What are best scenarios for Rams in Week 18?

There will be a lot on the line for the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18. It’s very possible that the Rams are playing for the fifth seed in the NFC and also have a chance at a top-10 pick depending on the Atlanta Falcons result. Here’s how each scenario for the Rams could play out this weekend.

1. How can the Rams get a top-10 pick?

• ATL (-3.5 vs. NO) Loss + CIN (-7.5 vs. CLE) Win + KC (-5.5 @ LVR) Win + MIA (+10.5 @ NE) Win = LAR get No. 9 pick

With a Falcons loss on Sunday against a Saints team that has won four straight games, the Rams could draft as high as ninth overall. Additionally, they can draft no lower than 12th overall with a Falcons loss. In the case that the Falcons do win, the Rams could draft as low as 14th.

Ideally, the Falcons lose and the Rams have a chance at a top-10 pick. Due to strength of schedule, the Rams would need each of the Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, and Miami Dolphins to win their games to get the ninth overall pick. A loss by any of those teams would simply move the Rams down one spot. Despite the Chiefs being without Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs should still beat the Raiders and the Bengals are favored against the Browns. However, the Falcons losing is more of a toss-up while the Patriots will be playing their starters as they push for the AFC’s No. 1 seed. If Vegas is right, the Rams will be picking 13th.

However, in the case that the Rams get the No. 9 pick, below is what that draft board could look like:

• No. 1 Overall: LVR select QB Fernando Mendoza
• No. 2 Overall: NYG select LB Arvell Reese
• No. 3 Overall: NYJ select QB Dante Moore
• No. 4 Overall: TEN select LB Rueben Bain
• No. 5 Overall: ARI select OT Spencer Fano
• No. 6 Overall: CLE select WR Carnell Tate
• No. 7 Overall: WAS select EDGE Keldric Faulk
• No. 8 Overall: NO select EDGE David Bailey
• No. 9 Overall: MIA select OT Francis Mauigoa

That would leave the Rams with their pick of wide receivers Jordyn Tyson or Makai Lemon. They could also take a safe pick with Caleb Downs at safety. A cornerback such as Mansoor Delane or Jermod McCoy could also be an option, as well as trading back and acquiring more picks. If the Rams can get the Titans or Giants to pick ahead of the Jets at No. 2 overall, it also opens up the possibility for the Rams to move up and take quarterback Dante Moore. A move from nine to two is much easier than 12 to two.

2. Get the No. 5 Seed

• LAR Win (-7.5 vs. ARI) + SEA Win (-1.5 @ SF) = LAR get No. 5 seed
  • SEA Win +...