2024 NFL Playoff Picture: Rams Clinch NFC West Title with Rare Tiebreaker Victory Over Seahawks
The Los Angeles Rams clinched the 2024 NFC West title in an unexpected way, securing the division via the rare Strength of Victory (SOV) tiebreaker, despite not playing in Week 17. This clinching move, which has only been used a few times in NFL history, left the Seattle Seahawks without a chance to reclaim the top spot, even with a win in Week 18. The Rams now head to the postseason for the sixth time under coach Sean McVay.
The NFL playoff race always intensifies toward the end of the season, and the NFC West saw some particularly wild developments this past weekend. On Sunday, the Los Angeles Rams clinched the division title, despite not playing a game themselves. Their victory was secured thanks to a win by the Washington Commanders.
Though the Rams are scheduled to face the Seahawks in Week 18, that game is now rendered meaningless after Los Angeles clinched the rare Strength of Victory (SOV) tiebreaker, the fifth tiebreaker used when two teams are tied at the top of their division.
In essence, even if the Seahawks defeat the Rams in Week 18, Los Angeles will still win the division due to the SOV tiebreaker. After defeating the Cardinals on Saturday, the Rams had to wait through a full slate of Sunday games before securing the division.
For the Rams to clinch the NFC West title before Week 18, they needed at least four wins from six teams in Week 17: the Bengals, Bills, Vikings, Browns, Commanders, and 49ers.
The Rams caught an early break on Saturday when the Bengals beat the Broncos in overtime. Then, on Sunday, the Bills triumphed over the Jets, and the Vikings defeated the Packers. Los Angeles officially clinched the division after the Commanders pulled off a dramatic overtime win against the Falcons on Sunday night.
This marks the Rams' sixth playoff appearance in Sean McVay’s eight seasons and their fourth division title under his leadership. On two of the previous three occasions, the Rams advanced to the Super Bowl.
By clinching the title early, the Rams now have the option to rest key players in Week 18 if they choose.
As for the Seahawks, they’re likely frustrated by the SOV tiebreaker. It’s a rarely used rule that has only been invoked four times since 2010, with two of those instances involving the Seahawks. Last season, they tied the Packers at 9-8 for the final NFC wild-card spot, only to miss out on the playoffs due to the SOV tiebreaker. Losing the tiebreaker two years in a row, especially for a rarely used rule, is certainly an unfortunate turn of events for Seattle.
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