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The numbers make sense. But what doesn't add up this season for the Rams is their inconsistency. At times, Matthew Stafford and the offense are unstoppable, with the 13th-year quarterback using his arm to create explosive plays across the field. But he also was susceptible to multiple turnovers in three consecutive losses. The defense has been able to get stops when needed, but it also allowed the 49ers and Packers to stay on the field too long. And special teams? Well, they've been a problem all season, and the low ranking reflects it. -- Lindsey Thiry

So much for the talk that Sean McVay's team was "too soft" to hold its own with the NFL elite. It got a little scary at the end, but the Rams were the better group in a 30-23 win over the Cardinals, a game that could swing not just the NFC West but the balance of power in the conference as the playoffs inch closer. Los Angeles' performance was especially impressive given the stunning news shortly before kickoff that Jalen Ramsey would miss the game after landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The Rams persevered because their other stars showed up: Matthew Stafford, Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. all made key contributions in the win. As a result, Los Angeles once again looks the part of a legit Super Bowl contender.

That was a huge road victory Monday night with all the injuries and COVID players who were out. Credit Matt Stafford for getting it done.

They've taken a lot of flak lately for a perceived lack of toughness, but soft teams don't overcome the loss of four starters to COVID-19 protocols, including All-Pro CB Jalen Ramsey. It appears this crew is coming together just in time.

Worst-case scenario: Matthew Stafford finishes his first season in Los Angeles still awaiting his first playoff win. We saw the best version of the Rams on Monday night against Arizona: Stafford was flawless, Odell Beckham Jr. looked like a major threat and L.A. won despite the sudden loss of one of its best players (cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who was ruled out because of COVID-19 protocols). But Beckham was among six Rams added to the reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday, when the Rams shut down their practice facility and entered NFL intensive protocols. They have a Seahawks team desperate to win up next, followed by the Vikings, Ravens and 49ers. The worst-case scenario isn't so hard to imagine: It's everything that happened to the Rams during their three-game losing streak last month.