The Los Angeles Rams’ showdown with the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18 might have been a dramatic battle for the NFC West crown.
However destiny had different plans, and the Seahawks as an alternative discover themselves lacking the postseason for a second straight season, a drought they haven’t skilled in 15 years.
The Rams, having already clinched the division, can now take a extra cautious strategy, selecting to relaxation their key gamers in opposition to their rivals.
“Together with Matthew Stafford, the Rams will relaxation Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, Alaric Jackson and Kevin Dotson in opposition to Seattle. Sean McVay already dominated out Rob Havenstein (shoulder) earlier within the week,” Sarah Barshop of ESPN wrote on X.
Together with Matthew Stafford, the Rams will relaxation Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, Alaric Jackson and Kevin Dotson in opposition to Seattle. Sean McVay already dominated out Rob Havenstein (shoulder) earlier within the week.
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) January 3, 2025
The Rams are merely taking part in for seeding, understanding they’ll host their first postseason sport regardless.
The choice to take a seat starters isn’t with out its critics, particularly given the Rams’ historical past with this technique.
Final season, they struggled in opposition to the Detroit Lions in a first-round playoff loss, failing to transform any of their three red-zone alternatives.
The 2017 season tells an identical story. After resting starters in Week 17, they misplaced to the Atlanta Falcons within the wild-card spherical.
Nonetheless, there’s logic behind McVay’s determination. An harm to Stafford or Nacua in a non-consequential sport might derail their probabilities at a playoff run.
Furthermore, having performed straight via since a Week 6 bye, the Rams’ starters have earned a break earlier than the postseason grind begins.
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