Let’s take a quick detour from the Rams’ Week 13 stumble against the Panthers and zoom out for a moment - because while that loss certainly stings, another game across the country may end up having an even bigger impact on the Rams’ future.
Here’s what happened: The 3-9 New York Jets pulled off a dramatic win over the 4-9 Atlanta Falcons, thanks to a 56-yard field goal as time expired. On the surface, that might seem like a random AFC result with no bearing on the NFC playoff race. But for the Rams, it’s the kind of outcome that could quietly shape the next chapter of the franchise.
That’s because the Rams hold the Falcons’ first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft - and with every Atlanta loss, that pick climbs higher up the board. As of now, it’s sitting comfortably in the Top 10. That’s gold for a team like Los Angeles, which already has a strong core and a front office that knows how to strike when opportunity knocks.
General manager Les Snead has made a name for himself by being aggressive and creative in the draft, especially when he has early capital to work with. In one recent mock draft scenario, the Rams walked away with a quarterback, a cornerback, and two offensive linemen in the first two days. That’s the kind of haul that can reshape a roster - or at least fortify it for another playoff run.
And here’s where things get even more interesting: The Rams are one of just a few teams currently projected to have multiple first-round picks in 2026, joining the Jets and Browns in that category. But unlike those other teams, the Rams are the only one in that group still firmly in the playoff hunt. That’s a rare combination - contending now, while also holding premium draft real estate for the future.
So naturally, the question starts to bubble up: Is this the year the Rams start seriously looking for Matthew Stafford’s successor?
Stafford is playing some of his best football this season. He’s healthy, locked in, and still capable of making throws that only a handful of quarterbacks in the league can deliver.
But he’s also 37 years old, and while he's rewriting parts of the NFL record book, the long-term picture has to be part of the conversation. It’s not about replacing Stafford now - it’s about preparing for what comes next.
The challenge? This upcoming quarterback class isn’t getting rave reviews from draft analysts.
There’s talent, sure, but not the kind of can't-miss prospects that get GMs sprinting to the podium. That puts Snead in a bit of a tricky spot.
Do you take a swing on a quarterback who might not be a slam dunk? Or do you keep building around Stafford and wait for a better opportunity down the line?
That decision will be shaped by how the board falls, of course. The Rams are armed with 10 total picks in the 2026 draft, and while quarterback is the headline-grabber, there are other areas where this team could use reinforcements - wide receiver, offensive line, secondary. Snead has never been one to draft for need over value, and if the right guy isn’t there, he’s not shy about trading back and stacking more assets.
So as the Falcons continue to slide, Rams fans have every reason to keep one eye on the standings and the other on the draft board. That pick could become the key to unlocking the team’s next era - whether it’s a new franchise quarterback, a blue-chip playmaker, or a war chest of future picks.
For now, the Rams are still very much in the playoff mix. But thanks to some savvy maneuvering and a bit of help from the Jets, the future’s looking just as intriguing as the present.