Get to the game Thursday, be loud, and make it tough for the Aints when they are on O.

Doesn't get much bigger than this for a regular season home game.

And down the stretch they come!!!

The Rams now find themselves in a playoff spot with three games to go. With Tampa Bay (who host Jacksonville this week) holding the NFC South lead, the race for the 6th and 7th seeds in the NFC playoffs looks like this, along with each team's Week 16 matchup:

6. Vikings 7-7 (Detroit)
7. Rams 7-7 (New Orleans)
8. Seahawks 7-7 (@ Tennessee)
9. Saints 7-7 (@ L.A. Rams)
10. Falcons 6-8 (Indianapolis)
11. Packers 6-8 (@ Carolina)

There are no two ways about it... the Rams' game against the Saints is HUGE. A win gives us the tiebreaker over the Saints (and we already hold the tiebreaker over Seattle). It also ensures that the Packers, who have the tiebreaker over us, would remain a game behind.

Here's my projection: Rams win, Detroit beats the Vikings, Seahawks beat Tennessee, Falcons and Bucs lose, Packers win. That would make the standings look like this at week's end (with Bucs holding on to NFC South despite sub-500 record):

6. Rams 8-7
7. Seahawks 8-7
8. Vikings 7-8
9. Packers 7-8
10. Saints 7-8
11. Falcons 6-9

Let's keep this thing going!!!!

I see a lot of people posting they think the 49ners will be resting players because they will have wrapped up home field advantage.

Seeing how easy the Eagles remaining schedule is.

I doubt it - likely the 49ners will be playing for home field that game.

I mean I hope at that point we have 9 wins, and it doesn't mean that much to us.....

was just looking at their schedule and it is Charmin soft....I know we'll get a gameday thread going soon but I'm bored...

I'm in my Fantasy League Playoffs and I just have to advise all of you that play: Just don't sweat it.

Example: I went back and forth for days on who to start, Stafford or Jackson? Projected points were virtually the same, but factor such as my starting both Puka and Cooper made me stress about over committing to one game. Push them chips all in, Les?

Look at these results and tell me if it was worth it.

Stafford: Projected= 25.53, Actual=25.3
Jackson: Projected= 25.85, Actual=25.65

Don't waste your life, fellow Ram fans.

P.S. I wouldn't have to sweat tonight's game if Puka doesn't drop that last pass. I love you buddy (check my avatar), but you're KILLING ME.

From the home offices in Lake Mary, Florida, here are the top 10 2023 offseason moves that lead to the Rams being in playoff contention.

Number 10: Signing John Johnson III
Johnson’s playing time has increased, and he’s making plays. I also think his veteran presence is very important on a young defense with big games ahead of it to close out the season and, hopefully, get into the postseason tournament.

Number 9: Drafting Ethan Evans
Sure, he’s “just a punter.” But he’s a very good one (7th in yards/punt at 49.5) who, with a bit of seasoning (could sacrifice some distance for hang time) and better coverage, could be a real mainstay for the Rams.

Number 8: Signing Demarcus Robinson
His stats are not gaudy, but he has come on in recent weeks. While he isn’t the deep threat that Tutu Atwell is, his size and blocking ability make him a great fit in the Rams’ 11 personnel scheme along with Cooper Kupp and Tutu Atwell.

Number 7: Drafting Steve Avila
Avila is having a very good rookie year on an OL that has really turned things around after a disastrous 2022. He should only get better, and we are fortunate to have him for another 3 years on a rookie deal.

Number 6: Signing Ahkello Witherspoon
Though he’s no Jalen Ramsey, he has been a veteran presence that the CB corps really needed. He leads the Rams in interceptions (3), passes defended (13) and fumble recoveries (2). I find myself wishing we signed him to a second year team option, as he may have played to a level where he has priced himself out of our budget for 2024.

Number 5: Hiring Ryan Wendell
Better talent and health are certainly the primary reasons for the OL’s turnaround, but you also have to give a lot of credit to Wendell. His fresh perspective has lead to the Rams finding their “best 5,” even though doing so meant sending veterans like Joe Noteboom and Brian Allen to the bench. And, don’t forget, this is a guy who is only in his fifth year as a coach, and his first in charge of an OL.

Number 4: Drafting Kobie Turner
Turner was not a guy who was high on a lot of draft boards, but he has been a real find. 49 tackles, 5 sacks, 5 TFL and 2 PD so far, and he has Aaron Donald’s endorsement. That’s good enough for me!

Number 3: Drafting Byron Young
Another rookie who is producing in his first year (6 sacks – first among all rookies, 5 TFL, 2 forced fumbles, 55 tackles). Pass rushers usually hit their stride in years 2-3, so I’m excited to see how he develops. Its also nice to know that we obtained value from trading Jalen Ramsey (Young was selected with the pick acquired from the Dolphins).

Number 2: Trading for Kevin Dotson
Dotson is having a Pro Bowl caliber season, after knocking Joe Noteboom out of the starting lineup. He is going to be our top internal FA priority this offseason, in my opinion. Really makes up for the disappointment of Logan Bruss’ slow development/injuries.

Number 1: Drafting Puka Nacua
Was there any doubt? Puka has been a revelation, as he continues to break rookie receiving records. He is a unique talent, and a fantastic fit for the Rams’ offense. His presence has also made Matthew Stafford less reliant on Cooper Kupp. With both guys healthy, we have a great tandem for the stretch run. Plus, how can you not love Puka’s enthusiasm for the game? Its infectious.

Offense


Defense


ST

Monday Night Football - December 18, 2023

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Seattle Seahawks: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC

RamsOnDemand Sportsbook:

Wanted to take the pulse of the board given his two fumbles vs. Wash.

Official poll, where do you stand?

Before the season started, the "experts" at ESPN (Rob Clay was assigned the task) and Pro Football Focus ranked the Rams' roster 32nd and 31st in the NFL, respectively.

In response, I noted that they molest collies.

Well, all that collie molesting must have given them a big appetite for crow.

No matter how this season ends, the Rams' roster is far better than these "experts" believed.

Maybe.... just maybe... they're not really experts.

Hmmmm.......

1. That was a big, important win.

2. And, despite only winning by 8 points in the end, it was a domination. The Rams outgained Washington by 148 yards, had nearly a 12 minute advantage in time of possession, and never trailed.

3. That said, its was a sloppy performance with too many mistakes.

4. Two fumbles by Kyren Williams is concerning. Despite 152 rushing yards, its going to keep him from winning my weekly MVP award. I'm inclined to think his drops were an anomaly, and I'm glad they didn't change the outcome. Can't happen again.

5. Derion Kendrick also made way too many key errors in coverage, including allowing big completions and a PI in the end zone. Again, harmless in the end, but concerning.

6. And, clearly, we still have a placekicking problem. Looking on Sean McVay's face after Lucas Havrisik missed a 43 yard FG, I'm thinking we're going to see some activity at the position (has the Mason Crosby bridge been burned?).

7. On the positive side, Matthew Stafford was again extremely effective. He now has 13 TDs and 2 INTs since returning from his thumb injury.

8. Cooper Kupp gets my offensive MVP this week. 8 receptions on 8 targets, 111 yards, and 62 yard TD (not to mention a nice swat on onside kick coverage).

9. Love the contribution from Demarcus Robinson. 2 catches for 44 yards and a TD, and a 23 yard run. He really fits our scheme well.

10. You have to give the OL a lot of credit. 445 yards, including 196 on the ground, does not happen without good OL play.

11. Joe Noteboom, apart from giving up a sack in the 4th Quarter, held up pretty well. He'll never be the player we hoped he'd be when the Rams gave him a contract with the expectation that he'd take over the LT spot after Andrew Whitworth retired, but he's a valuable "6th man" on the OL right now (we'll need to talk about that contract at the end of the year, Joe).

12. My defensive MVP this week, once again, is Ernest Jones. 7 tackles, 2 TFL, a sack (and several pressures), and a pass defended. He's a difference maker.

13. So we're in a playoff spot, holding the No. 8 spot, a tiebreaker ahead of...

14. Our next opponent, the Saints!

15. After all those games (including this week) against teams coming off their bye, we now get a bit of a scheduling advantage as the home team on a short week.

16. So, does this performance leave me feeling encouraged, concerned, worried, hopeful...

17. Yes. All of the above.

18. At the end of the season, there will be time to look back with pride (and rising expectations for the future) after our team that, having been written off by many, stayed relevant into December (and beyond?).

19. Right now, though... screw that!!!! I want the playoffs, I want to make a run!!! I want it all!!!

20. This has become an enjoyable season. Imperfect, yes... but very enjoyable.

Can you say sloppy dub???



Hey that 8 play goaline sequence was entertaining at least!

Going to have to hit some clutch kicks the next 3 games.

With 2024 QB draft class here and it’s very apparent the Rams are clearly in the market/interest for a QB and the future of the team which was made apparent by the drafting of Stetson Bennett.

This draft could be on level of that 83’ draft class. Not even considering Maye/Williams since they’ll certainly go top 5, that means there will be a race for Daniel’s, McCarthy, Pennix, or Nix.

There will still be plenty of teams around our draft position wanting a QB as well like the Vikings, Bucs, Atlanta, Seattle, Whiners, maybe Green Bay.

I’m in the firm belief we are and also need to target a QB if trading up or taking one at our position is feasible.

Staffords play has started to deteriorate slowly, with more and more erratic play.

It’s time.

I’ve seen this in a few places. That’s hard to believe that he healed a ruptured Achilles that quickly.



One theory I recently read was that the Jets will win today against the Phins, with the help of the refs. Then the refs will help them win the rest of their games to make the playoffs and reach the Super Bowl with Rodgers leading them.

If a rusty QB playing with his new team that he lacks chemistry with after missing the first 14 games, leads his team to the Super Bowl, I may have to quit watching the NFL. I don’t like Rodgers as it is. That would be unbearable.

Sunday December 17, 2023

Washington Commodes vs. Los Angeles Rams: 4:05 p.m., CBS​

Game Day Thread

The GDT is a live thread tradition here at ROD.

While we all get fired up watching the game, please remember our core principles; we always show respect for our team and each other.

Despite the emotional highs and lows watching a game, we will moderate this thread with that in mind, however please refrain from name calling. This applies to players, the Rams organization, and others.

This is the core rule of the GDT. Moderators are tasked to issue thread bans, at a minimum, to maintain this standard.

This is our team. Win or lose. Good days and bad. We are here for FUN, not to be dragged down.

A more loosely moderated atmosphere can be found in the chat room.

Go Rams!

———

ROD Chat Room;

Game Day Room

.

Sunday Night Football - December 17, 2023

Baltimore Ravens vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock

RamsOnDemand Sportsbook:

NFL Week 15 - Sunday, December 17, 2023

THE LATE GAMES
Washington Commodes vs. Los Angeles Rams: 4:05 p.m., CBS
San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals: 4:05 p.m., CBS
Dallas Cowboys vs. Buffalo Bills: 4:25 p.m., Fox

THE EARLY GAMES
Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns: 1:00 p.m., Fox
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Green Bay Packers: 1:00 p.m., CBS
Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans: 1:00 p.m., CBS
New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins: 1:00 p.m., CBS
Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots: 1:00 p.m., Fox
New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints: 1:00 p.m., Fox
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers: 1:00 p.m., Fox

SNF
Baltimore Ravens vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock

Monday, December 18, 2023
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Seattle Seahawks: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC

———

ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday, December 14, 2023
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders: 8:15 p.m., Prime Video

Saturday, December 16, 2023
Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals: 1:00 p.m., NFL Network
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts: 4:30 p.m., NFL Network
Denver Broncos vs. Detroit Lions: 8:15 p.m., NFL Network

NFL Week 15 - Sunday, December 17, 2023

THE EARLY GAMES
Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns: 1:00 p.m., Fox
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Green Bay Packers: 1:00 p.m., CBS
Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans: 1:00 p.m., CBS
New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins: 1:00 p.m., CBS
Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots: 1:00 p.m., Fox
New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints: 1:00 p.m., Fox
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers: 1:00 p.m., Fox

THE LATE GAMES
Washington Commodes vs. Los Angeles Rams: 4:05 p.m., CBS
San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals: 4:05 p.m., CBS
Dallas Cowboys vs. Buffalo Bills: 4:25 p.m., Fox

SNF
Baltimore Ravens vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock

Monday, December 18, 2023
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Seattle Seahawks: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC

———

ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday, December 14, 2023
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders: 8:15 p.m., Prime Video

Saturday, December 16, 2023
Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals: 1:00 p.m., NFL Network
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts: 4:30 p.m., NFL Network
Denver Broncos vs. Detroit Lions: 8:15 p.m., NFL Network

Sometimes, NFL coaches and players just want to get their frustrations off their chests. They all know that the one thing you can't get away with is publicly ripping officials, but once in a while, the fine is worth it to vent.

Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes were critical of an instantly infamous offsides penalty on Kadarius Toney that wiped away a spectacular touchdown that would've give the Kansas City Chiefs a late lead on the Buffalo Bills. Then the bills came due, as expected.

The fines were for different violations, but both came back to public displays of blasting officials over the Toney call. Reid was fined $100,000 for criticizing the officials to the media after the game, and Mahomes was fined $50,000 for "abusive, threatening or insulting language to officials" and public criticism of officials

Mahomes was yelling at the officials while coming off the field after a turnover on downs late in the game, and he continued his tirade from the sideline. He also complained about the call after the game, even when he met Bills quarterback Josh Allen at midfield. He continued to question the call in his postgame media conference. Mahomes later apologized, particularly for how he handled the situation with Allen.

Reid said the officials should've given the Chiefs a warning before flagging Toney and said the officiating situation was "a bit embarrassing" for the league. All of it seemed a little funny when replays showed that Toney was clearly offsides, and Reid admitted Monday that Toney never checked with the official to see if he was lined up right.


Both Reid and Mahomes had to know they would be fined. The NFL certainly wasn't going to let either of them get away with blasting the officials, especially after they made the right call.

It sounds like McVay wanted Nacua a lot sooner in the draft than when Les took him in the 5th round. Then Rams got first round talent in an absolute steal in the 5th round. The moral of the story is talent is talent and can be found in all rounds.

Add in Avila, Young, and Turner with others showing legit promise and this was a huge draft.

Texans vs Titans

Oh boy.
The Titans got approval this year to wear their old Houston Oilers uniform again. This might not mean much for you younger folks since you don't remember the Dan Pastorini/Earl Campbell Oilers in the 70's and how beloved they were in Houston. I lived there in the late 70's and remember the fanaticism about the "Earlers" and Bum Phillips. It looks like the Titans organization is ripping open the wound again by playing the new team from Houston wearing their "Luve Ya Blue" colors again. The Oilers owner guaranteed that no other team in Houston could use the Oilers uniform again after it relocated to Tennessee. It didn't matter much back then because people were so pissed, but now Warren Moon and other old Oilers are excited to see the Titans resurrecting their old colors, even though it's gonna destroy their old fans in Houston.

As one sports announcer said, it's a good thing the game is in Nashville instead of Houston, or cutlery might be involved.