Just some spit-balling here. This is what my gut tells me about how things shake out.
WK SAINTS RESULT RECORD RAMS RESULT RECORD
9 vs LA w 7-1 @ NO l 8-1
10 @ CIN w 8-1 vs SEA W 9-1
11 vs PHI w 9-1 vs KC l 9-2
12 vs ATL W 10-1 -- -- 9-2
13 @ DAL W 11-1 @ DET W 10-2
14 @ TB W 12-1 @ CHI w 11-2
15 @ CAR l 12-2 vs PHI w 12-2
16 vs PIT l 12-3 @ ARZ W 13-2
17 vs CAR w 13-3 vs SF W 14-2
My guiding principles in these conclusions:
- Assume the home team wins, but reconsider if the away team is a clear cut above or they're both top-tier teams
- Have some healthy skepticism about the Rams... try to envision a less-than-perfect scenario so there's more upside for us.
Capital W's/L's indicate games I highly doubt will go the other way. Lower-case w's/l's are questionable.
- Obviously, Rams could beat the Saints in New Orleans. That would be the best possible flip here.
- Cincinnati at home could, conceivably, pull off an upset against the Saints. I just don't trust 'em.
- Philadelphia is also an outside chance to beat either team. It's obviously way better if they beat the Saints.
- Might the Panthers win both against New Orleans?
- Saints at home could beat Pittsburgh... but I think Big Ben has the moxie to get it done. Pittsburgh should have lots to fight for at that point.
- There's an outside chance Detroit could hand the Rams a loss, but we've overcome adversity against far better teams.
- Chicago and Khalil Mack could give the Rams a loss in Chicago. That game also scares me a bit. Soldier Field in December!
Getting home field is going to go down to the wire unless we beat the Saints this week or they somehow take an unexpected skid.
