The Los Angeles Rams have long been a team that commands attention, and according to one advanced metric, they're sitting on the best roster in the entire NFL heading into 2026. It's hardly a surprise—after all, the Rams were arguably the league's most dominant team for much of the 2025 season, with many fans and analysts calling the NFC Championship Game the "true" Super Bowl. Now, the question is: can the sequel be even better than the original?
According to Austin Mock of The Athletic and his xMOV (expected margin of victory) model, the answer is a resounding yes. This sophisticated metric takes into account several factors, including positional value, which gives extra weight to the most important positions on the field. And when you have the reigning league MVP under center, that kind of analysis tends to favor you heavily. Matthew Stafford may be nearing retirement, but he's still playing at an elite level, and that alone gives the Rams a massive edge.
But it's not just about the quarterback. The Rams boast what many consider the NFL's best wide receiver room, headlined by the dynamic Puka Nacua. Add in Davante Adams—whose game has always been built to age gracefully—and you've got one of the most dangerous duos in the league. Up front, the interior offensive line ranks among the top five, while the defensive line and cornerbacks room are equally elite. That's quality up and down the roster, blending young talent with seasoned veterans.
Of course, no team is perfect. There are some concerns at offensive tackle, but when the rest of the roster is this stacked, it's hard to find too much fault. General manager Les Snead and his staff have done a masterful job building up the defensive line in recent years, and the offseason additions of Trent McDuffie and Jaylon Watson from the Kansas City Chiefs are set to transform the secondary into a true strength.
As for the rest of the rankings, the Seattle Seahawks come in at No. 2, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles. But for now, the spotlight is firmly on Los Angeles—a team that has the talent, the depth, and the MVP to make another deep playoff run. Whether you're a die-hard Rams fan or just appreciate great roster construction, there's a lot to love about this squad.
