Sean McVay’s brilliance as a leader and play-caller will keep the Rams in the hunt for as long as he roams the sidelines. The one-time Super Bowl winner has mastered the art of building a championship squad, mixing superstars with newbies and veteran pickups hoping to prove themselves in the NFL. 

Of course, the decision by 2025 MVP Matthew Stafford to return certainly cements McVay’s immediate chances of making another title run, with stars Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and Kyren Williams all in line to stay in place, as well. And there is work to do on that side of the ball. The offensive line will need some attention, with Rob Havenstein retiring and veteran depth pieces D.J. Humphries and David Quessenberry hitting the free agent market. Additionally, the Rams must find their quarterback of the future at some point, whether they take a swing on someone in the 2026 NFL Draft or acquire enough assets to set up a move for one of the quarterback gems in 2027. Setting up a QB plan — and locking up Nacua, who is extension-eligible this offseason — would go a long way toward securing their placement here in this list.

Defensively, the Rams’ young and hungry collection of playmakers will return looking to avenge the NFC Championship Game defeat to the rival Seahawks. With Jared Verse, Kobie Turner, Byron Young and Braden Fiske back to set the tone in the trenches, the Rams can focus their efforts on upgrading the defensive backfield with more blue-chip players to help Quentin Lake reduce the costly coverage mistakes in big games. Given the Rams’ returning lineup and their coaching prowess, Super Bowl LXI could be a home game for the NFC heavyweights.Â