congratulations, we'll have a Zoom team meeting," McVay said with a smile. "I don't know. It's weird. If we were able to do that, you'd love to be able to do that collectively. However we do it, I'm certainly not going to be complaining. Let's hope that's an answer that I have for you the next time we connect."
The feat is a remarkable one when considering the Rams began the season 1-4, then won 9 of their last 11 – including five-straight entering Week 18 – to put themselves in position to capture the division title.
"I don't want to get too much into hypotheticals, but sitting here doing this at 1-4 and to where we are right now, I sure am proud of this group," quarterback Matthew Stafford said postgame. "Got a lot more football to play and a lot more to earn, but we've earned the opportunity to be where we are. And whatever that is, that is at the end of the weekend. But I'm proud of this group and the way they've battled back. A lot of people doubting us, a lot of people writing us off at 1-4, and being able to sit here with our record is what it is right now, I feel proud of this group."
Los Angeles currently possesses the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoff picture.
Merch
Grab your NFC West Champions shirts, hats and more merchandise available now at www.RamsFanShop.com or The Equipment Room at SoFi Stadium.
Wild Card Tickets
With the NFC West Championship secured, the Rams will host a Wild Card round matchup at SoFi Stadium on January 11, 12 or 13. Possible opponents for this home playoff showdown include the Packers, Vikings, Lions and Commanders. Secure your tickets HERE to be in the Rams House for the playoff atmosphere!
Wild Card Suites
If you are looking for an elevated gameday experience, you can take in the playoff action in luxury by securing a suite rental. Deposits are now available for our Wild Card matchup so you can secure your first choice of suite type, location and price point before the general public.
