2026 Super Bowl Outlook: Lions, Rams, and Chargers Positioning

The 2026 Super Bowl will be at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, and Los Angeles Chargers are each noted for odds, roster moves, and factors that could shape their championship paths.

Sports Illustrated

Detroit won its first division title in 30 years in 2023 (12-5, +66 PD) and posted a 9-8 record in 2025. Drew Petzing replaces John Morton as OC; the line must replace tackles Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow with rookie Blake Miller at right tackle and Penei Sewell at left. Defense focuses on depth and safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, while Arnold was released after felony charges. Betting markets list a 10.5-win total at –110 and Super Bowl odds at +1900.

CBS Sports

The Rams renewed 30-year-old tight end Tyler Higbee, linebacker Nate Landman, and safeties Quentin Lake and Kam Curl. Offseason adds Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie on defense; offense keeps Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Left tackle Alaric Jackson faces a domestic-violence arrest and possible suspension; charges were reduced from a felony, yet the team has issued no comment. Vegas odds list the Rams as prohibitive preseason favorites.

Return of core veterans will be Rams' anchor for another Super Bowl plunge

The Chargers added offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and center Tyler Biadasz to protect quarterback Justin Herbert, an MVP candidate. Defense shifts away from coordinator Jesse Minter but retains linebacker Khalil Mack. With the 2026 Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium, the team could “walk right into a home game with the Lombardi Trophy at stake.” The Chargers finished the prior season with 11 wins despite missing starting tackles and bolstered their tight-end group.

Sports Illustrated

Analysts note the Lions’ defense gave up 27+ points in many games and must improve. The Rams’ reliance on Alaric Jackson raises concerns, with no official comment on a contingency plan. For the Chargers, the shift away from Minter is described as “mildly scary” yet also “encouraging,” reflecting mixed views. Jackson’s legal status remains unresolved, and the Lions’ defensive upgrades lack quantification.

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• “What’s the plan at left tackle?” — Nate Atkins, The Athletic

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• “They’re back there again now.” — Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated

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• “Losing him would be a very big deal.” — Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated

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• “I think Justin Herbert, with all this around him, should be an MVP candidate.” — Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated

The Lions open the 2026 season against the New Orleans Saints, the Rams will address the left-tackle situation in training camp, and the Chargers will evaluate their defensive scheme before the league’s preseason begins.

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