RAMS---CHARGERS

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2019 NFL Playoffs Bracket Projection: Chargers top Saints for Philip Rivers' first Super Bowl win

Projecting out the 2019 NFL playoff bracket ahead of the 2019 NFL postseason

By:Will Brinson @WillBrinson

The postseason field is set and the NFL postseason schedule is largely locked in. Now it's time to make some picks. There's no better way than to get really out there and project the full 2019 NFL playoff bracket, which is what I'll do in between every single round. For now that involves looking at the actual wild-card matchups and ripping through those, then continuing on with all the matchups. It's a projection, not a prediction, but you won't care when you yell at me on Twitter @WillBrinson

Wild card round

(6) Colts at (3) Texans

(-2.5) - Sat., Jan. 5, 4:35 p.m. ET (ESPN)

(5) Seahawks at (4) Cowboys

(-2.5) - Sat., Jan. 5, 8:15 p.m. ET (NBC)

(5) Chargers at (4) Ravens

(-2.5) - Sun., Jan. 6, 1:05 p.m. ET (CBS)

(6) Eagles at (3) Bears

(-6) - Sun., Jan.6, 4:40 p.m. ET (FOX)

Divisional round

(6) Colts at (1) Chiefs

(-6.5) - Sat., Jan. 12, 4:35 p.m. ET (NBC)

(3) Bears at (2) Rams

(-3.5) - Sat., Jan. 12, 8:15 p.m. ET (FOX)

(5) Chargers at (2) Patriots

(-6) - Sun., Jan. 13, 1:05 p.m. ET (CBS)

(5) Seahawks at (1) Saints

(-7.5) - Sun., Jan. 13, 4:40 p.m. ET (FOX)

Championship round

(5) Chargers at Chiefs

(-5) - Sat., Jan. 13, 4:35 p.m. ET (NBC)

(3) Bears at (1) Saints

(-4.5) - Sat., Jan. 13, 4:35 p.m. ET (NBC)

Super Bowl LIII

Chargers vs. Saints

(-4.5) - Feb. 3, 2019, (CBS)

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES -- Even after everything the Los Angeles Rams have accomplished this season, they still knew they probably needed to beat rival San Francisco in the finale for a first-round playoff bye.

Although their high-powered offense did its part as usual, a four-takeaway effort by the defense was even more exciting while the Rams secured a well-deserved week off.

Brandin Cooks and Josh Reynolds caught two touchdown passes apiece from Jared Goff, and the Rams wrapped up a six-game sweep of their NFC West opponents with a 48-32 victory over the 49ers on Sunday.

Cory Littleton returned one of his two interceptions for a TD as the Rams (13-3) completed their winningest regular season since 2001 by making sure they get a few days off before they attempt to earn their first playoff victory since the 2004 season.

"We'll enjoy all of that tonight, and understand how big of an accomplishment that is," said Goff, who passed for 199 yards. "You feel great (at) 13-3. We're coming off two great wins, and we get to finish the season 6-0 (against the division). Only team in the league that did that."

The Rams needed the win over the Niners or a loss by Chicago to clinch the No. 2 seed in the NFC postseason. Los Angeles didn't count on the Bears, who ended up beating Minnesota. The Rams played nearly every starter except Todd Gurley and jumping to a 14-0 lead in the first five minutes before stretching it to 28-3 midway through the second quarter.

C.J. Anderson rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown in his second 100-yard game in place of Gurley, who sat out again to rest his knees.

The Rams hadn't swept San Francisco since 2004, but coach Sean McVay dropped 87 points on his friend Kyle Shanahan's club in two meetings this season.