The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for another promising season, aiming to reclaim their spot at the pinnacle of the NFL. After their Super Bowl LVI appearance in 2021, the Rams have been on a relentless quest to return to the biggest stage, coming tantalizingly close in recent years.
They clinched the NFC West title in 2024, only to be halted in the Divisional Round. In 2025, they took second in the division but advanced to the NFC Championship Game, where they were narrowly defeated by their divisional rivals, the Seattle Seahawks.
Last season, the Rams were undoubtedly among the NFL's elite, and they’re determined to maintain that status. The big question is whether they can reclaim the NFC West crown and make another Super Bowl run. Let's dive into the potential highs and lows for the Rams in the upcoming 2026 season.
Ceiling: 15-2
The Rams have assembled a formidable squad poised for a significant run. With the addition of Myles Garrett, arguably the top pass rusher in the league, their defense is set to wreak havoc.
Complementing him are star cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, forming a secondary that can shut down the best of offenses. On the offensive side, Matthew Stafford returns, bringing his veteran leadership to an already potent attack.
With most key offensive players back in the fold, the Rams could very well dominate the league if all pieces fall into place.
Floor: 10-7
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge Stafford’s age as he continues to defy the odds by playing quarterback in his 40s. Should injuries sideline him, the Rams will face a test of depth.
The spotlight would then shift to rookie Ty Simpson, whose readiness to lead the team remains uncertain. While the roster is brimming with talent capable of securing victories, losing Stafford could lead to a dip in performance.
Nonetheless, even in a worst-case scenario, the Rams have the potential to remain competitive and secure a playoff spot.
The Rams are entering this season with high expectations and a roster built to contend. Whether they reach their ceiling or hit their floor will largely depend on health, depth, and a bit of luck. One thing’s for sure: the Rams are a team to watch in 2026.
In Other News...
Rams QB Debate Just Took A Dramatic Turn Around Stafford
Matthew Staffords new extension has settled at least one of the Rams biggest questions heading into the season, locking in the veteran quarterback as the starter for now. It also keeps the conversation centered where Sean McVay wants it, on Staffords play level and how long he can maintain it, rather than on a looming reset at the position. For a team that has spent plenty of time thinking about life after its Super Bowl quarterback, that clarity matters.
Ty Simpsons arrival gives Los Angeles a developmental arm to work with, and he could begin buried on the depth chart while the Rams sort out what his long-term path looks like. The bigger issue is still Stafford himself, because his contract only answers part of the question and leaves plenty of intrigue about how the next phase of the quarterback room will take shape. [Read more 🡒]
Rams May Finally Have What Chris Shula Has Been Missing
With Jalen Ramsey gone, the Rams have spent the offseason trying to firm up the back end of the defense, and the additions of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson give Chris Shula a different kind of secondary to work with. Those corners are meant to help stabilize pass coverage, which in turn should let the rest of the defense play with a little more confidence and aggression.
The bigger question is how that change translates into the kind of game-changing plays the Rams want more of. Shulas defense already created a respectable number of turnovers over the past two seasons, and there is a real sense that a stronger roster could push that total higher this year. Kam Kinchens is also part of the equation, with his ball skills and downhill style potentially becoming a bigger weapon if the pieces around him hold up. [Read more 🡒]
Sean McVay Faces One Of His Biggest Rams Tests Yet
The Rams head into the new season with the kind of offseason buzz that can easily blur into expectation, and Sean McVays biggest job may be keeping everyone from getting ahead of themselves. Los Angeles has been praised for its roster and its direction, but praise in July does not mean much once the games start, and the coachs steadying presence will matter as much as any play design or personnel move.
McVays leadership is especially important with rookies and newcomers trying to settle in, because the Rams need more than talent to turn optimism into something real. The challenge is a familiar one for a team with playoff ambitions: stay grounded, embrace the work and avoid letting the external noise become the internal standard before the season has even had a chance to prove anything. [Read more 🡒]