The Los Angeles Rams have been as middle of the road during the 2023 season as any team in the NFL. They currently rank 16th in points scored and points allowed on the season. They have a 5-6 record, with an expected win-loss record of 5.4-5.6.
There have been a few moments during the season that they would like to have back that could have added a win or two to their ledger. On the flip side, there has been a player or two they benefitted from which could have easily gone the other way and led to a loss.
Despite that, the Rams are right in the thick of the NFC playoff race. They are in a position, not many people expected them to be given some of the moves that were made during the offseason.
What will it take for Los Angeles to shock the football world and make the playoffs? Running back Kyren Williams continuing to play at a high level certainly would help. The breakout star returned to the lineup in Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals and picked up right where he left off.
NFL News & Rumors: Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams Updates
Williams handled 16 carries, gaining 143 yards along with six receptions for 61 yards and two touchdowns. It was a record-setting performance for Williams, who also dominated the Cardinals in his last appearance before being placed on IR.
Now that he is healthy and back leading the backfield, there are some people who believe Williams can play at a high enough level to help the team make a run at the postseason. One of those people is Sarah Barshop of ESPN, who believes the Rams are legitimate playoff contenders with their star running back in the mix.
“It sure looked like Williams’ return from injured reserve jump-started this Rams offense, which averaged 14.25 points in his absence. Although it was against a Cardinals team allowing 132.1 rushing yards per game, Williams showed how much the Rams missed him with 16 carries for 143 yards and six catches for 61 yards with two touchdowns. At 5-6, the Rams are just one game out of the final NFC playoff spot and look like a team that could make a push, especially with the return of their starting running back,” Barshop wrote.
The Rams have some difficult games upcoming on their schedule. Hosting the Cleveland Browns in Week 13 before going on the road to face the Baltimore Ravens is daunting as both teams possess elite defenses.
NFL News & Rumors: Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams Updates
But, the Rams now have a multi-dimensional offense that can get the job done on the ground or through the air. It is no longer only Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp carrying the unit, as Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell have both emerged as reliable pass catchers. In the backfield, Williams and Royce Freeman have combined to be a solid one-two punch.
The playoffs are certainly within reach because the Rams are a different team with Williams in the lineup. In the seven games Williams has played, the team has gone 4-3. Their losses are by seven to the San Francisco 49ers, by three on the road to the Cincinnati Bengals and by nine against the Philadelphia Eagles.
There is no shame in losing to arguably the two best teams in the NFC and NFL overall and a Bengals team that entered the season with back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances. As long as Williams is in the lineup, the Rams will be able to compete against teams like that as they will be able to control the clock and tempo of the game with a strong running game.
To make the playoffs, the Rams will likely have to go 4-2 the rest of the way. That is certainly easier said than done, as they have some difficult matchups that lie ahead. But, if Williams remains healthy and continues producing at the clip he has, they will have a puncher’s chance.
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