The Los Angeles Rams finished the 2025 season with the No. 1 offense in the league. Matthew Stafford was a big part of that, as he led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns all the way to winning MVP.
There is always concern with regression in the NFL, though. The best teams one year aren’t always the best teams the following year.
Fortunately for L.A., the Rams will keep the vast majority of their personnel and coaches in 2026, with the exception of offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. This is partially why FTNFantasy and ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz feels better about the Rams’ remaining a top DVOA offense in 2026 than he does the Seattle Seahawks running it back as a top DVOA defense.
“Top offenses generally decline less than top defenses,” Schatz wrote. “… as long as Matthew Stafford doesn’t get hurt.”
According to the chart, the league’s top defenses in a specific year fell by an average of 7.1 spots the following year. Top offenses, meanwhile, only fell by an average of 2.8 spots, with only the 2023 49ers, 2024 Baltimore Ravens and 2007 Patriots dropping by more than 4 spots.
Additionally, multiple teams repeated as the top DVOA offenses the following year, including the 2010-12 Patriots and the 2002-2003 Chiefs.
This bodes well for L.A., especially because Stafford, Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, Davante Adams and the entire offensive line is back (save for Rob Havenstein, who missed most of the year anyway).
If all goes well this offseason, the Rams should once again be among the best teams in the league in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL analyst explains why he doesn’t think Rams will decline in 2026
Reporting by Oliver G., Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
