The Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers have qualified for the NFL Playoffs in the same season for the first time since 2018. The Rams(10-6) have locked up the NFC West while the Chargers(10-6) have clinched a wild card spot. These teams are taking opposite approaches though to their Week 18 contest. The Rams will be resting many of their starters which could lead to them falling to the No. 4 seed while the Los Angeles Chargers are expected to play their starters with a playoff spot locked up.
These teams are led by two of the NFL’s best head coaches in Sean McVay and Jim Harbaugh. They have helped their respective teams weather a rocky season at times into a playoff berth. How will the Rams and Chargers fare during the NFL Playoffs?
Los Angeles Rams Season Summary
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The Rams have had an average offense this season. They are 17th in yards per game and 20th in points per game. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has played much better over the last two months. His improved play has led to better results on the field for the Los Angeles Rams. He has 17 touchdown passes over his last 11 games and LA has gone 9-2.
LA’s defense has also rounded into form over the home stretch of the regular season. They are 26th in yards allowed and 15th in points allowed. They have been much better as of late surrendering 14 points or fewer in four of their last five games. Their defense is playing their best at the right time.
Chargers Season Summary
The Los Angeles Chargers have had a middling offense this season, but they are coming off their best performance of the season last week. They scored 40 points on Saturday against the New England Patriots and 34 the previous week against the Denver Broncos. LA’s offense is 23rd in total yards and 12th in points scored. Quarterback Justin Herbert, while not putting up spectacular numbers, has played the position at an exceptional level this season. He has only thrown 3 interceptions and has managed the Chargers offense well this year.
The Chargers also have arguably the league’s best defense. They are 12th in yards allowed and lead the league in points allowed. The recipe of Herbert protecting the football, and their defense being one of the league’s best, gives Los Angeles the fourth-best turnover differential in the NFL.
Final Thoughts
Both the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers are rounding into form at precisely the right time. No opponent wants to see either of these teams on the other side of the field in the postseason. With two of the NFL’s best coaches, and their current form, a deep playoff run is not out of the question for either of these LA-based squads.
