Giants in spoiler mode against Rams

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J — A year after having one of the most disappointing seasons in NFL history, the Los Angeles Rams are on the verge of returning to the playoffs.

The key is the 2021 Super Bowl champions need to take a big step now or else things will get dicey.

The Rams (8-7) can clinch a playoff berth Sunday by beating the Giants

Sunday, 1 p.m. (FOX) (5-10) at MetLife Stadium, and getting a little help with either a loss by Seattle (8-7) at home against Pittsburgh (8-7) or a tie between Green Bay and Minnesota (8-7).

It has been an unexpected run. Los Angeles was 3-6 going into its bye week. It is 5-1 since, with the only setback being an overtime loss to the NFL-leading Ravens (12-3) in Baltimore.

It’s certainly not the same team that went 5-12 last season in becoming the 17th Super Bowl champion to miss the playoffs in the ensuing season.

“I love the way that these guys have come in and I like the consistency that I’ve seen throughout the course of the year,” coach Sean McVay said. “But I think we have really started to play better football, more quality football, more complementary.”

If the Rams slip, the playoffs might be in jeopardy. They close the regular season at San Francisco against the NFC West champion 49ers (11-4).

The Giants, who made the playoffs last season in Brian Daboll’s first year as coach, were eliminated from contention Monday in a 33-25 loss to the Eagles in Philadelphia.

Daboll said Rams quar

Chris Szagola/Associated Press New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley takes the hand off from quarterback Tyrod Taylor against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday in Philadelphia.