A quick look at the playoff picture:

A quick look at the playoff picture:
By Rams Nation's Brad Werths

There has been a lot of discussion about the Ram's chances of making the playoffs. To set the stage, I'll remind you that the first four tiebreakers are: record in head-to head competition, record within the division, win percentage against common opponents and record within the conference. With that information in mind, and a little time to organize my thoughts, let's take a quick peek.

NFC North:
The Packers can clinch a tie this weekend and the division title next weekend assuming Detroit and Minnesota stick with their program of total frustration.

NFC East:
Cunningham's injury has seriously crippled the Eagles postseason hopes. Depending on how Detmer is able to fill in, they may fall from the playoff picture altogether. Half of their remaining games are against contenders. The Giants have three contenders on their to-do list as well, so the division title may come down to their head-to-head meeting on the last weekend of the season. That should be a good one with the winner going to the playoffs and the loser going home.

NFC South:
Here is the real battleground. The Saints, Bucs and Falcons are ahead of all the wildcard contenders in the other divisions. One will win this division, and the other two will probably claim the wildcard slots. Tampa Bay is in the lead, but they have the toughest schedule of the three. Their season could come down to the final week, which will take them to Chicago and the lovely weather of northern Illinois in winter. We may see another edition of the "lower than 40 degrees at kickoff" saga. Of all the playoff hopefuls, Atlanta has the easiest schedule, with New Orleans close behind.

NFC West:
The Rams are trying to make a game of it, but they will need some help. The Niners seem to be doing just enough to win but last week their conservative, and sometimes sloppy play, came back to bite them. To have any chance, the Rams must win all their remaining games. The wildcard spots are looking less likely given the fact that there are three teams ahead of the Rams and only two spots available. One more loss by the Niners, and the Rams can tie them for the division by winning their season ending match up, but the Niners hold the tiebreakers for winning percentage against common opponents and for conference wins. Green Bay seems the most likely candidate to help the Rams here, BUT (and this is a BIG one) should Seattle or Arizona manage a win against the Niners, a Rams win in the finale would give the men in Blue and Gold the tiebreaker for division record and the NFC West title. Say a prayer, cross your fingers, burn the sage. Whatever it takes, root for the Seahawks and Cards. They are in the best position to help the Rams.