Rams labelled offseason champs as NFC West faces pivotal 2026 season
Yahoo Sports analysts assess the division’s four contenders, with Los Angeles positioned as Super Bowl favourites following major defensive upgrades.
Ahead of the 2026 NFL season, Yahoo Sports analysts Nate Tice and Matt Harmon have provided a comprehensive assessment of the NFC West, identifying the Los Angeles Rams as the division’s "offseason champs." The evaluation, released via the Football 301 podcast, suggests that the Rams’ significant defensive moves have positioned them as potential Super Bowl favourites, a status that now requires on-field validation.
A central focus of the analysis is the impact of Myles Garrett on the Rams' defence. The acquisition is viewed as a pivotal swing in the team's fortunes, with the analysts questioning whether these defensive enhancements are sufficient to sustain a championship run. The Rams are currently regarded as the team to beat in the division, with their roster construction drawing the most attention among the four franchises.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks are expected to make another run at the Super Bowl, despite roster shuffling on both sides of the ball. The analysis indicates that while the Seahawks have undergone adjustments, their core competitiveness remains intact. Fans and analysts alike are watching to see if the team can maintain its high standards amidst these personnel changes.
The San Francisco 49ers face a different challenge, aiming to recover from an injury-riddled 2025 season. The discussion breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of the 49ers' roster, focusing on how they can hope to challenge the Seattle and Los Angeles squads within the division. For San Francisco, the priority is returning to full health and establishing consistency after a difficult campaign.
The Arizona Cardinals represent the division's new direction, with head coach Mike LaFleur tasked with defining success for the franchise. The team’s dynamics are heavily influenced by star rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, whose performance will be a key indicator of the Cardinals' progress. The analysis poses the question of what constitutes a successful season for this new coaching and player combination.
The episode also briefly touches on the Houston Texans, who traded for wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to bolster their offence. While not part of the NFC West, this move was discussed as a precursor to the divisional deep dive, highlighting the broader landscape of NFL roster adjustments heading into the 2026 season.
