Are the Rams out of the 2023 playoff race if they lose against the Saints?

The upcoming game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints is a crucial match for both teams as they aim to secure a win that will boost their chances of making it to the playoffs. The Rams have been performing admirably lately, finally starting to look like the Super Bowl champ from two years ago, and with only one loss against the Baltimore Ravens in overtime recently. The return of Kon Williams to the starting lineup has played a pivotal role in the team’s success.

In their previous game against the Washington Commanders, the Rams were led by an impressive performance by Matthew Stafford. Stafford completed 25 of 33 passes for 258 yards, with no interceptions and two touchdowns. Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua also played a significant role in the passing game, with Kupp having an exceptional game with 111 receiving yards and a touchdown, and Nacua emerging as a reliable option with five catches for 50 yards.

The upcoming Thursday night game for the Rams is slightly more pressing as a loss won’t necessarily end their chances, but they will only qualify as a wild card since San Francisco secured the NFC West last week. As of Tuesday, Next Gen Stats gave the Rams a 52% chance of making the playoffs heading into the game. A win would increase their chances to 73%, but a loss would reduce their chances to 15%.

As the Rams prepare to face the Saints, they must focus on their offensive line, which allowed three sacks in their previous game. The Rams must protect Stafford, whose ability to connect with key targets depends on having a well-protected pocket. Although the Saints’ defense is strong, they have shown vulnerabilities against slot wide receivers. The Rams could capitalize on this weakness by targeting Kupp, Stafford’s primary target this season, and Nacua, who has always been the most reliable option in the passing game.