Do NFL 'Superteams' Actually Win the Super Bowl? What History Says About the 2026 Rams

The Los Angeles Rams didn't just tweak their roster this offseason — they went all in. Between trading for a top-tier cornerback, drafting Matthew Stafford's eventual successor, and pulling off a blockbuster deal that sent multiple picks to Cleveland for the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Sean McVay and GM Les Snead built what ESPN's Bill Barnwell calls the closest thing to a true preseason superteam in years.

Unsurprisingly, sportsbooks and pundits have crowned the Rams as prohibitive Super Bowl favorites. But before you lock in your bracket picks, there's a bigger question worth asking: do these preseason superteams actually deliver?

The 2025 Season Was a Warning Sign

Just one year ago, 68 ESPN personalities made their AFC and NFC champion predictions before the season started. Not a single one picked the Seahawks or the Patriots — two teams that ended up defining the year. Meanwhile, preseason darlings like the Chiefs, Lions, and Commanders all missed the playoffs entirely. Barnwell himself picked two teams that combined for zero playoff wins.

That's not just bad luck for a few analysts. It's a reminder that NFL success on paper — flashy trades, star power, aggressive front-office moves — doesn't automatically translate to Lombardi Trophies. Injuries, chemistry, coaching adjustments, and just plain variance all play a role once the season actually kicks off.

Why 'Superteam' Status Is Tricky

History backs up the skepticism. Teams that go all-in during the offseason — trading multiple draft picks, restructuring cap space, and betting big on a two-to-three-year championship window — often face real risk. Chemistry takes time to build, especially with new faces on defense and a fresh look at quarterback succession plans. The Rams' situation, with Stafford still under center but a successor already drafted, adds a layer of complexity most true contenders don't have to navigate.

That doesn't mean the Rams can't win it all. Their moves were genuinely aggressive and talent-rich, and on paper, this roster stacks up with any team in the league. But 'on paper' is the key phrase. The NFL has shown, repeatedly, that being the trendy pick in August doesn't guarantee anything come February.

What to Watch For

As the season unfolds, keep an eye on how quickly the Rams' new pieces gel — particularly that high-profile secondary addition and the DPOY trade acquisition. If those investments click early, L.A. could justify every bit of the hype. If not, this becomes another cautionary tale for teams that try to buy a championship in one offseason.