The Los Angeles Rams will still be kicking themselves that they didn't make the Super Bowl after being the only team to consistently give the Seattle Seahawks trouble.
But the Rams are poised to be right back in the Super Bowl hunt in 2026, thanks to a loaded roster and MVP Matthew Stafford returning.
However, one thing we know about the NFL is that what happens one year doesn't necessarily happen the next. Stafford had a superb 2025 campaign, and he was a major reason for the Rams' success.
But for Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame, he's given two reasons why things might not be as smooth in 2026 for L.A.
"Matthew Stafford is entering his age-38 season, making it fair to wonder if he can replicate his MVP campaign," Verderame wrote. "The defense is also weak in the secondary and could lose star safety Kam Curl in free agency."
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Can Stafford backup MVP year?
Well, if most of his weaponry sticks around, you can easily make the case that he could. Oh, and the Rams have two first-round picks in the draft this year as well.
The key will be Stafford's health.
We know that he had back issues last offseason, but the hope is that he can enter training camp in good shape and maintain that throughout the year.
If he can do that, and the Rams manage to bring back most of his weapons, then there's no reason to think the Rams won't be Super Bowl contenders and Stafford as an MVP favorite.
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