Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams squandered their shot at the NFC West division title after a 27-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. While they have qualified for the playoffs despite this Week 17 loss on Monday Night Football, the Rams cannot improve their seeding anymore.
Although their regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals has no bearing, McVay has made his decision regarding his starters next week.
Sean McVay Is Business As Usual in Week 18
As ESPN NFL senior reporter Jeremy Fowler shared during the Rams’ post-game press conference, Sean McVay revealed that their starters will play against the Cardinals.
“This is a humbling league, and we got humbled tonight,” McVay said after the Rams dropped to 11-5.
The one-time Super Bowl-winning head coach cited playing better football as the reason behind his decision.
Sean McVay: “This is a humbling league, and we got humbled tonight.”
Says he won’t rest starters. “We need to play,” citing need for better football. pic.twitter.com/hB7rAEYIFE
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 30, 2025
The Rams had their chances of getting their 12th victory, especially after Jared Verse’s field goal block turned into a touchdown.
However, Falcons kicker Zane Gonzalez atoned for that blunder by converting a 50-yard game-winning attempt with 21 seconds left in regulation. The Rams had one final drive to either play for overtime or steal the win, but they couldn’t convert on four pass plays, two to Puka Nacua.
While the game was close, the stats reveal that the Rams have much to clean up before the postseason. They allowed Bijan Robinson to finish with 22 carries for 195 yards and a touchdown and 229 yards from scrimmage. Robinson’s impressive stat line includes a franchise record 93-yard run.
Conversely, the Rams’ offensive line allowed three sacks, while their Falcons counterparts finished with a clean sheet. Worst yet, quarterback Matthew Stafford threw three interceptions, including a pick-six by safety Jessie Bates III.
Rams’ Wild Card Round Opponents Remain Uncertain
The Rams cannot improve their seeding from sixth after the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Chicago Bears in Week 17. Luckily, the seventh-seed Green Bay Packers cannot catch them anymore, even if they win in Week 18.
Therefore, the only detail Sean McVay and the Rams are waiting for is their host for the Wild Card Round. Los Angeles’ NFC team could visit either the Bears or the Philadelphia Eagles, both of whom have 11-5 records heading into their regular season finales. The Rams lost a Week 3 road game to the Eagles, 33-26. Meanwhile, they haven’t played the Bears this season.
Though it would make more sense for the Rams to rest their starters to avoid injuries, Sean McVay thought otherwise. Instead, they will use Week 18 to build momentum for the playoffs. After all, correcting their errors could be beneficial because they might need to win three postseason road games to reach Super Bowl 60.
