NFL
Season Outlook
The Rams are pushing all their chips to the center of the table. After going 12-5 and reaching the NFC Championship, Los Angeles made the biggest move of the offseason, trading for Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. He joins reigning MVP Matthew Stafford, star receiver Puka Nacua, and Sean McVay on a team that came within one win of last season's Super Bowl.
What's Changed
Garrett cost L.A. a package built around Jared Verse and three picks, and the Rams also landed All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie from Kansas City. Then in late August, three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald ended his retirement to rejoin the team. On offense, L.A. used its first-round pick on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, while offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur left to become the Cardinals' head coach – elevating Nate Scheelhaase in his place.
Bigger Role & Sophomore Breakout
Blake Corum is a backup in name only — he handled 39 percent of the Rams' carries last season and took over the red zone work after Week 10, so any Kyren Williams injury barely dents this offense. The sophomore to watch is tight end Terrance Ferguson, who had limited chances behind veteran targets as a rookie but produced when McVay called his number. Expect more of both in 2026, whether he's blocking or stretching the field as a receiver.
Key Question
What will Aaron Donald's role actually be? Expecting starter-level snaps from someone two and a half years removed from retirement is a big ask, no matter how he's trained on his own. But if the future Hall of Famer can still hold up on passing downs, pairing him with Garrett gives L.A. a pass rush few offenses can handle.
Prediction
The Rams live up to their Super Bowl billing. Plenty could go wrong — leaning on a 38-year-old quarterback with a bad back is a real risk, even with Stafford, and the depth behind the marquee starters is thin enough that a couple of injuries could expose it. But there's enough talent on the field and the sideline to get it done. Los Angeles goes 13-4, grabs the top seed, and wins another title on its home turf.
X-Factor
Trent McDuffie is overlooked when it comes to headline newcomers. As a true No. 1 corner who can lock down opposing No. 1 receivers, that alters how McVay can deploy the rest of this secondary. While Garrett understandably gets the attention on defense and the offense has a multitude of stars, McDuffie might be the final piece that was really missing from the Rams last season.
Final Scorecard
- Offense: 9
- Defense: 8
- Coaching: 9
- X-Factor Upside: 9
- Schedule Strength: 7