How the St. Louis Rams Can Get to the NFL Playoffs

The Rams' 0-2 start is disappointing for St. Louis fans.  Monday night’s loss to the Giants was especially frustrating due to numerous dropped passes and the clear lack of a “go-to” receiver.  That frustration combined with a quick glance at the Rams’ upcoming schedule offers little hope.  However, by grouping the schedule and setting reasonable goals, the Rams could get to 7 or 8 wins.  That number should be enough to win the mediocre NFC West division.

Division Games (6 total games: 3 home, 3 away)

The NFC West consists of the Rams, 49ers, Seahawks and Cardinals.  The Rams need to win at least four of these six divisional games in order to keep pace.  By winning against all three in St. Louis, and finding a way to beat one of them on the road, the Rams can hang around in the race for the playoffs.

GOAL: 4 wins

NFC Non-Divisional Games (4 total games: 2 home, 2 away)

The Rams' non-divisional games consist of home games against the Redskins and Saints with road contests at the Packers and Cowboys.  Realistically, the Rams need to find a way to win one of these games, probably at home against the Redskins or Saints.  More than one win would be a bonus.

GOAL: 1 win

AFC Games (4 total games: 2 home, 2 away)

The Rams drew the AFC North this year.  In all respects, it’s not a bad draw.  The Rams should be favored in their game at the Browns and in their home game against the Bengals. 

GOAL: 2 wins

That’s seven wins with reasonable goals.  Seven wins won the NFC West last year.  If the Rams could win one more game somewhere else on the schedule, that should be enough to win the division. 

All may not be lost in St. Louis in 2011. The return of Steven Jackson at running back, and eventual return of receivers Danny Amendola and Mark Clayton should help bolster the offensive attack and increase wins on their schedule.