The short answer is a resounding yes. If you’ve been living under a rock or just haven't checked the standings in a few weeks, the Los Angeles Rams didn't just clinch a spot; they’ve already started their postseason journey.
Honestly, the "have the rams clinched a playoff spot" question was settled back in mid-December. They officially punched their ticket in Week 15 after taking down the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium. It wasn't the easiest path, especially with how the NFC West shook out this year, but Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay managed to navigate a brutal late-season stretch to ensure they weren't watching the tournament from their couches.
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The Wild Road to the 2026 Postseason
As of today, January 17, 2026, we aren't even talking about "clinching" anymore. We are talking about the Divisional Round. The Rams finished the regular season with a 12-5 record. That’s impressive in any year, but in a division where the Seattle Seahawks (14-3) and San Francisco 49ers (12-5) were also juggernauts, it felt like a weekly fistfight.
Last weekend, the Rams headed into the Wild Card round as the No. 5 seed. They traveled to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers, who had somehow scraped together an 8-9 record to win a messy NFC South.
It was a nail-biter.
Stafford looked like a surgeon, connecting with Puka Nacua for two touchdowns early on. But the Panthers wouldn't go away. Bryce Young scrambled for a score that had Rams fans sweating. Ultimately, a late field goal by Harrison Mevis secured a 34-31 victory. That win didn't just prove they belonged; it set up the massive showdown they have this Sunday.
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Where the Rams Stand Today
Since they won their Wild Card game, the Rams are now preparing for a trip to the "Windy City." They face the No. 2 seed Chicago Bears at Soldier Field tomorrow, January 18. This is where things get real.
The NFC Playoff Picture (Divisional Round)
- No. 6 San Francisco 49ers at No. 1 Seattle Seahawks: This game is happening tonight. It's a rubber match after they split the regular season.
- No. 5 Los Angeles Rams at No. 2 Chicago Bears: This is the Sunday nightcap (6:30 PM ET on NBC).
- The Stakes: The winner of these two games will meet in the NFC Championship on January 25.
You’ve gotta feel for the Rams' equipment managers. Going from the temperate weather of LA and the relatively mild Charlotte to the "bone-numbing chill" of Chicago is a brutal transition. Soldier Field in mid-January is basically a refrigerator with grass.
Why the No. 5 Seed Was Actually a Blessing
There was a lot of talk late in the season about the Rams "sliding" out of the NFC West lead. They lost back-to-back games in Week 16 and 17, which felt like a collapse at the time.
But look at how it worked out.
By landing the No. 5 seed instead of the No. 6, they avoided a trip to Philadelphia to face the Eagles in the Wild Card round. The Eagles have been the Rams' kryptonite lately, winning their last three matchups. Instead, the 49ers had to go to Philly (and they won!), while the Rams got the "easier" path through Carolina. Sometimes, losing the division title actually opens up a cleaner road to the Super Bowl.
What Most People Miss About This Rams Team
People keep waiting for Stafford to show his age. He’s 37 now, and he’s taken enough hits over his career to fill a highlight reel of "how is he still standing?" Yet, the connection with Nacua and Cooper Kupp is as lethal as ever.
Kyren Williams has also been a massive factor. If the Rams can run the ball effectively against a stout Bears defense tomorrow, they have a legitimate chance to reach the NFC Championship.
The defense is the bigger question mark. They gave up 31 points to a Panthers offense that wasn't exactly a powerhouse. Going up against Caleb Williams in Chicago is going to require a lot more discipline from the secondary. Cobie Durant’s interception last week was a game-saver, and they’ll need more of that "ball-hawk" energy to survive the Divisional Round.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the Rams' progress or looking to place a friendly wager on the upcoming games, here’s what you should keep an eye on:
- Watch the Weather: Check the forecast for Soldier Field. If the wind is whipping over 15 mph, expect a heavy dose of Kyren Williams and fewer deep shots to Kupp.
- Injury Reports: Sean McVay mentioned he’s playing "healthy starters." Keep an eye on the late-week practice reports for the offensive line, which has been banged up since the Falcons game in Week 17.
- TV Schedule: Tomorrow's game against the Bears is on NBC at 6:30 PM ET. Make sure your Peacock subscription is active if you're streaming.
The journey didn't end when the Rams clinched a playoff spot—it just got a lot colder. Whether they can handle the Chicago winter and the Bears' opportunistic defense remains to be seen, but for now, they are one of only eight teams still alive in the hunt for Super Bowl LX.