Here’s Why Rams Have Become Popular Super Bowl Choice

As the Rams prepare for next month’s draft, there’s a familiar feeling surrounding the franchise – albeit under a much different roster-building philosophy.

Four years ago, the Rams added big-name, big-money free agents, swapped former No. 1 overall quarterbacks, and sold draft capital for a Super Bowl title. Now, after pivoting to a draft-and-develop philosophy, securing Matthew Stafford and signing Davante Adams, the Rams again are the chic Super Bowl choice.

Pro Football Focus on Friday crowned the Rams with the team’s highest praise so far. In listing one positive takeaway for all 32 teams following free agency, analyst Dalton Wasserman said the Rams are a true Super Bowl contender.

“The Rams were very close to beating the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs this past season,” said Wasserman. “They have loaded up to make one more run at a championship.

“Matthew Stafford and left tackle Alaric Jackson stuck around after having opportunities to depart, while the team added pieces like wide receiver Davante Adams and interior defender Poona Ford to fill some of the few holes in their roster. The Rams head into 2025 as legitimate NFC contenders.”

PFF joined dozens of outlets in citing the Rams’ 28-22 playoff loss to Philadelphia as the primary reason they’re picking the Rams to again play deep into January. And while the Rams lost three significant starters in free agency (wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson, and leading tackler Christian Rozeboom, history is behind them.

Teams like the Rams, who put the most fright in the eventual Super Bowl champion, have excelled the following seasons since 2018, when the Chiefs lost a tight AFC Championship to eventual Super Bowl winner New England.

Here’s a look at the last six teams that lost playoff games to eventual Super Bowl champions with the lowest margins of defeat, and how they fared the following seasons.

1. The 2019 Kansas City Chiefs