The NFC West is shaping up to be a powerhouse once again in 2026 after the division sent three teams to the playoffs last season and had both theLos Angeles RamsandSeattle Seahawksin the conference title game.The Rams reloaded, the Seahawks are still stacked on both sides of the ball and the 49ers will try to stay healthy enough to contend come January.
Given how difficult the Rams’ schedule is outside the West, winning the division won’t be easy. But on paper, they’re the NFL’s best team, according to The Ringer.
Diante Lee of The Ringerreleased his latest power rankings on Thursday and he put the Rams ahead of Seattle for the No. 1 spot in the poll. It’s a ranking of how confident he is that each team can win the Super Bowl, which illustrates how high their ceiling is.
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Los Angeles has all the necessary pieces to finish the job in 2026. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is the reigning MVP, and as long as he stays healthy, I’m confident he’ll play at an elite level again. Head coach Sean McVay is still the league’s best play caller and is continuing to build his Hall of Fame résumé. The Rams offense couldcontrolgames on the ground and had a surgically efficient passing game last season, and most of its players are returning for this campaign. The team’s biggest issue last year was its cornerback group, but Los Angeles addressed that by acquiring Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.
Lee did cite some potential concerns for the Rams. Puka Nacua’s shaky offseason is one, as is the apparent drama and fallout from their decision to draft Ty Simpson over an instant-impact rookie in the first round.
It’s unlikely that either of those “obstacles” will affect the Rams this season, which is why they’re so highly viewed by experts right now. Sure, their schedule is tough, but they have the reigning MVP, two star receivers and a defense that just added two outstanding cornerbacks in Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie.
Theoretically, they should be even better than last season’s team, which lost five gut-wrenching games in the regular season and a heartbreaker in the playoffs.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire:NFL power rankings: Rams overtake Seahawks for No. 1 spot in 2026
