Usually it's a reference to the top 3 starting pitchers being able to get 8+ innings every game throughout the playoffs.
But in Football,you look for the following:
1) A running game that can put the opposing defense on their heels
2) A defense that can take the home crowd out of the game (when having to play on the road)
3) A QB that minimizes mistakes
4) A "difference-making" Special Teams Unit.
5) A coach that can successfully manage crunch-time game situations.
The Rams have #1 and #2. If Goff had more experience, you could argue the Rams have #3....but we just don't know that yet. They had #4 until GZ got hurt. They now have solid special teams....but with Ficken nobody could argue the Rams currently have a "difference-maker" special teams unit. We also don't know if McVay can ensure the Rams have #5. He is a fantastic game planning coach. With time....he can make adjustments. However, in situations where you don't have the time to process....and need to make quick decisions, he has shown that more experience would still be helpful (and he has owned up to that).
In the NFC, I think only the Vikings and Saints can lay claim to #1, #2, and #3 and #5 factors. Neither can claim #4. In the AFC, I honestly don't think there is a team build for the playoffs. The Steelers have #1 and #3. They lost #2 after Shazier got hurt. The Pats have #3 and #5. Ravens are hot....but I only see them having #3 and #5.
Playoff games are INDEED very different. It will be interesting to see how the Rams handle it
