ESPN's Wild Prediction: The Rams Are Favored To Win More Than Our Defending Champion Seahawks, And the 12s Just Got More Fuel

Alright, 12s, deep breaths. Just when you thought the offseason couldn't get any wilder, ESPN's Football Power Index dropped a bombshell that's got us all shaking our heads. You'd think the *defending Super Bowl champions* would be the clear favorite to rack up the most wins next season, right? Apparently, not according to the computers. ESPN is out here predicting the Los Angeles Rams, of all teams, will have the most Ws in the 2026 NFL season. Can you even believe it? This isn't just a slight, it's a full-on challenge to the Emerald City.

The FPI's Bold, Maybe Blasphemous, Call

So, the ESPN FPI ran its numbers for the upcoming 2026 season, and their list of the top 10 winningest teams is... well, it's something. At the very top, supposedly leading the charge, are the Los Angeles Rams. Yeah, you read that right. The Rams. Our beloved Seattle Seahawks, the team that hoisted the Vince Lombardi trophy just last season, are indeed on the list, but we're sitting at number five. Seriously? This FPI thinks teams like the Ravens, Bills, and Lions will all get more wins than our Hawks. Every team on their supposed "top 10" list is predicted to land somewhere between 10 and 11 wins for the season. It’s hard to wrap your head around when you’re looking at the defending champs.

Why the FPI Thinks the Rams Are the New Hotness

What exactly is ESPN's computer smoking to come up with this kind of prediction? They point to a few key moves the Rams made. First off, they re-signed Matthew Stafford, who they're calling the reigning NFL MVP. Okay, sure, the dude can play. But that's not all. The FPI also highlighted the Rams' aggressive offseason trades, bringing in Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett. These moves, according to the FPI, have significantly strengthened their defense. Apparently, ESPN sees these additions as enough to make the Rams the "clear-cut candidate" to dethrone our Seahawks as the league's top team. It feels like they're just handing out hypotheticals, don't you think? Listen, a computer can crunch all the numbers it wants, but it doesn't account for the heart, the grit, and the undeniable passion of the Seattle Seahawks and the 12s. This prediction isn't a problem, it's motivation. It’s just more fuel to the fire. Our Hawks know what it takes to win, and they've already proven they can go all the way. The 2026 season is drawing closer every day, and if ESPN wants to give someone else the "most wins" crown before a single snap is played, that's fine. It just means our boys will have even more to prove. Let's show them why the defending champions don't back down. Get ready, Seattle, because this just got personal.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.