What are some Los Angeles Rams hot takes for 2026? The team is a Super Bowl favorite, but their long journey toward hoisting the Lombardi Trophy has only just begun.
As Super Bowl contenders, the Rams have high expectations, but with their recent playoff success, they have the potential to meet them.
The Rams have high expectations but some outcomes are realistic given the talent on the roster. The combination of coach Sean McVay, quarterback Matthew Staffird, and the current roster means anything is possible. Here are a few Rams hot takes.
Way-too-Early Los Angeles Rams Hot Takes for the 2026 Season
The Rams Will Win the Super Bowl, Matthew Stafford Is Super Bowl MVP
This is certainly one of the biggest Rams hot takes. The team is a Super Bowl favorite and will capture their fifth league championship. This franchise has slowly worked to build itself back from the last Super Bowl in 2021. Since 2021, the team has improved its record posting a better record each year, a sign of steady progress. The 2026-2027 Rams squad is far different than the 2021 team, but they are still looking to end the year in storybook fashion.
Stafford will also be the Super Bowl MVP. Stafford’s Super Bowl numbers in 2021 weren’t terrible. He finished with 283 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. However, the MVP went to Cooper Kupp who had 92 yards and two touchdowns and ended his historic wide receiver season.
Stafford will win the Super Bowl in his second appearance and capture the Super Bowl MVP, adding to his awards and ushering him into Canton with no uncertainty.
Matthew Stafford Retires If the Rams Win the Super Bowl
If the Rams win the Super Bowl, Stafford will retire. Now 38, Stafford has a Super Bowl ring and an MVP. If Stafford wins another Super Bowl, he will become the 10th quarterback to have at least one MVP and two Super Bowl rings.
After winning the MVP award last season, his Hall of Fame career is complete. The additional hardware would all but guarantee his entrance into Canton. Stafford has also dealt with injuries throughout his career, and at age 38, with two rings and an MVP, he will have nothing left to prove, especially if he’s the Super Bowl MVP.
Puka Nacua Wins the Offensive Player of the Year
After a troubling offseason, Puka Nacua will win the offensive player of the year (OPOY). Last season was an explosive year for last year’s OPOY, Seattle’s Jaxson Smith-Njigba. Nacua could be the next player to win the award, especially after his performance last season.
Last season was a breakout season for Nacua. He recorded a career high of 129 receptions for over 1700 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also averaged over 100 yards per game, showing his ability to be the best receiver in the NFL. He was a walking highlight reel and could not be contained.
This season, Nacua will be the most dangerous offensive weapon in the league and will help the Rams win the Super Bowl. Even after his troubling offseason, he will produce on the football field and be the best pass catcher this season.
The Rams Will Finish the Season with the Best Defense
This offseason, the Rams added several key defensive players. Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson are two players who will prove to be pivotal. The two cornerbacks now anchor the secondary that was considered one of the Rams’ biggest weaknesses last season. Their skill and talent fit the Rams’ defense and will work well with defensive coordinator, Chris Shula. As a top coordinator last season, Shula interviewed for several head coaching job openings during the offseason. Shula will have a stronger defense to coach and a better opportunity to become a head coach.
The defense also features a devastating front line. Byron Young, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, and Jared Verse headline the Rams’ pass rush. Several of the young players are poised to take a step and players like Verse can make it happen.
Main Image: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
