Rams' Super Bowl hopes dashed in late-season collapse

Once a top contender, the Rams failed to make the playoffs after a promising start to the season.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:47pm

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The Los Angeles Rams, who were considered a top Super Bowl contender for much of the season, ultimately failed to make the playoffs after a late-season collapse. The team, led by coach Sean McVay, was among the best in the NFL through the first 12 weeks but was unable to sustain that success, leading to their elimination from postseason contention.

Why it matters

The Rams' failure to reach the playoffs is a major disappointment for the franchise and its fans, who had high expectations after the team's recent Super Bowl appearance. The collapse raises questions about the team's ability to maintain its elite level of play over the course of a full season.

The details

The Rams were 9-3 and in first place in their division through 12 weeks, but they won just two of their final seven games, missing the playoffs entirely. The team struggled with injuries and inconsistent play down the stretch, unable to recapture the form that made them a Super Bowl favorite earlier in the year.

  • The Rams were 9-3 and in first place in their division through 12 weeks.
  • The Rams won just two of their final seven games, missing the playoffs entirely.

The players

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, who has led the team to the Super Bowl in the past but was unable to guide them to the playoffs this season.

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The takeaway

The Rams' late-season collapse is a disappointing end to what had been a promising season, raising questions about the team's ability to maintain its elite level of play over the course of a full NFL season.