Los Angeles Rams ranked NFL's best roster with Matthew Stafford leading the way

Los Angeles Rams ranked NFL’s best roster with Matthew Stafford leading the way originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The first roster ranking of the 2026 preseason is out, and one team sits above the rest. ESPN believes the Los Angeles Rams have the strongest lineup entering the new season.

Why ESPN ranked the Los Angeles Rams No. 1 entering the 2026 NFL season

ESPN placed the Los Angeles Rams at the top of its 2026 NFL roster rankings because the team checks nearly every box across the field. The report points to strong play at edge rusher, cornerback, wide receiver, and both the offensive and defensive lines. That balance left few weak spots on the roster.

The biggest reason behind the ranking is quarterback Matthew Stafford. The reigning NFL MVP led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes during the 2025 season. He also finished fourth in QBR. ESPN believes the veteran still has the talent to guide another title run if he stays healthy.

The Rams also enter the season with one of the NFL’s strongest groups around Stafford. Davante Adams and Puka Nacua give the offense two proven targets. The roster also has quality starters across both lines and several impact defenders, making it difficult to find a clear weakness.

ESPN still found one area that could become a concern. Tight end lacks a clear top option. Tyler Higbee is now 33 and no longer plays every snap. Veterans Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen offer depth, while young players Terrance Ferguson and Max Klare could earn bigger roles. The report says a strong second season from Ferguson would quickly improve the position.

The report also says health could decide whether the Rams stay on top. Stafford dealt with a back issue before last season, and he will play at age 38 in 2026. Adams also turns 33 this season. ESPN believes the Rams remain the league’s best roster, but both veterans will need to stay available throughout the year.

ESPN also named edge rusher Josaiah Stewart as a backup worth watching. The 2025 third-round pick recorded three sacks as a rookie and posted a 17.6 percent pass rush win rate. He gives the Rams another young defender behind Myles Garrett and adds even more depth to the league’s top-ranked roster.

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