Week 18 power rankings: Where do Rams sit after 2 consecutive losses?

Week 17 went horribly for the Los Angeles Rams.

Not only were they eliminated from potentially repeating as NFC West champions before their penultimate game of the regular season, but L.A. lost to the Atlanta Falcons in a devastating fashion despite overcoming a 21-point halftime deficit.

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Everything looked out of sorts for the Rams in the game: Matthew Stafford threw an uncharacteristic three interceptions (including a pick-six), the defense allowed 27 points and the run defense gave up a season-worst 219 yards on the ground.

This has created quite a split in power rankings among NFL experts. Some still see the Rams as one of the top teams in the NFL, while others have pushed them down the rankings into the second-half of the top-10.

Regardless of ranking — they're in the playoffs. They'll either be the No. 5 or the No. 6 seed, although that matchup won't be set until after next week.

Here's a roundup of the top NFL power rankings ahead of Week 18.

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USA Today Sports: No. 1

Say what? They're still atop these rankings after successive losses that have relegated them to wild-card status? In a word: Yep. Matthew Stafford remains this season's best quarterback. Puka Nacua remains this season's best wideout. The defense is one of the NFC's best when fully stocked. LA will be getting WR Davante Adams, DB Quentin Lake and some starting offensive linemen back for the playoffs. The Rams' beleaguered special teams even made a big play in Monday night's loss at Atlanta − a game that suddenly didn't mean all that much after the weekend's developments. Yep, we'll continue riding with a talented team that can beat anybody and, more importantly, do it anywhere.

ESPN: No. 5

Despite playing his worst game of the season on Monday night, Stafford has played at an MVP level overall this season. Last week, coach Sean McVay said "when you talk to the real football people," Stafford is "seen as a guy that's one of the best to ever do it." But this season may be the one that has proven to everyone else he should be in the Hall of Fame. Stafford has thrown for 4,448 yards with 42 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His 42 touchdowns lead the league, nine more than Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who is second on that list.

The Athletic: No. 6

Sean McVay sealed his legacy before this season even began, and he’s threatening to take it to a new level with a team that looks like a serious Super Bowl contender despite a narrow loss in Atlanta on Monday. Matthew Stafford was intercepted three times, so hopefully for L.A. that’s out of his system now.

CBS Sports: No. 6

What in the hell was that in Atlanta? They just don't look right with one game left. The offensive line needs to get guys back.

Yahoo Sports: No. 4

Apparently, chasing the NFC's No. 5 seed didn’t provide a lot of motivation for the Rams as they lost to the Falcons. Matthew Stafford likely lost his shot at his first NFL MVP award with three costly interceptions, which is a bummer for such a great player. The Rams are still good. But everything since the Seahawks started their comeback in Week 16 is alarming.

FOX Sports: No. 7

Their inexcusable Monday night loss in Atlanta exposed a flaw in the Rams’ defense. They’ve now given up 390 rushing yards and five rushing TDs in the past two games.

Bleacher Report: No. 7

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Week 18 power rankings: Where do Rams sit after 2 consecutive losses?