Are the Los Angeles Rams frauds or contenders?

Can the Rams make the playoffs with this roster?

The Los Angeles Rams were expected to run through the Dolphins this afternoon in Tua Tagovailoa’s first NFL start, but Los Angeles’ inability to get out of their own way has cost them dearly and helped spread the idea that this team is not a true contender.

The Rams are currently getting bulldozed by the Dolphins, as Jared Goff turned the ball over four times, one of which was a fumble returned for a touchdown in the first half.

Jared Goff is playing his worst game of the year for the Rams, but are the Rams still contenders?

Miami is just one of a few reasons to doubt the Rams this year. Sean McVay swept the lackluster NFC East, giving his squad 80 percent of their victories on the year. Their one win outside of that division came against Nick Foles and the Chicago Bears last week. That might be enough to do them in when considering the deep NFC West, but L.A. will still be hanging around come December given how quality the roster is from top to bottom.

Goff is very inconsistent, but we’ve seen that when he gets in a groove, he can hook up on deep passes frequently and lead the Rams to victories. With defensive coordinator Brandon Staley leading an improved, aggressive defense led by two of the best in the game in Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, scoring against LA’s defense will continue to be a problem.

Goff will have one or two of these stinkers every year, and the Rams’ lack of success against their fellow contending teams is concerning, but it’s hard to believe the Rams will play like this in every game that someone punches them in the mouth. If McVay can regroup and help them burn the game film from this nightmare in Miami, look for them to compete for the postseason.