NFL Power Rankings: Cardinals rise, Broncos fall in Week 15

Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) stiff arms Detroit Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (92) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Lions 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

18. ST. LOUIS RAMS (5-8)

Last week: 19
Change: +1

When Todd Gurley has a big day, the St. Louis Rams win. It took him a while to get going, so it’s no surprise the Rams didn’t put their first offensive points on the board until late in the third quarter. Gurley finished the game with 16 carries for 140 yards and two touchdowns.

St. Louis did a nice job containing the Detroit rushing attack. Although the Lions put up 111 yards in total, the Lions were pass-happy in this game. Matthew Stafford threw 46 times for 245 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception. That interception, however, gave the Rams seven free points, the only points scored by either team in the first half.

It’s clear what the issue is for the Rams moving forward. When Gurley performs like this, they have a shot of winning the game. When he doesn’t, they have nothing. The Rams need a reliable, consistent option at quarterback and a bolstered pass-catching unit. They don’t need to be a pass-first offense, just an offense that can throw the football.

If St. Louis can fix this issue by next season, they can finally make a consistent run at the playoffs.

Next: No. 17