The Rams have done just enough on offense to win the last three weeks.
They struggled through that stretch without No. 1 wideout Danny Amendola, who missed the last two games with a heel injury and played just seven snaps the week before that.
But in Monday’s news conference, coach Jeff Fisher sounded optimistic Amendola (51 catches, 576 yards, 2 TDs) would play Sunday against the Vikings. Amendola practiced on a limited basis last week and worked on the field before the game in Buffalo, but was held out.
"We felt that it would make sense if we waited another week," Fisher said. "I think he's got a much better chance next week."
Fisher added, however that Amendola needs to be “close to 100 percent” to be effective.
In Amendola’s absence, rookie WR Chris Givens and fourth-year WR Brandon Gibson have come through. Gibson caught six balls for 100 yards and the game-winning touchdown Sunday. It was his first career 100-yard game.
In other injury news, safety Craig Dahl suffered a concussion in the 15-12 win and will go through testing this week before being cleared. Left tackle Rodger Saffold’s back acted up during the game, but he was able to return and finish.
Fisher avoids playoff talk: The Rams (6-6-1) are vying with five other teams for the final two NFC wildcard spots. PlayoffStatus.com gives St. Louis a 9 percent chance of making it.
In all likelihood, the Rams must win out, starting Sunday vs. the 7-6 Vikings, to have a chance.
Fisher, predictably, didn’t want to talk about the postseason.
He said there’s no one in charge of knowing playoff scenarios and the entire focus is on Minnesota. Fisher said he’d take a different approach if the Rams were in better position and, say, fighting for homefield advantage. In that case, he might use it as a motivational tool.
Get more Rams updates and analysis from Larry Hartstein on Twitter @CBSRams.
