As far as statement wins go, it doesn’t get much bigger than the Rams’ 44-42 victory over the Bills on Sunday.
A week after a scoreless first half against the Saints, Sean McVay’s side responded with perhaps their best win of the season, piling on 24 points through the first two quarters before not only fending off, but responding to a late challenge from Josh Allen and the Bills offense.
In what will go down as one of the most thrilling games of the year, Matthew Stafford was nearly flawless throwing for 320 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while running back Kyren Williams gashed Buffalo’s usually stout run defense for 82 yards and a couple of scores himself.
McVay summed up the performance perfectly after the game, telling reporters “the players did the damn thing”. Obviously, a win over a Super Bowl favorite will do wonders for the Rams’ confidence in a crowded NFC West, but with only four weeks remaining on the regular season, the upset has also helped improve LA’s chances at making the playoffs to 33%.
With back-to-back road trips to face the 49ers and Jets ahead, a loss to the Bills on Sunday would have seen the Rams’ chances at playing in January drop dramatically to 16%. Now at 7-6, LA not only has a shot at making the playoffs, but also a 31% chance at winning the division, according to The Athletic.
There’s still plenty left to play out – particularly in weeks 17 and 18 with the Cardinals and Seahawks on the schedule. But with Stafford and Puka Nacua forming perhaps the deadliest quarterback-wide receiver combo in the league right now, the Rams can no longer be considered a dark horse moving forward.
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