Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett has quickly become a source of apprehension for NFL fans, even before playing a meaningful snap for his new team. According to a recent survey by BetMGM Sportsbook, Garrett is ranked as the third-most feared player in the NFL heading into the 2026 season.
The survey polled 1,800 NFL fans nationwide, with only Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen finishing ahead of Garrett in the rankings. Other notable players rounding out the top 10 included Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts, Aaron Rodgers, Micah Parsons, Travis Kelce, and Joe Burrow.
The survey also found that Garrett was the third-most desired player in the league, trailing only Mahomes and Allen, suggesting that fear is often accompanied by admiration.
Rams' Dominance Perceived
The findings on individual players extend to the team as a whole. The same fan survey identified the Los Angeles Rams as the toughest team to beat in the NFL for the upcoming season, ranking them ahead of the Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Furthermore, the Rams emerged as the top Super Bowl pick among surveyed fans, with 11% predicting they will win the championship in their home stadium in 2027.
The Rams significantly bolstered their defense by acquiring Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. The deal sent defensive end Jared Verse and three draft picks, including a first-round selection, to Cleveland. Garrett now joins a Rams squad that reached the AFC Championship game last season and was already considered strong defensively. The addition of Garrett to an already talented defense has led many to believe the Rams are now one of the league's most formidable teams.
While preseason surveys and rankings do not guarantee success, they reflect the current perception of the league. The widespread acknowledgment of Garrett's impact and the Rams' perceived strength ahead of the 2026 season suggest a high level of respect from opposing teams and fans alike.