St. Louis ? This time last year, the St. Louis Rams were zeroing in on the first overall draft pick. The Kansas City Chiefs were just a little bit better.

Now, look at ’em.

Intrastate rivals who combined for five victories in 2009 have turned the standings upside down, leading their respective divisions heading into a rare meaningful December game at noon today. Thriving under second-year coaches, they’re both in playoff-drive mode.

“The NFL, they say it changes quickly, and I think this year’s a pretty good example,” Rams defensive end Chris Long said. “It makes it fun and interesting, and that’s why I think it’s the best sport in the world and the best league in the world.

“You never really know what happens, and nothing is given to any team.”

Crowds have picked up this year for the Rams, so players aren’t worried about crowd noise from across Interstate 70 bothering them.

“I think our fan base will be there loud and proud,” running back Steven Jackson said. “I think everyone in the town, everyone in the state knows what’s at stake.”

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo routinely refrains from using the “P” word, refusing to sneak a peek into the future lest a rapidly improving roster stumble in the present. Yet Wednesday afternoon, the overhead projector in the team meeting room proclaimed on a giant screen “NFC West Champions.”

Probably just an attempt at positive thinking for a long-suffering franchise that’s matched its victory total from the previous three seasons.

Chiefs coach Todd Haley noted the similarities between the franchises, meeting for only the fifth time since the Rams moved to the Midwest in 1995. The franchises have met 11 times in the preseason since the Rams relocation, however, competing for the Governor’s Cup.

“Things have been a little broke for a while,” Haley said. “You’re seeing progress from both teams, which is a good thing, and it should be a good game.”

Both teams lost big-time last week, but so what? They still hold the cards.

The Chiefs (8-5) have a half-game lead in the AFC West over San Diego.

One week ago against San Diego, when Brodie Croyle replaced Matt Cassel at quarterback, the Chiefs were 0-for-11 on third downs, passed for only 19 yards, punted eight times and had the ball for only 19:50 in a 31-0 loss.

Cassel is listed as questionable after having an emergency appendectomy 11 days ago.