Who are the 2026 Los Angeles Rams? Apparently not who we thought.
LA was considered a “super team” and a historical Super Bowl favorite entering the year. They were blown out by the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Next to nothing went right for the Rams.
The team’s second game—against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football—is unlikely to bring many answers outside of potential confirmation that the Rams are on a downswing. A win would be positive but not overly noteworthy. A loss would send shockwaves
across the NFL.
Los Angeles opened as 8.5-point favorites over the Giants. The line is now closer to 7.5.
In short, this is a game the Rams are expected to win. Victory doesn’t mean everything is OK and the team is back on track, although it would certainly be encouraging.
The three games that follow New York will be more informative in terms of how the Rams stack up against other contenders:
- Week 3 at Denver Broncos
- Week 4 at Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 5 vs Buffalo Bills
The Australia trip didn’t go as well as you wanted. It’s over.
Beat the Giants. Show us your true colors against the Broncos, Eagles, and Bills. Then we can talk.
In the meantime, these are the looming questions that we should track closely:
Will Matthew Stafford bounce back, or are there long-term concerns?
Only Bo Nix and Deshaun Watson were worse in Week 1. Can we chalk up Stafford’s bad game to a long Australia trip, or could the end of his career be approaching?
How will the defense fare without Myles Garrett?
I’d expect Desjuan Johnson to play on run downs. Josaiah Stewart will see a lot of run as a pass rusher and coverage changeup. Can LA get by for at least the next four weeks?
What difference will Aaron Donald make, assuming he plays?
If Donald participates against the Giants, will he look like his old self? Will a rising tide lift all boats across the defensive line?
Can Rams get their money’s worth out of Jaylen Watson?
Allowed two touchdowns in his first game as a Ram according to some outlets. He was brought in to limit bigger receiving targets and Mike Evans had his way against the defense.
Are special teams really that much better?
Deebo Samuel ripped off long returns in Australia. Special teams has cost Rams several games in recent seasons. Can they avoid disaster or will it be more of the same?
Did the Rams err by doubling down on 13 personnel?
LA’s passing game is less effective with three receivers. It’s also difficult to come from behind with heavier personnel on the field. Will we look back and say the Rams should have invested more in a third receiver over the offseason/
