The Los Angeles Rams had a very active and aggressive 2026 offseason under general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay. To illustrate, the team entered the period aiming to remain competitive in a tough NFC West while making some longer-term preparations.
The Rams made major investments in their secondary. They traded for star cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for multiple draft picks. Including a first-rounder, and they signed him to a large extension. Also, they added former Chiefs corner Jaylen Watson on a three-year, $51 million deal. Additionally, they re-signed safety Kam Curl to a three-year, $36 million contract. These NFL future odds moves significantly strengthened the defense’s back end.
On offense, they re-signed veteran tight end Tyler Higbee and added several depth pieces. They also brought in reinforcements from special teams. Including long snapper Joe Cardona and linebacker Grant Stuard.
Rams 2026 NFL Draft
In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Rams had a smaller sportsbook class after using picks in trades. To show, they selected quarterback Ty Simpson from Alabama in the first round as a high-upside successor plan for Matthew Stafford. Next, they followed that with tight end Max Klare from Ohio State in the second round. Following that was offensive tackle Keagen Trost from Missouri in the third round. Wide receiver C.J. Daniels came in the sixth round, and defensive lineman Tim Keenan III came in the seventh round.
2026 Rams Outlook
The Rams remain committed to their win-now approach while adding some youth. Matthew Stafford was extended and stays the clear starter, with Ty Simpson developing behind him. The receiving corps is led by Puka Nacua and veteran Davante Adams. Depth beyond them remains a question. The defense looks noticeably improved in the secondary after the recent additions.
Overall, the Rams positioned themselves as serious NFL betting contenders again in 2026. They balanced immediate roster upgrades with some future planning. While continuing their aggressive “F them picks” philosophy when chasing championships.
2026 Rams Schedule and Analysis
The Los Angeles Rams 2026 regular season schedule is challenging overall. Consider that it features one of the toughest strength-of-schedule rankings in the league (around 13th hardest). The season opens with a unique Week 1 matchup on Thursday, September 10, against the San Francisco 49ers. Specifically, the opener is at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia as part of the NFL’s international series. This game will air on Netflix at 5:35 p.m. PDT / 8:35 p.m. ET.
Notable highlights include multiple prime-time appearances. The Rams host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 2. And then the Buffalo Bills in Week 5. They also face several strong opponents from the NFC East and AFC West. Of course, there are the usual NFC West battles against the 49ers, Seahawks, and Cardinals.
The middle of the schedule has some more manageable stretches. But the final stretch looks difficult with several road games and tough opponents. Specifically, like the Kansas City Chiefs and defending champion Seattle Seahawks, late in the year. The Rams have a Week 11 bye.
To conclude, this is a demanding slate for a Rams team expected to contend for the NFC West and playoffs. The early international trip and heavy prime-time load add extra travel and preparation challenges. Success will likely depend on how well the upgraded secondary and offense hold up against high-quality opponents. Many analysts view this as a test of whether the Rams can remain among the NFC elite despite the brutal schedule.