Rams Fans Weigh In on Favorite or Underdog Status

As the Rams emerge as Super Bowl favorites, fans debate the pros and cons of being the team to beat.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:52am

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The Los Angeles Rams have quickly become the favorites to win the Super Bowl next season after making key offseason moves. However, some fans wonder if they would rather have the Rams be the underdogs and fly under the radar, similar to their surprise championship run in 1999. The article explores whether pre-season perception of a team's quality actually impacts their chances, and whether fans prefer their team to be the favorites or the underdogs heading into a new season.

Why it matters

The Rams' transition from underdogs to favorites raises questions about the psychological and strategic impacts of a team's preseason status. Fans are weighing in on whether they prefer their team to be the hunted or the hunter, and whether that perception ultimately matters for a team's on-field performance and championship aspirations.

The details

The Rams were already considered among the Super Bowl favorites before making key offseason moves like trading for Trent McDuffie and keeping most of their important players from last season's 12-5 team. These additions have further cemented the Rams' status as the team to beat heading into the 2026 season. However, some fans wonder if they would rather have the Rams fly under the radar and strike from the shadows, similar to their surprise championship run in 1999 when they were underdogs.

  • The Rams lost their most recent game, quickly becoming next year's Super Bowl favorites.
  • The Rams made offseason moves like trading for Trent McDuffie and keeping most of their key players from 2025.

The players

Los Angeles Rams

The NFL team based in Los Angeles, California that won the Super Bowl in 2022.

Trent McDuffie

A defensive back the Rams traded for this offseason to bolster their secondary.

Jaylen Watson

A player the Rams added this offseason to their roster.

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The takeaway

The Rams' transition from underdogs to favorites raises interesting questions for fans about the psychological and strategic impacts of a team's preseason status. Whether fans prefer their team to be the hunted or the hunter, the perception of a team's quality may ultimately have less impact on their on-field performance and championship aspirations than many assume.