The Los Angeles Rams lost to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football in Week 16, and the loss cemented the Rams' status as playing from behind for the rest of the year.
To win the NFC West, the Rams no longer control their own destiny. In fact, between the Rams, Seahawks, and even the San Francisco 49ers, the Rams might have the worst odds to win the division.
But the division isn't the only concern, as wide receiver Davante Adams hasn't played recently, and a new report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is a bad update for the Rams redzone threat for the rest of the regular season.
Rams get bad news on Davante Adams on Christmas Eve
"The Rams very well could shut down Davante Adams (hamstring) for the final two regular-season games," Fowler reports.
If Adams cannot get fully healthy for the final regular-season games, there's little reason to rush him back and put their playoff hopes at risk.
Even if it means being forced to go on the road, the Week 16 loss already makes the Rams a more likely Wild Card team as opposed to an NFC West division winner.
Adams is doubtful for Week 17's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, and with a Week 18 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals to finish the year, the Rams might end up sitting Adams to get him ready for the playoffs.
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Fortunately for the Rams, while Adams would be a huge help, their final two matchups are ones that they could very easily win even without his help.
Both the Falcons and Cardinals have had plenty of struggles this season, and the Rams should be able to beat both teams, even if Adams were to be shut down for the regular season.
That factor could play into the Rams' decision with Adams. Instead of risking injury in a matchup that's winnable without him, it would be better for Adams to fully rest and get healthy for the playoffs.
Rams fans should expect Adams to miss Week 17, and very likely Week 18 as well. He should be good to go for the playoffs, but for the final two regular-season games, Adams is likely to rest.
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