The Los Angeles Rams are welcoming back three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, a move that has seen their Super Bowl odds improve. However, historical betting trends suggest this development may not guarantee a championship.
According to available data, the past 20 instances where a team entered the season as the preseason favorite with odds of +500 or better have all ultimately failed to win the Super Bowl. Following the announcement of Donald's return from a two-year retirement, DraftKings Sportsbook adjusted the Rams' odds from +550 to +500.
The most recent team to hold +500 Super Bowl odds at the start of the season was the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. The Chiefs, aiming for a historic third consecutive Super Bowl title, fell short in the championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
This statistical anomaly also impacted the Rams during their time in St. Louis, where the team had odds of +300 in 2000, +400 in 2001, and +350 in 2002, but did not secure a Super Bowl victory in those seasons.
The Rams' pursuit of a Super Bowl win with +500 odds follows a period of significant team upgrades. The offense, led by MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, was statistically strong last season, averaging 394.6 yards and 30.5 points per game. Despite this, the team lost to the eventual champion Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.
In an effort to bolster their defense, which allowed 327.5 points per game last season, the Rams have acquired cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson during the offseason. With an improved defense and an intact offense, the Rams will be looking to overcome historical betting trends as they aim for a Super Bowl victory, which will be held in Los Angeles on February 14.