Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Rams' Path to Super Bowl Next Season is Already Clear

Originally posted on Los Angeles Rams on SI
By Michael Canelo | Last updated Mar 17, 2026 8:00 AM ET

After last week, a few things shifted with teams because of free agency. No one had the biggest shift than the Los Angeles Rams when it came to the NFL world looking at them as the new favorites to win it all next year.

The Rams got two new additions that have now put them in a prime position to have the best defense in the league. Along with that, people are starting to say that the Rams are the team to beat and that will be the case all offseason long and well into the start of next season.

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The Rams are the best team on paper, but they know it is going to take a great offseason in terms of getting the team together and on the same page when they start coming together for team activities and in the summer for training camp.

That is where all the chemistry is made, and where a team buys in for the long haul and for the opportunity to get to the big game and win it all. For the Rams, it is going to be championship or bust next season.

Importance of winning the NFC West for Rams

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The offense is still put and is the best in the National Football League. The Rams made moves on the defensive side of the ball to match what they are doing on the offensive side. The defense was a struggle on the back end, and the Rams knew that, and that is why they made the moves they did. The Rams now have the best team because both sides of the ball are great. A lot of credit has to go to the Rams, who have structured this the right way for many years.

Yes, the Rams will be the team that many will pick to get to the Super Bowl next season. There is one thing that the Rams must do just to have the chance to do that.

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Last season, the Rams did not win the NFC West, and the Rams played three striaght playoffs games on the road. That was a tough challenge and one they could not overcome in the NFC Championship. The Rams must win the division next season, for them to get to the Super Bowl. The Rams have to have at least one home game; that is what winning the division guarantees you, at least one home playoff game. If they do not win the division, it's hard to see them get to the Super Bowl.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Rams on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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