THE RAMS? YOU MEAN THAT TEAM IN ST. LOUIS?

The football Rams may claim St. Louis as their home, but the excitement over the team's playoff chances has consumed sports fans across the state.

The Rams, who had the dubious honor of being the team with the worst record in the 1990s, are just one game away from the Super Bowl. It's hard not to come down with a case of Rams fever. This week, it may be more contagious than influenza.

Perhaps it is the Rams' Cinderella story that has made the team so appealing. They came out of the blue, tallying up such impressive totals that Missouri and the nation learned the names of these unlikely heroes led by the unassuming Kurt Warner, who had never been a starting NFL quarterback before this year.

An injury to the newly acquired quarterback Trent Green in the preseason all but dashed the hopes of many Rams fans. But Warner turned out to be the Rams' secret weapon. Who would have dreamed that he would pass for 42 touchdowns -- second highest in NFL history. And talk about receivers. They're everywhere. The explosive and unpredictable offense, directed by the skillful Mike Martz, keeps opposing teams off balance. Even the special teams have pulled off some amazing plays. For Coach Dick Vermeil, winning is indeed sweet.

Some have called the Rams cocky and arrogant. Perhaps that is related to the team's youth. Hey, it takes a measure of confidence to play with the big boys.

Rams merchandise has been flying off the shelves in Cape Girardeau and across the state. A number of lucky local fans have season tickets, which includes a pass to Sunday's game with the Bucs. Others from the area will travel to the TWA Dome to simply hang out for the tailgating. Local parties will be plentiful on Sunday, including a Rams blowout at the Bavarian Hall in Fruitland sponsored by the Southeast Missouri Hospital Association. It will benefit the association's diabetes education and outreach programs. Tickets are still available.

Fans are hoping the magic can continue Sunday against the Bucs and then onto the Georgia Dome in Atlanta the following Sunday. But regardless of the outcome, the Rams are already winners in the eyes of Missourians and the growing numbers of admiring football fans and sportswriters across the country.

Rams fever has gone nationwide, perhaps even global. That's something for which St. Louis and the entire state can be proud.