The Los Angeles Rams are currently a disappointing 6-6, but they still have a chance to win the NFC West and get back into the playoffs. This is largely due to the division’s overall incompetence.
The defending conference champion San Francisco 49ers are 5-7 due to injuries, and the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks have struggled to get off the ground, clearing the way for the Rams to finish in first place.
Los Angeles has had injury issues this season, and rookie pass rusher Jared Verse was added to the injury report Thursday with an ankle ailment, according to people around the NFL.
Rams first-rounder Jared Verse was added to the injury report and was limited in practice. https://t.co/nNCj7S5QEC pic.twitter.com/WFcTcprr2X
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 5, 2024
Verse was limited in practice on Thursday and is who they need to be to have a real chance of defeating the Buffalo Bills this Sunday.
The Bills are on a seven-game winning streak and are starting to look like a challenger to the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, with quarterback Josh Allen looking like the favorite to win the MVP award.
Verse, the No. 19 pick out of Florida State in this year’s draft, has 4.5 sacks and leads the Rams with 17 quarterback hits and 11 tackles for loss this season.
After winning everything in the 2021 season and missing the playoffs the following year, they are competitive again thanks to a very astute draft, especially on defense.
They may not make the playoffs this year, but their immediate future looks pretty bright, at least as long as 36-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford is healthy and productive.
next: The Rams claim the former first-round pick off waivers.
