Every 2017 NFL Playoff Team's Biggest Weakness

Los Angeles Rams: Rushing Defense

Normally, high-powered offenses are able to neutralize opposing rushing offenses by putting the other team in a deep enough hole where they're forced to abandon the ground game. The Rams had that type of offense this year. It still couldn't mask their deficiencies on defense, though.

The Rams finished the year ranked 29th against the rush, according to numberFire's metrics. As a result, even though they were blowing some opponents out, they still managed to allow at least 165 yards on the ground in five separate games. One of those was a 229-yard day by a Washington offense that never rekindled that ground glory the rest of the way.

This likely is not a mistake. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips coached elite defenses with the Denver Broncos who also struggled to stop the rush, but it didn't matter much because of how good they were against the pass. Whether it's scheme or something else, this is a trend within Phillips' defenses, and it's likely something he's fully willing to accept.

While that's okay when you're torching the souls of your opponents, it can lead to trouble in tighter games. The Rams could potentially face the Vikings in the second round in Minnesota, and the Vikings pounded out 171 yards on the ground against the Rams when they faced off in Week 11. If the Rams fall behind, their opponents can continue to exploit this weakness, making any comeback attempts more difficult. It's something to monitor even this weekend if the Falcons are able to snag a lead and let Devonta Freeman do his thang.