The Los Angeles Rams have surged upward in NFL power rankings following the blockbuster acquisition of Myles Garrett, a move that has dramatically altered perceptions of the team’s championship potential. Already viewed as a contender entering the 2026 season, the Rams are now being discussed among the league’s most complete and dangerous teams.
Garrett’s arrival gives Los Angeles one of the most dominant defensive players in football. Over the course of his career, he has established himself as a relentless pass rusher capable of taking over games and disrupting even the league’s best offenses. His ability to generate pressure without requiring additional blitzers creates significant advantages for a defense looking to elevate its performance against top competition.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) walks on to the field after a timeout in the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
The trade represents another aggressive move by a franchise that has consistently demonstrated a willingness to pursue elite talent. General manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay have built a reputation for prioritizing proven stars when opportunities arise, particularly when the organization believes it has a realistic chance to compete for a championship. Acquiring Garrett fits that philosophy and reinforces the Rams’ commitment to winning now.
Beyond Garrett’s individual production, his presence has the potential to transform the entire defense. Opposing offensive lines will be forced to dedicate extra attention to containing him, creating favorable matchups for teammates across the defensive front. The ripple effect could lead to increased pressure, more turnovers and a defense capable of consistently changing the momentum of games.
Los Angeles Rams’ Power Ranking Rises After Myles Garrett Trade
Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is all smiles as he jogs back inside before a game, Dec. 21, 2025, in Cleveland.
The Matthew Stafford-led team has moved up in the latest ranking after trading for Garrett. This is detailed more in an analysis by Alex Kay for Bleacher Report.
The Rams have unsurprisingly jumped to the top of the rankings following their blockbuster trade. The maneuver, which sent Jared Verse and a trio of draft picks to Cleveland for Garrett, has positioned Los Angeles as the team to beat heading into the 2026 season.
Garrett is fresh off setting the single-season sack record, recording a whopping 23 in 2025. He earned his seventh Pro Bowl and fifth All-Pro nod and was named the Defensive Player of the Year for his herculean efforts.
While the 30-year-old racked up an immense number of individual accolades during his nine seasons in Cleveland, he made it clear he wanted a chance to compete for Super Bowls when he publicly requested a trade last offseason.
The move also strengthens a roster that already features established talent on both sides of the ball. Los Angeles enters the season with a balanced mix of experienced veterans and emerging contributors, providing the depth necessary to navigate the challenges of a long NFL campaign. With Garrett joining that foundation, expectations have risen significantly throughout the league.
Power rankings are ultimately projections, and the Rams will still need to prove themselves on the field. However, the excitement surrounding the franchise is understandable. By adding one of the NFL’s premier defenders to an already talented roster, Los Angeles has positioned itself as a legitimate Super Bowl contender and one of the teams most capable of competing for a championship in 2026.