Daily News 19

Tag: Los Angeles Rams

  • Which NFL Teams Finished the Preseason Undefeated? Recent History Offers a Warning Ahead of the 2026 Season

    Which NFL Teams Finished the Preseason Undefeated? Recent History Offers a Warning Ahead of the 2026 Season

    The 2026 NFL season is approaching, and the Los Angeles Rams have emerged as the clear favorite in the NFC. Their status is partly driven by the fact that Super Bowl 61 will be played at SoFi Stadium, their home venue and the site where they won their most recent Lombardi Trophy four seasons ago.

    The Rams also boast an elite offense led by reigning MVP Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams. However, their biggest strength is their defense, which received a major boost through the blockbuster trade for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett after his record-breaking sack campaign.

    Los Angeles also acquired star cornerback Trent McDuffie and welcomed the stunning return of three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. The 35-year-old came out of retirement on a one-year, $20 million contract, joining Garrett to form what could be one of the most intimidating pass-rushing duos in NFL history.

    Rams, Seahawks Take Different Paths Into the 2026 Season

    On paper, the defending champion Seattle Seahawks are the Rams’ biggest challenger in the NFC. However, the two teams had dramatically different preseasons. Los Angeles swept its three exhibition games against the Chiefs, Saints, and Chargers, while Seattle failed to win a single preseason matchup.

    The Seahawks also experienced more significant roster departures than incoming additions during the offseason, further strengthening the case for the Rams as the NFC’s leading contender.

    Los Angeles finished the preseason undefeated alongside the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals. Although all four teams appear to be strong playoff candidates on paper, recent NFL history offers a warning to every unbeaten preseason team.

    Unbeaten NFL Preseasons Have Delivered Limited Playoff Success

    Since the preseason schedule was reduced from four games to three in 2021, 25 teams have completed the exhibition schedule undefeated. Only 10 of those teams reached the postseason, producing a 40% success rate.

    The trend becomes even more concerning when looking at playoff advancement. Of the 25 teams that went unbeaten during that span, only the Denver Broncos advanced beyond the wild-card round last year.

    For the Rams, Bills, Ravens, and Bengals—all widely projected to contend for a Super Bowl—the historical odds are unexpectedly unfavorable. Based on these trends, at least one of the four teams could miss the postseason entirely.

    Missing January football would be an unmitigated disaster for the Bills and Rams. For the Ravens, failing to reach the playoffs in consecutive seasons has never happened during the Lamar Jackson era. Meanwhile, another postseason absence would give the Bengals four straight years without playoff football and place immense pressure on Joe Burrow and the franchise’s front office.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Gisele Bundchen Drawn Into NFL Debate Again After Aaron Donald’s Return to the Rams

    Gisele Bundchen Drawn Into NFL Debate Again After Aaron Donald’s Return to the Rams

    Aaron Donald’s return to the Los Angeles Rams has brought Gisele Bundchen back into the NFL spotlight, reviving comparisons with Tom Brady’s controversial retirement reversal.

    The three-time Defensive Player of the Year ended his retirement after agreeing to a one-year, $20 million contract with the Rams. His wife, Erica Donald, immediately celebrated the decision on social media.

    “I let him out of the house y’all,”

    Erica wrote alongside laughing and heart emojis. NFL insider Clarence Hill Jr. responded by comparing her support with Gisele Bundchen’s public reaction to Brady’s return to football.

    “If only Gisele Bundchen had been equally supportive,”

    Hill wrote.

    Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady retirement debate resurfaces

    The comment reopened debate about Brady’s brief retirement in 2022. Brady initially stepped away from the NFL, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family, but reversed the decision six weeks later.

    Bundchen publicly supported Brady at the time, although she later expressed concerns about his return to the NFL. Reports also indicated that the couple were experiencing marital problems before they filed for divorce in October 2022.

    That history gave Hill’s comparison added significance, although Donald’s situation appears to be markedly different.

    Aaron Donald credits Erica with supporting his NFL comeback

    Donald said his return to the Rams would not have happened without his wife’s approval.

    “I think my wife played a huge part in this, me making this decision, period,” Donald said. “Because, if the wife wasn’t happy, it wasn’t gonna get done. We gotta make sure that the household was good. The kid was okay with it all, having them hard conversations, figuring things out. What I wanted to do, if I was gonna do it, how would we do it.”

    He said Erica ultimately gave him her full backing.

    “So, my wife was onboard. She said, ‘If you wanna do this, just put your 100%.’ … She played a huge part in me figuring this out because it really wasn’t an easy decision.”

    Donald first met Erica in 2015 while she was working for the Rams, and the couple later married privately.

    Donald’s comeback may be a personal decision for his family, but one social media exchange was enough to bring Bundchen and Brady’s old retirement drama back into the NFL conversation.

  • Aaron Donald’s Wife Reveals Surprising Reason Behind His Rams Comeback

    Aaron Donald’s Wife Reveals Surprising Reason Behind His Rams Comeback

    Aaron Donald’s return to the Los Angeles Rams surprised the NFL, but his wife, Erica Donald, has revealed that the comeback was motivated by something more personal than unfinished business on the field.

    Donald retired after the 2023 season following a Hall-of-Fame-level career that included three Defensive Player of the Year awards and a Super Bowl title. After time away from football, however, the former defensive tackle decided he wanted another chapter with the Rams.

    Aaron Donald’s family helped change his mind

    Erica Donald said retirement gave her husband something he had experienced only occasionally during his playing career: extended time at home with his family.

    “He got a chance to really be a dad,” she said.

    That time away appears to have changed Donald’s perspective rather than completely satisfying his desire to remain retired. His family became an important part of the discussion when he began considering a comeback.

    “The kids were like, ‘Dad, we want to see you play,’” she said.

    Their reaction helped encourage Donald to return to the Rams, the team he represented throughout his NFL career before stepping away from the game.

    Rams legend still had football left in him

    Erica also made clear that Donald had not lost his competitive edge during retirement.

    “He missed football,” she said.

    The combination of family encouragement and Donald’s desire to compete again ultimately convinced him to return. He had previously spoken about wanting to leave football while he could still perform at an elite level, rather than waiting until his body forced him to retire.

    His comeback gives the Rams one of the most dominant defensive players of his generation back in the middle of their front. Questions will remain about how quickly Donald can regain his previous form after time away, but the motivation behind his return appears clear.

    This was not simply about pursuing another contract or adding to an already remarkable résumé. Donald had spent retirement enjoying life as a father, but when his children told him they wanted to see him play again, they helped reopen a door many believed had closed permanently.

  • Aaron Donald Ends Retirement and Teams Up With Myles Garrett on the Rams

    Aaron Donald Ends Retirement and Teams Up With Myles Garrett on the Rams

    Aaron Donald is officially returning to the NFL, rejoining the Los Angeles Rams on a one-year, $20 million contract.

    The move gives the Rams a formidable defensive pairing featuring Donald and Myles Garrett, creating one of the league’s most imposing pass-rushing duos.

    Source: www.tmz.com

  • Vikings Choose Brett Thorson Over Johnny Hekker as Punter

    The Minnesota Vikings have settled their punting competition, with veteran Johnny Hekker reportedly released and rookie Brett Thorson winning the job.

    Thorson went undrafted out of Georgia after winning the Ray Guy Award last season as college football’s top punter. The Australian averaged 45.5 yards per punt in 2025.

    Johnny Hekker’s NFL career

    Hekker, 36, is a four-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time first-team All-Pro. He has played for the Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans.

    Thorson will replace Ryan Wright, who held Minnesota’s punting job from 2022 through 2025 before signing with the New Orleans Saints in free agency.

    Source: www.nbcsports.com

  • Why the Rams Make Sense for J.J. McCarthy After He Loses the Vikings’ Starting Job

    Why the Rams Make Sense for J.J. McCarthy After He Loses the Vikings’ Starting Job

    The Minnesota Vikings entered training camp expecting a competitive quarterback battle. Two weeks later, head coach Kevin O’Connell had ended the competition by naming Kyler Murray the team’s starting quarterback.

    The decision effectively eliminates the possibility of J.J. McCarthy opening the season at the top of Minnesota’s depth chart. For the former No. 10 overall pick, it represents another setback in an unexpectedly difficult start to his NFL career and raises questions about whether his future remains with the Vikings.

    Why the Vikings could consider trading J.J. McCarthy

    NFL.com senior news writer Kevin Patra recently suggested that Minnesota should consider moving on from the third-year quarterback if a trade opportunity emerges. Patra does not expect the Vikings to release McCarthy, but he argued that the team would likely trust veteran Carson Wentz more as its primary backup if Murray misses time.

    That scenario could leave McCarthy buried as Minnesota’s third quarterback despite entering the NFL with first-round expectations.

    Quarterback depth remains valuable in today’s NFL, but roster flexibility is just as important. The Vikings acquired Murray with the expectation that he could lead a roster capable of competing for a playoff spot. Wentz offers extensive starting experience as a veteran insurance policy, and Minnesota’s coaching staff appears comfortable with his ability to step into the lineup if necessary.

    McCarthy, meanwhile, is in an awkward position. First-round quarterbacks rarely benefit from spending multiple seasons in developmental limbo. Eventually, teams need to determine whether a young passer is a future starter, a dependable backup or a draft investment that did not work out.

    If the Vikings no longer view McCarthy as a legitimate challenger to Murray, trading him while he still has upside could be the most logical outcome. Minnesota could gain draft capital while McCarthy would have an opportunity to restart his career elsewhere.

    Why the Los Angeles Rams could be an ideal fit

    If the Vikings explore trade options, several teams could have interest in McCarthy. The Los Angeles Rams stand out as a particularly appealing destination because of their track record of developing quarterbacks under head coach Sean McVay.

    Matthew Stafford continues to play at a high level, but he is approaching the final stages of an accomplished career. Los Angeles has consistently looked for long-term answers behind its veteran starter, recognizing that succession planning is essential in a league built around quarterback play.

    McCarthy would not need to arrive in Los Angeles and immediately save the franchise. Instead, he could spend a season learning McVay’s system while refining the traits that made him a first-round selection.

    His skill set also aligns with what the Rams value offensively. McCarthy has shown mobility, accuracy on the move and the ability to operate within a structured passing game. Those qualities could develop in an offense built around play-action concepts, timing routes and quarterback-friendly designs.

    Los Angeles would also provide the stability that many young quarterbacks lack. Players at the position often struggle after landing in chaotic situations marked by coaching changes and weak supporting casts. The Rams offer the opposite environment: an established offensive coach, proven infrastructure and a front office with a record of maximizing talent.

    For a former top-10 pick, remaining a third-string quarterback is rarely a long-term solution. A trade could ultimately benefit everyone involved. Minnesota would receive draft capital, McCarthy would get a fresh start and a quarterback-needy team would acquire a talented player with significant untapped potential.

    If the Vikings decide to move McCarthy, the Rams could be the team best positioned to unlock his potential.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Football 301 predicts NFC West win totals: Seahawks and Rams remain elite as 49ers face uncertainty and Cardinals aim to rise

    Football 301 predicts NFC West win totals: Seahawks and Rams remain elite as 49ers face uncertainty and Cardinals aim to rise

    The NFC West enters the 2026 NFL season with two conference finalists at the top, a proud franchise navigating transition and a rebuilding team with an intriguing collection of talent. On the latest episode of “Football 301,” Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice and Matt Harmon projected win totals for every team and examined the roster decisions and storylines that could shape the division.

    Team Tice’s win total Harmon’s win total Over/Under
    Seattle Seahawks 12-5 <11.5 10.5
    Los Angeles Rams 11-6 11-6 11.5
    San Francisco 49ers >10.5 >10.5 10.5
    Arizona Cardinals 4-13 4-13 3.5

    Seattle Seahawks win total prediction

    The reigning Super Bowl champions return nearly their entire core, including a dominant defensive front and a dynamic offense that continues to improve. Both analysts see a legitimate chance for Seattle to repeat as NFC West champions.

    Tice highlighted the potential of second-year tight end Elijah Arroyo, while Harmon believes the Seahawks have “just barely scratched the surface of Rashid Shahid’s potential.”

    “There’s enough there for them to sneak out the division title — then a pretty decent gap down to a Niners team that I’m a little concerned about,” Harmon said.

    Los Angeles Rams win total prediction

    The Rams fell just short of the Super Bowl last season, but they enter 2026 looking even stronger despite the retirement of veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein. Head coach Sean McVay is preparing the offense for another championship push, and both analysts regard Los Angeles as one of the NFL’s elite teams.

    “These are the two best teams, not just in the NFC, but in the NFL,” Tice said.

    San Francisco 49ers win total prediction

    Matt Harmon: >10.5 (projected 8-9 win range)

    After years of operating on the edge with a veteran roster, Tice and Harmon see warning signs emerging in Santa Clara. The 49ers’ receiver overhaul, the accumulated mileage on longtime left tackle Trent Williams and questions surrounding the defense have raised concerns about the team’s floor as well as its ceiling.

    Harmon identified the addition of veteran wide receiver Mike Evans as a potential turning point for the offense. If healthy, Evans could be an ideal X receiver in Kyle Shanahan’s system. However, age and injuries could leave San Francisco’s receiving corps in trouble.

    “This team is a crossroads franchise,” Tice said. “I feel worse about the 2026 49ers than I ever expected to.”

    Arizona Cardinals win total prediction

    The Cardinals have a low over/under, but there are reasons for optimism. Betting markets project Arizona to have the NFL’s worst offense, yet both analysts are “Cardinals curious.”

    They see the possibility of untapped chemistry between Arizona’s revamped skill-position group and new head coach and offensive play-caller Mike LaFleur. His McVay-inspired running game and passing concepts could help Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Trey McBride and Jerimiyah Love play to their strengths.

    “There’s too much talent for them to be a complete disaster,” Tice said. “They’ll sneak a few wins, maybe confound a young QB with schematic funk.”

    For more NFL insight, tune into “Football 301” on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

    Source: sports.yahoo.com