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At the risk of oversharing, I underwent my first colonoscopy as this newsletter was published. Or as fans of the Jets and Browns have called it, football Sunday!
Inside: Life is different for Rams fans, some of whom shared with me what it’s like to cheer for the offseason’s biggest winner. Plus: Other offseason winners, like the Cowboys and Browns.
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Rams fandom: ‘Paranoid optimism’
Asking for the perspectives of Browns and Jets fans got bleak quickly, so I wanted to look at a team on the opposite end of the spectrum lately.
When I surveyed Rams fans, the first thing I had to ask about was when their fandom began. Did they struggle through the Jeff Fisher years, or join after the Sean McVay bandwagon left the station? Based on responses, lots of them even have St. Louis jerseys.
Despite how great it’s been lately, these fans do know pain (or at least the kind brought about by 7-9 seasons).
Here’s what it’s like to go from mediocrity to cheering for one of just four teams (Rams, Chiefs, Eagles, Patriots) to have both won a Super Bowl and played for another within the past eight seasons, with hopes now as high as ever:
1. “Like eating a hot fudge sundae after coming off a diet!!” — Nancy D.
2. “It’s a wonderful type of terrifying. Last year the Ravens were the best team on paper, and we all know what happened there. I’ve been a fan since Super Bowl XIV (1979), so I’ve been through decades of losing, but it’s exhilarating to be a fan of a team whose ownership and coaches are always looking to improve even when they already appear to be at the top of the heap. Now let’s get Aaron Donald to unretire …” — Charles A.
3. “I was a Raider fan for 35 years until I married my Rams fan husband in 2005. Being a Raiders fan is like watching your ignorant cousin set fire to your shed every few months and hoping someone talks him into rehab before he burns down the block.
“Being a Rams fan is like having thoughtful, supportive parents who were homecoming queen and football captain and now work in finance and volunteer for the PTA. Your cousins show up to your birthday parties on time, sober and dressed appropriately. You have a trust fund, a full refrigerator and a sense of humor. It’s truly glorious. Therefore, I can sit back and enjoy as the smartest guys in football do what they love.” — Linda A.
4. “It’s like following a band that:
“Started in one city,
Moved to another,
Moved back,
Had a few rough albums,
Then unexpectedly dropped a Grammy-winning masterpiece.
“And if Aaron Donald actually comes out of retirement, it’ll feel a little like your favorite band announcing a reunion tour after everyone thought they were done. 😄🏈🐏 ” — Patrick G.
5. “Being a Rams fan in 2026 is like getting the teacher’s pet as your partner for a school project in the best way possible. You know they’re going to get the job done.” — Josie C.
Life sure is sweet now for fans of the biggest offseason winner.
Rams leading the way
So far, the Rams have added a future Hall of Fame pass rusher, brought back their MVP quarterback, transformed their secondary into a strength and drafted a potential successor quarterback in the early first round.
And there’s still time to bring back Aaron Donald, with multiple reports that the 35-year-old is seriously contemplating a return.
They are BetMGM’s Super Bowl betting favorites, and some rivals agree they are the league’s best. As our Jeff Howe heard from one league exec in this story:
“In (the Rams’) minds, they were a 2-point conversion away from winning the Super Bowl. It’s a smart way to build their team. They’re trying to maximize their roster with an aging QB.”
Also:
“I think the Myles Garrett trade can put them over the top,” said a second executive. “It gives them the closer on defense that they needed.”
So it’s no surprise to see the Rams atop Mike Jones’ list of offseason winners and losers, which also includes these other winners:
Ravens: They signed a star pass rusher (Trey Hendrickson) away from a division rival, then saw an even better pass rusher (Garrett) leave the division. Baltimore also added intriguing coaches in 43-year-old Jesse Minter and 30-year-old offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. The stock report sure is positive.
Browns: Excluding the quarterbacks, this is a promising young team. If Todd Monken can surprise by reviving Deshaun Watson’s career or positioning Shedeur Sanders for growth, the Browns could be decent. Early returns are encouraging.
Cowboys: After allowing a league-high 30.1 points per game, improving their defense was a priority. They’ve likely done that, thanks in part to investing two first-round picks there, while also retaining (a happy!?) George Pickens. Well done.
The new-look Raiders join the list of winners, with the full list of losers also in the story. I don’t think Packers fans will be pleased.
Extra Points
👀 C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been named the NFL’s most annoying player and biggest trash-talker. In his career, he has been fined nearly $200,000. He’s also won at nearly every stop. He explained to The Athletic why he feels misunderstood.
📓 Next Peyton Manning? To help Fernando Mendoza improve, Tom Brady and the Raiders are leaning on the lessons of a Brady rival who faced the pressure of being a No. 1 pick. Sam Warren has the full story.
▶️ Thursday’s most-clicked: Rams breakout players to watch.
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