The Los Angeles Rams are embracing their role as favorites heading into the 2026 NFL season, but their internal focus remains on the immediate future, not the distant promise of a Super Bowl title.
With 203 days separating them from Super Bowl 61 at SoFi Stadium, the Rams are adhering to a strategy of not looking too far ahead. Defensive tackle Braden Fiske emphasized this approach, stating, "There’s a lot that can happen, a lot of that’s got to be done from July 25 through Feb. 14. There’s a day at a time, and we’ll just keep on chipping away."
This mindset is viewed as prudent, especially for a team widely considered to have the strongest roster in the league. The additions of pass-rusher Myles Garrett and cornerback Trent McDuffie bolster an already formidable lineup, featuring quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is coming off an MVP season, and a consistent rushing attack led by Kyren Williams. The team's receiving corps, including Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, and a strong offensive line further solidify their depth.
"What I won’t allow us to do is to say that this season is going to be determined successful or a failure based on whether we win a Super Bowl," coach Sean McVay said. "I’m not living that way. I’ve gotten caught up in things like that before."
While the external expectation is clear—anything short of a Super Bowl championship will be considered a disappointment—the internal message emphasizes process over outcome. "You know the potential the team has," said cornerback Jaylen Watson. "But we have to maximize it, and that starts today, taking it one day at a time, laying brick by brick and seeing what our potential could be."
The Rams are drawing from the sting of their NFC Championship loss to the Seattle Seahawks last January, a painful reminder of how close they came to the Super Bowl and how quickly aspirations can unravel. This past experience informs their current cautious optimism and focus on execution.
"It’s better to have that pressure than not," Fiske added, acknowledging the weight of expectations that comes with being a favored team. The team recognizes that managing these expectations and avoiding self-sabotage by fixating on the finish line is crucial for their journey over the next six months.