When the Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl in 2021, they assembled a star-studded roster that was not only great on paper, but also on the field. Matthew Stafford, Jalen Ramsey, Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr. were all big parts of the team’s Super Bowl run, headlining an outstanding starting lineup that was dominant on offense and defense.
The Rams are trying to recapture some of that magic this season after acquiring Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to go with Stafford, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and Kyren Williams in Los Angeles. With so much star power and young talent, ESPN ranked the Rams’ roster as the best in football heading into 2026.
ESPN analysts Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder put the Rams in the top spot of their rankings, ahead of the second-ranked Eagles and Seahawks at No. 3.
Clay picked the quarterback position as the Rams’ biggest strength, with Stafford coming off an MVP season. Their biggest weakness, in Clay’s mind, is the tight end group, which has “no clear No. 1 option.”
Walder picked the health of Stafford and Adams as the Rams’ X-factor, knowing how important each of those players is.
The health of Stafford and wide receiver Davante Adams. Less than 12 months ago, Stafford couldn’t get on the practice field due to a back issue and was a major question mark entering the season. He ended up playing the whole way — and winning MVP — but that’s no guarantee that he can repeat that in 2026 at age 38. And Adams has played at least 14 games in each of the past six seasons, but I bring him up because he is 33 and the depth behind him and Puka Nacua is severely lacking. The Rams are the best team in football, but they have a couple of Achilles’ heels they must protect.
And as for a nonstarter to know, second-year edge rusher Josiah Stewart got the nod from Schatz, citing him as a player who can help give Garrett a rest when needed.
All of this looks great right now in July, but can the Rams stay healthy enough to contend in January? Signs obviously point to the answer being “yes.” They’re loaded at some of the most important positions, including quarterback, edge rusher, cornerback and along the offensive line.
That’s a recipe for success, so long as everyone manages to stay healthy and doesn’t regress from their 2025 form.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: ESPN analysts rank Rams’ starting lineup as best in NFL for 2026
