WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams are about to navigate one of the most demanding stretches of their schedule. Over the next ten days, they’ll face two opponents fighting for postseason berths: the Detroit Lions on Sunday and, shortly after, a cross-country trip for a key NFC West matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
McVay Discusses the Challenge Ahead
On Monday, head coach Sean McVay was asked whether the team’s preparation changes with two games packed into a five-day window. This isn’t unfamiliar territory — earlier this season, the Rams dealt with a similar turnaround. After losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, they responded with a gritty win over the Indianapolis Colts, only to fall to the San Francisco 49ers in overtime just days later.
Despite the scheduling crunch, McVay emphasized that his attention is firmly on Detroit.
“Not really,” McVay said when asked if this week feels different. He explained that late in the season, teams naturally adjust based on performance data, player workload, and overall physical strain. That may lead to a slightly altered practice schedule between Wednesday and Friday.
He added that the shortened week does factor into planning, but it doesn’t change where their priorities lie. “Our only focus is having a great week of preparation for the Lions,” McVay said.
The Most Challenging Stretch — but a Familiar One
This upcoming run may be tough, but recent history suggests the Rams know how to handle it. In each of the last two seasons, they’ve either clinched a playoff berth or secured a crucial short-week win that set them up for a postseason push.
This year, Los Angeles even has a chance to lock up the division against Seattle — provided the Seahawks lose this week and the Rams take care of business.
Following the Seattle matchup, things ease temporarily. The Rams will get extra rest thanks to a mini-bye before meeting the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night the following week.
The team then finishes the regular season at home, in a game that could allow them to rest starters. If Los Angeles wins its next two games, the Rams could enjoy more than 20 days of recovery time heading into the playoffs — an enviable advantage as the postseason approaches.
