Rams' expectation of repeating as NFC West champions just became a lot more likely

The Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns made a trade earlier today, sending superstar defensive end Myles Garrett out West. This is a huge deal, and one that is shaking the NFL world. 

With the Seattle Seahawks coming off a Super Bowl championship in 2025 and the San Francisco 49ers retooling this offseason for another playoff push, the Rams needed this deal to move the needle. Garrett's move to the Rams is being considered as one of the biggest trades on the defensive side of the ball in NFL history. 

The Rams have won the NFC West title four times in the last eight years, and are the reigning winners. This recent move has catapulted them back into the favorites column, where, before the move, they were very closely tied with the 49ers.

The defensive line now consists of Braden Fiske and Garrett on the ends. And then, it will be Kobie Turner and Poona Ford down the middle. Expect this defensive front to be understandably frustrating to play against, as opposing offensive lines will have their hands full. 

One of the best run defenses in the NFL last season just got a sack machine in Garrett. Last season, the Rams only allowed a league-low eight touchdowns and a lowly 4.3 yards-per-carry. Garrett is the reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year, as he set an NFL record with 23 sacks in 2025. 

As it stands now, the Rams are heavy favorites to win the NFC West and this deal pushes them into the favorite to win it all in 2026. 

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