5 NFL teams that must win in Week 6

4. Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams looked like the NFC’s best team a few weeks ago, but they have fallen on hard times since beating the Cleveland Browns on Sunday Night Football in Week 3. After getting run off the field by Tampa Bay in Week 4, the Rams had the misfortune of a short-week trip to Seattle to take on the Seahawks.

The Rams put up a much better effort in that game, but their defense was torched by Russell Wilson, who threw four touchdowns against them in the contest. Despite their struggles containing the Seattle passing attack, the Rams had a chance to win the game, but Greg Zeurlein missed the winning field goal in the final minute.

That loss was costly as the Rams are now in third place in the NFC West, trailing both the Seahawks and the undefeated San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers are the Rams’ next opponent, bringing their 4-0 record to the Los Angeles Coliseum on Sunday.

San Francisco absolutely embarrassed the Browns on Monday night, routing them 31-3 as the 49ers’ defense turned over Baker Mayfield three times. While the 49ers have been one of the NFL’s best surprises, the schedule they have played has been soft, dealing with only the Buccaneers and three consecutive AFC North squads.

The Rams need to win this game in order to avoid falling 2.5 games behind the 49ers, which would be a massive hole to overcome in the division. With this game at home, the Rams simply cannot afford to drop their third consecutive game.