The playoffs are set and the race to Super Bowl LVIII officially kicks off this weekend.

For some teams, the path to the Super Bowl will be far easier after a successful regular season. And for others, they may have not even expected to be here and are just happy to have a shot.

But for the Los Angeles Rams, they're a unique case of being a bit of both. They had low expectations coming into the year, but an encouraging regular season reminded many how good a Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford-led team can truly be.

Now the question is this: Can the Rams make another run to the Super Bowl? Let's take a look at Los Angeles' case to win Super Bowl LVIII.

Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl Odds

All NFL odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. Lines may change after this article is published.

• +5000 odds to win Super Bowl LVIII (tied 10th-best)
• Super Bowl win probability, per numberFire: 0.6% (10th-best)

Los Angeles Rams Conference Championship Odds

• +2300 odds (5th-best)

Los Angeles Rams Statistical Recap and Analysis

Data and stats via numberFire's schedule-adjusted metrics.

• Offensive Rankings
  • Rushing: 7th
  • Passing: 7th
  • Overall: 8th
• Defensive Rankings
  • Rushing: 23rd
  • Passing: 18th
  • Overall: 21st

Why The Rams Could Win It All

Experience goes a long way. That's what the leaders of the Rams have on their side, and it could be what pushes them through the playoffs.

They have Cooper Kupp and Stafford on offense and Aaron Donald on defense. All three of these players were key reasons that the Rams won Super Bowl LVI just two seasons ago. In the playoffs, these are the types of players you need to step up, and that's what the Rams have going for them. The main problem is that they're still very young elsewhere, but their offense could push them through the playoffs if they're hitting all the right marks.

The Rams had the eighth-best offense in numberFire's metrics, and it featured a balanced attack passing-wise (eighth) and rushing-wise (seventh).

In terms of receiving options, maybe no team in the playoffs has a better wide receiver duo than Kupp and rookie record-setter Puka Nacua. Kupp has recorded a touchdown in four of his last five games while Nacua set all sorts of records this season as a rookie -- including receptions and yards in a single season. Nacua has recorded seven games with 100-plus yards, and two have come in the last three weeks. If Kupp and Nacua can take over against opposing defenses, the Rams have a shot.

They'll also need Kyren Williams to keep things going. Williams had six 100-plus-yard rushing performances and 15 touchdowns over 12 games. He's arguably the second-best running back in the playoffs behind Christian McCaffrey.

The leadership and offense are what can drive this team to back the NFC Championship for the second time in three seasons, as well as the Super Bowl.

Why The Rams Might Fall Short

What will hold back the Rams from making a run to another Super Bowl title very well could be their defense, which was often scrutinized heading into the 2023 season.

They made the decision to move on from Jalen Ramsey in the offseason and were left with a defense that had the Rams expected to finish as one of the worst teams in the NFL. And while the defense certainly played better than expected, it's still one that ranks in the bottom half and should have a tough time stopping some of the great offenses that are competing in this year's playoffs.

According to numberFire's schedule-adjusted metrics, the Rams had the 21st-ranked defense in the regular season. That's the fifth-worst among the 14 playoff teams. The Rams allowed 337.9 yards and 22.2 points per game, both ranking in the middle of the NFL.

With tough offenses like the Detroit Lions (who they play on Wild Card Weekend), San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys in the NFC, it sure feels as though the Rams will need their defense to surprise to make a run.

More often than not, unexpected things need to happen for any of these Wild Card teams to go deep into the postseason. The Rams are one of those cases. The good news for them is that this is something they've already done all season.

Final Verdict

It's not going to be easy for the Rams, and that's why they're set at such a long shot.

It's likely the No. 6 seed has played their final game at SoFi Stadium, meaning that they will have to go on the road and make it happen for potentially their entire run to get to the Super Bowl. Two seasons ago, when they were viewed as a better team and won it all, they had to win only one game on the road while getting to play the Super Bowl at home.

In contrast, their first playoff matchup carries as tough of a scenario as there can be. Stafford will return to Detroit for the first time since being traded, taking on his former team and the quarterback that he was acquired for. Oh, and this will be the Lions' first home playoff game in 30 years, making for a crazy environment at Ford Field.

Going on the road and winning three games hasn't been done many times in history. The most recent team was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who won three games before playing the Super Bowl at home. The 2010 Green Bay Packers were the last team to win all four games on the road to win the Super Bowl -- not helping the odds for the Rams in these playoffs. A road that very well could include the Lions, 49ers, and another team surely isn't one to be excited about.

At +5000 odds and a tough road ahead, the Rams are going to need their leadership and offense to push them to the improbable. It's unlikely they'll be lifting Lombardi's Trophy for the second time in three years.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.