The Los Angeles Rams have solidified their position as the frontrunners for Super Bowl LXI with the return of legendary defensive tackle Aaron Donald from retirement. This strategic move has not only invigorated the Rams' defense but has also sparked conversations about their potential to become one of the NFL's superteams.
Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, rejoining the Rams adds significant firepower to a defense that already features newly acquired star Myles Garrett and All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie. The impact of this trio is being felt across the league, as the Rams have surged ahead in the betting odds for the upcoming Super Bowl, now boasting an implied probability of 16.7% to claim the championship. This is a notable increase from the 10.5% odds they held before the Garrett trade earlier this summer.
The Super Bowl LXI is set to take place on February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium, and the Rams are aiming to join an elite group of teams that have won the Super Bowl on their home turf. Only the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the 2021 Rams have achieved this feat, and with Donald back in the lineup, the Rams are looking to make history once again. Additionally, the Rams are becoming a popular pick in betting parlays with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are favored to win the World Series for a third consecutive year.
In terms of viewership, the NFL's broadcasting partners are anticipating a significant lift in ratings, particularly with the Rams scheduled for seven primetime games in the 2026 regular season, more than any other team. The Rams' season opener will be broadcast on Netflix against the San Francisco 49ers from Australia, followed by a highly anticipated matchup against the Buffalo Bills on October 12 during ESPN's Monday Night Football. However, there is uncertainty about whether Donald will be fit to play in the opener due to the extensive travel involved.
As the Rams prepare for their home opener against the New York Giants in Week 2, ticket prices for this game are already on the rise, reflecting the excitement surrounding Donald's potential debut for the season. The Rams' primetime schedule also features a Thanksgiving Eve contest, a Week 13 Thursday Night Football game against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, and a Christmas night showdown against the Seattle Seahawks, the defending Super Bowl champions.
Despite the overwhelming hype surrounding the Rams, history suggests that being a preseason favorite does not guarantee success on the field. In the last three decades, 20 teams have entered the season with similar expectations, and none have gone on to win the Super Bowl. In contrast, the Seattle Seahawks surprised many last season, claiming the title after starting with less than a 2% chance of winning.
Rams head coach Sean McVay is acutely aware of these historical trends and is determined to defy them. He remarked on Donald's return, stating, "It’s way bigger than football. There’s a lot of history. There’s a lot of experiences that we’ve shared. A lot of love for each other’s families. So I know for him to want to be able to explore this and come back into the mix is a real credit to the special people that he’s got a chance to be around." McVay’s leadership and the team’s collective experience will be crucial as they aim to live up to the lofty expectations set for them this season.
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