With seven postseason appearances in the past nine seasons, the Rams have been one of football's most consistent teams since Sean McVay was named head coach ahead of the 2017 season.
In 2025, Los Angeles rekindled its impressive displays, flirting with the NFC West crown and No. 1 seed before suffering back-to-back losses in Weeks 16 and 17.
Finishing the season at 12-5, the Rams remain a fearsome foe for playoff-bound teams. There arguably hasn't been a better signal-caller in the league than Matthew Stafford, an MVP candidate who has posted numbers rivaling those of his younger years in Detroit. With the 37-year-old under center and Puka Nacua and Davante Adams at receiver, there's plenty of reason to fear what Los Angeles has cooked up during the playoffs.
So, just what does Los Angeles' playoff path look like? Here's what you need to know about the Rams' playoff picture after Week 18.
LIVE: Updated NFL playoff picture for Week 18
NFL playoff bracket 2026
NFL playoffs bracket 2026
Rams playoff picture
The Rams followed their Week 17 loss to the Falcons with a decisive win over the Arizona Cardinals.
With their win coming after the San Francisco 49ers' loss, the Rams will now take over as the No. 5 seed in the NFC.
This means Los Angeles will get the more favorable first-round matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Whereas the Niners now have to travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles.
Seed Team Record
1 Seattle Seahawks* 14-3
2 Chicago Bears* 11-6
3 Philadelphia Eagles* 11-6
4 Carolina Panthers 8-9
5 Los Angeles Rams* 12-5
6 San Francisco 49ers* 12-5
7 Green Bay Packers* 9-7-1
8 Minnesota Vikings - eliminated 9-8
9 Detroit Lions - eliminated 9-8
10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers - eliminated 8-9
11 Atlanta Falcons - eliminated 8-9
12 Dallas Cowboys - eliminated 7-9-1
13 New Orleans Saints - eliminated 6-11
14 Washington Commanders - eliminated 5-12
15 New York Giants - eliminated 4-13
16 Arizona Cardinals - eliminated 3-14
*=clinched playoff spot
NFC West standings
Los Angeles had no way of winning the NFC West. However, they did manage to finish second by beating the Cardinals in Week 18, and the 49ers' loss to the Seahawks.
Now, the Rams will face Carolina in the wild-card round. Likely, teams would rather take on two of the worst-performing teams over Philadelphia, who will meet the NFC West's third-place finisher, the 49ers.
Rank Team Record
1 Seattle Seahawks 14-3
2 Los Angeles Rams 12-5
3 San Francisco 49ers 12-5
4 Arizona Cardinals - eliminated 3-13
Rams clinching scenarios
With their Week 18 win over the Cardinals and the Niners' loss, the Rams locked in the No. 5 seed in the NFC.