The NFL is now 100 days away from its 2026 season kickoff. Traditionally, this time brings optimism for nearly all fan bases. Hope has been a staple of the league. However, this year paints a different picture.
The NFL is beginning to resemble the NBA with only a few teams having realistic Super Bowl chances. A select group seems to be building for the future, while others remain in mediocrity.
Recent Trades and Strategic Moves
The Cleveland Browns made headlines by trading pass rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. They received a first-round pick, Jared Verse, and additional draft assets. Garrett set a record of 23 sacks last season, showcasing his elite skill.
The Rams, already leading Super Bowl predictions, saw their odds improve to +600 post-trade. Currently, the Bills, Ravens, and Seahawks are second at +1000.
Los Angeles Rams: A Modern ‘Superteam’
On paper, the Rams have created a superteam akin to the 2007 Patriots. They reached the NFC Championship Game last year but fell short due to special teams errors. This offseason, they hired a new special teams coordinator and bolstered their lineup with All-Pros and Pro Bowl players.
In addition to Garrett, the Rams acquired cornerback Trent McDuffie and signed Jaylen Watson. Both are considered top-tier cornerbacks, enhancing the team’s already impressive lineup.
The Rams’ depth, combining talent at quarterback, pass rush, cornerback, wide receiver, and more, defies the league’s design for parity.
Analyzing NFL’s Parity Problem
NFL parity issues are longstanding. OutKick’s Dan Zaksheske highlights:
- Only nine franchises have appeared in the last 10 Super Bowls.
- More franchises have played in multiple Super Bowls than those appearing in only one.
- AFC Championship Games have mostly included the Chiefs or Patriots over the past 15 years.
- Four teams won 10 of the last 13 championships.
The Rams have an opportunity to join the ranks of these dominant teams.
Offseason Moves and Strategies
The Rams were aggressive in the offseason. Kansas City secured Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, Philadelphia improved its pass rush, and New England traded for A.J. Brown.
Conversely, Cleveland and others like the Dolphins, Cardinals, and Jets are eyeing the 2027 NFL Draft, prioritizing future potential over immediate success.
This strategy leaves many teams in a state of mediocrity – making the playoffs but not strong enough for a title run. The Steelers epitomize this approach, favoring consistency over bold moves.
Role of General Managers
In the past decade, general managers have been critical to the league’s dynamics. Figures like Les Snead (Rams), Howie Roseman (Eagles), Brett Veach (Chiefs), John Schneider (Seahawks), and Jason Licht (Buccaneers) wield significant power, reshaping teams through trades and acquisitions.
The NFL’s ‘any given Sunday’ charm now seems diminished. Fans notice as the league asks for increased commitment through streaming, international games, and other ventures.
Addressing this imbalance is challenging. The league can’t easily dictate spending habits or tackle tanking issues. The Rams’ acquisition of Myles Garrett reflects this ongoing struggle.
In the past, fans awaited NBA playoffs knowing which teams would prevail. The NFL is gradually mirroring this, leaving fans anticipating a similar outcome even months in advance.
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