Most expected the Los Angeles Rams to need Week 18 to clinch the division but due to a series of bizarre tiebreakers, the Seattle Seahawks won’t get the chance to rip the hearts out of the Rams. While Rams fans, Sean McVay, Les Snead, Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Jared Verse among others win big by pulling off their first division championship since they went to the Super Bowl in 2021, they are not the biggest winners.
All of the above have the door open to attempt to use the division win to leverage more money with the Rams. They also have the accomplishment to lean back on if things don’t work out with the Rams later down the line. With the division locked up, many of the starters can rest their bodies to get ready to wreak havoc in the playoffs in just over a week.
The Rams biggest winners in Week 18
However, this affords a potential breakout opportunity for the backups. After sitting quietly waiting for their opportunity, Sean McVay essentially yelled “jailbreak,” letting the roster use names they haven’t all season long.
This affords opportunities to players like Jimmy Garoppolo who have been looking to prove they still have some unseen potential. The NFL is currently in the grips of Sam Darnold fever, who received a similar opportunity against the Rams last season as a member of the San Francisco 49ers. Carson Wentz, who quarterbacked for the Rams in that game, found a way to the Super Bowl-favorite Kansas City Chiefs and now is in line to start against the Broncos once again in Week 18.
History indicates that Garoppolo might be able to turn some heads going into the off-season.
Additionally, Tutu Atwell, who may or may not receive playing time in Week 18, would most likely be in line for the number-one receiver role if Nacua and Kupp sit for the game. This could be his opportunity to prove his ability to lead a receiving game to set the stage for his next contract negotiation as well as make a case for free agency if it comes down to it. Atwell is in the potential final weeks of his deal, per Spotrac, so every snap could be a difference-maker in his career.
Outside of players fans are already familiar with, the game also adds an opportunity to see some players who have practiced well and improved since the preseason but have not had a chance to show off their newly learned tricks. In some cases, Week 18 can be the most surprising week remaining in the 2024 NFL season. Which players will make a case for 2024?