​All eyes are on the Los Angeles Rams, but the defending Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks, shouldn’t be underestimated. Seattle boasted a formidable defense last season, and as is common after a championship run, they lost a few pieces while also adding new talent and retaining several absolute studs. This Seahawks squad is likely to remain competitive, and a downturn in their fortunes would benefit the Rams, but with the talent they currently have, Seattle looks primed to be a tough matchup once again.
I personally expect other teams beyond the Seahawks and Rams to be competitive in a major way as we head into 2026. That said, the prevailing sentiment right now seems to center on the Rams and Seahawks as potential title contenders, and while that may or may not come to pass, it isn’t a far-fetched take. Both teams appear poised to compete at a high level, with the Rams boasting several standout players and Seattle possibly having even more confidence than any other squad in the league. We’ll see how it unfolds, but for now, the focus is clearly on a deep, high-stakes race between two familiar favorites.
Leonard Williams has been a dominant force on the Seahawks’ defensive line since he arrived in a 2023 trade and has earned recognition as one of the league’s top defensive tackles. ESPN’s annual position rankings, determined by votes from NFL coaches, executives, and scouts, placed him at the top of the category, underscoring the impact of his presence on Seattle’s defense. Devon Witherspoon, meanwhile, earned a top-five ranking among corners, illustrating the Seahawks’ strength on both sides of the ball.
That sentiment is echoed by NFL insiders, with one coordinator noting, “(Williams) was the most important player on that Super Bowl team. He’s the total package.” His impact is widely regarded as a key element of Seattle’s continued competitiveness, even as the league evolves around them.
Meanwhile, headlines around the broader NFL landscape have highlighted notable movements. For instance, reports emerged that a legendary figure spent time training at the Los Angeles Rams’ facility in Woodland Hills. According to TMZ, the veteran star spent roughly an hour on the Rams’ practice field, executing a rigorous routine that included ladder drills, medicine-ball throws, and agility work, pushing himself to the limit before eventually appearing worn out. This kind of cross-team training moment fuels speculation about how a veteran presence can influence a franchise’s preparation and performance in the lead-up to the season.
On the Rams’ offensive side, the club enjoyed a standout year, with the emergence of tight end Colby Parkinson marking one of the season’s notable surprises. Parkinson stepped into a substantial role within Sean McVay’s heavy 13-personnel packages, delivering a breakout campaign that included 43 receptions, 408 yards, and a franchise-record eight touchdowns. His production helped anchor the Rams’ aerial attack and underscored the team’s offensive versatility. Yet, prognosticators warn against expecting a repeat of those career-best numbers in 2026. Bleacher Report analyst Moe Moton cautions that Parkinson’s 2026 output could diverge from his 2023-24 peak, projecting a potential bust risk for the veteran pass-catcher if expectations aren’t managed properly.
All told, the 2026 NFL season promises a vibrant mix of continuity and change for these teams. The Rams possess a core of impactful veterans and rising stars who can propel them deep into the playoffs, while Seattle’s fortified defense and proven contributors keep them squarely in the championship conversation. As training camps open and rosters take final shape, fans should expect a season full of intense matchups, strategic evolutions, and performances that could redefine each team’s trajectory. Thanks for checking out Turf Show Times—enjoy your Saturday as we watch these storylines unfold.