EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams are currently sitting comfortably in a playoff wildcard spot with a 7-4 record. And with the expanded number of teams allowed into the postseason this year — seven instead of six — the odds are in their favor.

But what does history tell us?

The Rams and their fans know history has a way of repeating itself. For one generation, the team has left and returned to Southern California, somehow played Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in Super Bowls 17 years apart, and wore throwback uniforms that have come, gone, come, and gone again.

Predicting with the Past is the first article in a series using history to predict how the Los Angeles Rams will finish the 2020 season. We asked Spectrum News 1 reporters Kristen Lago and Timothy Parker to help preview the Rams’ final five games through a historical lens.

With five games remaining against four different opponents, we look to history to tell us what may happen and if it is indeed on their side.

• First meeting of the season.
• The Rams are 43-38-2 all-time vs. the Cardinals and 21-17-2 on the road.
• L.A. has won 6 straight games vs. Arizona and 8 of the last 10 vs. their division rival.
• During their winning streak, the Rams have averaged 32.5 points per game compared to just 9.3 for the Cardinals.
• Since they have returned to L.A. in 2016, the Rams are undefeated in the desert (5-0).
• With a win Sunday, it would be the Rams’ seventh straight vs. the Cardinals — the longest winning streak they’ve had in the series. They previously won six straight from 1979-1987.
• However, since becoming division rivals in 2002, the Rams have a losing record vs. the Cardinals overall (14-17).
• The Cardinals dominated the series from 2006-2010, winning eight straight and 11 out of 12.
• The two teams met on December 6 once before in 2015. The Rams were torched by Carson Palmer (26-40, 356 YDS, 2 TD) and lost 27-3.
• On 12 occasions, one team has had at least a three-game winning streak; seven of these belong to the Rams.

This series is made for a winning streak, and the Rams are in the middle of a long one, not just overall but also on the road. Recent history tells us this game will be a blowout, as the average margin of victory in the last 10 games has been by nearly 21 points. Until the team with the more proven track record and stability on both sides of the ball gets knocked off, all signs point to the Rams winning streak continuing.

Spectrum News 1 reporters Kristen Lago and Timothy Parker break down their keys to victory for the Rams.

Kristen Lago: Get Jared Goff into a rhythm early

After a terrible outing in Week 12 where Goff threw two interceptions and no touchdowns, he’ll need to get the ball rolling early against Arizona. If he can take control of the huddle and spread the ball around, the Rams defense should be able to control Kyler Murray just enough to pull out a close win.

Timothy Parker: Containing Kyler Murray

We all know how dominant the Rams defensive line is. But the young QB is very slippery, and if he gets away, he could cause havoc either with his feet or his arm, especially with a weapon like DeAndre Hopkins at his disposal.

Kristen Lago: With the NFC West on the line, L.A. will bounce back, putting an end to the Cards’ quest for a divisional title. Rams win 20-17.

Timothy Parker: Arizona will be desperate to stay alive in the NFC West race and the playoff race at large. Cardinals win 27-23.

History tells us that this game will not be close. The average margin of victory since 2017 has been by more than 25 points.

Will the Rams continue their streak, or will the Cardinals start one of their own?

Only time will tell.

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