With the goal of lifting the Lombardi Trophy at SoFi Stadium in February, the Rams have consolidated their ambitions for 2026 into a sort of unspoken mantra.
There are still 203 days until Super Bowl 61, yet they’re not letting that long road distract them.
“A lot can happen between now and February 14th,” noted defensive tackle Braden Fisk. “There are plenty of days ahead, so we’re focusing on taking it one day at a time and just building a little bit every day.”
This approach makes sense. It’s wise, really, as they understand how quickly things can derail if they start thinking too far ahead.
Even as they’re considered a strong favorite for the Super Bowl. Quarterback Matthew Stafford took home the season MVP award, and the team has made impactful additions like pass rusher Myles Garrett and cornerback Trent McDuffie.
The Rams have the best roster going, but the real question is how they measure up against other teams.
They’re right to be cautious, especially considering last season’s close call against the Seahawks.
After that NFC Championship defeat in Seattle, the locker room was filled with silence, punctuated only by quiet tears and uncertainty. At that point, the Super Bowl seemed both tantalizingly close and frustratingly out of reach.
Now, as they kick off this season, the Rams maintain high expectations while acknowledging the mounting speculation about their Super Bowl potential.
“We can’t let the idea that winning the Super Bowl defines this season take over,” coach Sean McVay remarked. “I’ve dealt with that before, and I don’t want that mindset.”
Internally, it’s a sound perspective.
But externally? Well, it’s a different story.
For many, anything less than a Super Bowl victory would be seen as a failure.
There’s no mistaking it.
The Rams’ receiver duo of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams might not be the top in the league, but they’re certainly among the elite.
Stafford proved to be the top quarterback last year and appears healthier than ever. Meanwhile, Kyren Williams has consistently topped 1,000 rushing yards for three seasons. Their tight end group is the strongest in the league, and the offensive line ranks among the top 15.
Garrett’s presence has elevated their defensive front to one of the best in the game. Last year’s cornerback struggles have been addressed with the additions of McDuffie and Chiefs teammate Jalen Watson this March, transforming a weakness into a strength.
On paper, the Rams are the standard to beat in the NFL.
Clearly, it’s Super Bowl or nothing.
This sentiment is well understood within the Rams’ organization. They recognize this pressure and, interestingly, they embrace it. Beating teams like the Cardinals, Jets, and Dolphins is expected, but the true question is by how much.
“Having some pressure is better than none,” Fisk stated.
This understanding partially explains their careful navigation for the next several months. High expectations bring a unique set of responsibilities. Among those is the need to stay focused on daily progress rather than fixating solely on the end goal.
“We know the potential we have as a team,” Watson said. “But achieving that begins today. One step at a time, one brick at a time, and we’ll see where it leads us.”
This outlook is fine and all.
But don’t be mistaken. For the Rams, it’s either a Super Bowl win or a total loss.
