Do NFL superteams actually win? Barnwell sized up historic big favorites -- and the 2026 Rams
The Rams are loaded this season, and basically everyone is picking them to win the Super Bowl. But preseason darlings of the past 35 years haven't always met expectations.
The notion of NFL superteams has always been a fascinating topic, with many fans and pundits alike expecting these powerhouse teams to dominate the competition and bring home the championship. However, as Bill Barnwell's analysis shows, being the preseason favorite doesn't necessarily guarantee a Super Bowl win. In fact, many historic big favorites have failed to meet expectations, making the 2026 Rams' prospects all the more intriguing. This raises questions about the factors that contribute to a team's success, beyond just having a talented roster.
The NFL's parity-driven structure is designed to give every team a chance to compete, and upsets are a regular occurrence in the league. This makes it difficult for even the most stacked teams to navigate the playoffs and emerge victorious. The Rams, with their loaded roster, will face intense scrutiny and pressure to perform, which can sometimes be a double-edged sword. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how they handle the expectations and whether they can live up to their billing as Super Bowl favorites. The NFL's competitive balance is a key aspect of its appeal, and the Rams' journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
As the 2026 season gets underway, all eyes will be on the Rams to see if they can justify their status as preseason favorites. With the NFL's salary cap and free agency rules designed to promote competitive balance, it's rare for a team to dominate the league for an extended period. The Rams' success or failure will have significant implications for the league, and fans will be eager to see how they perform under the spotlight. Will they be able to overcome the challenges and obstacles that have tripped up other superteams in the past, or will they fall short of expectations? The next few months will be crucial in determining the Rams' fate, and sports fans will be watching with bated breath.
Originally reported by espn.com. SportsNewsNow adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.