NFL
By George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams enter the 2026 NFL season with one goal in mind: winning the Super Bowl. Led by GM Les Snead, the team has adopted an all-in approach. They’ve brought in new players through free agency and trades to build the roster. The players the team has brought in have fans foaming at the mouth. They expect a season that ends with a Super Bowl victory.
Quarterback/Wide Receiver
Quarterback Matthew Stafford returns to lead the Rams offense. The reigning MVP will look to build on a 2025 season that saw him pass for 4707 yards with 46 touchdowns. Stetson Bennett has left camp as the backup QB to Stafford, with rookie Ty Simpson listed as the #3 quarterback. Simpson is viewed as Stafford’s heir apparent. This season, Simpson will learn the nuances of the quarterback position in the NFL. WR Puka Nacua and DaVante Adams return as Stafford’s top two receiving targets in head coach Sean McVay’s passing game.
The question entering training camp was who would be the Rams’ third receiver. McVay utilizes multiple receiver formations. Jordan Whittington has emerged as the team’s number three receiver. Look for second-year receiver Konata Mumpfield to see significant playing time as a slot receiver for the Rams this season. Tutu Atwell, who signed a free-agent contract with the Miami Dolphins this past offseason, was reacquired via a trade during training camp. Atwell’s speed gives Stafford a legitimate deep threat. Rookie receiver CJ Daniels showed promise in training camp. He should be expected to be a part of the receiver rotation in the passing game.
Tight End
Throughout his career as the Rams head coach, Sean McVay has shown he can adapt his offensive schemes. Last season was no different. During the 2025 season, Coach McVay began using a 13-personnel offensive scheme, where he used 3 TEs in his formations. When running this formation, opposing defenses tended to use their base personnel, creating a mismatch for McVay’s offense. The Rams are expected to use the 3 TE formations a lot this season, as shown by their decision to carry 5 tight ends. As the 2025 season progressed, TE Colby Parkinson emerged as a trusted target for Stafford. Parkinson is listed at the top of the depth chart. Though Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, and Allen Davis should see considerable playing time. The question is how much playing time rookie TE Max Klare will receive this season.
Running Back
Kyren Williams returns as the starting RB for the Rams this season. Williams has improved as a running back each year in his young NFL career. Look for McVay to get Williams 20-25 touches per game in both the running game and the passing game. Williams enters the season as the Rams’ starting running back. However, look for Blake Corum to play a significant role in the Rams’ running game. With Williams and Corum, the Rams have a strong 1-2 punch at running back. At times, Coach McVay gets away from his running game, which has hurt the team. When McVay keeps the offense balanced, they are an extremely difficult team to stop. Look for McVay to use a balanced offensive attack throughout the season.
Defense
The biggest offseason noise the Rams made was on the defensive side. In a surprise move, the Rams traded Jared Verse for the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett. Garrett should expect constant double teams from opposing offenses. Those double teams will give the interior defensive linemen more one-on-one matchups. The biggest news during training camp that has Ram fans at a fever pitch was the announcement that Aaron Donald has come out of retirement and signed a one-year deal to return to the Rams.
Having Donald and Garrett on the same defensive front will give opposing offensive coaches fits as they work on their blocking schemes when they face the Rams and decide who to double-team, Garrett or Donald. In multiple receiver formations, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to double-team both Garrett and Donald. With Garrett and Donald leading the Los Angeles Rams pass rush, will opposing offenses keep a TE to help block? Or will they be forced into a quick passing game? Garrett and Donald will force opponents to change their attack and take away things they like to do.
Secondary
In 2025, the secondary was a clear weakness as the season progressed. Coming into this season, GM Les Snead addressed that concern by trading for CB Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson in free agency. McDuffie and Watson give the Rams strong defenders on the corners. With their ability to cover receivers one-on-one, Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula will have more options in his defensive schemes. Look for Shula to use more blitz packages this season, as well as bring up his safeties more to help defend against the running game.
Prediciton
The Los Angeles Rams enter the 2026 season with a win-now mentality. The team has brought in experienced veterans to strengthen positions and improve compared to 2025. This season’s schedule is a challenge the Rams, but the coaching staff believes the team is ready to handle it. Health will be a key for the Rams this season. With a healthy team, look for the Rams to finish the regular season with a 12-5 record and represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
