The Los Angeles Rams are riding high, and according to multiple Week 12 power rankings, they’re the top dog in the NFL. With an 8-2 record and serious swagger, they’ve earned the No. 1 spot, and for once, they’re not just riding a wave of hype, they’re making it.
ESPN’s November 18 poll of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities placed the Rams at the top after their tense 21-19 win over the Seahawks. According to the ESPN panel, special teams remain a concern, a lingering weak spot that could derail things, but the Rams have largely patched their issues, and the rest of the roster is doing its job in dominant fashion.
On the flip side, NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk also keeps L.A. at No. 1, calling out how narrow the margin was in their recent Seahawks showdown but applauding the resilience. So what exactly makes this Rams squad the one to beat? Well, it’s not just one thing, it’s everything.
Why the Rams Are Rocking
1. Grit Over Glory Wins
That 21-19 victory over Seattle wasn’t a blowout. It was a measured, scratch and claw grind. ESPN’s report on the game noted that the Rams are finally managing to fix their special teams issues, a crucial area that had given them fits earlier in the season. Rather than throwing in the towel after mistakes, the team made the tweaks it needed, especially at long snapper and kicker. ESPN highlights how the Rams replaced Alex Ward with Jake McQuaide at long snapper and brought in Harrison Mevis at kicker. Since then, they haven’t attempted a field goal, which may sound weird, but when Mevis is nailing every extra point, that’s one way to lean into what’s working.
2. Leadership That Stays Cool Under Fire
Head coach Sean McVay deserves a tip of the hat. He’s getting this team to deliver when it matters most, close games, tight ends. Sure, ESPN’s ranking noted pressure on special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, but the fact that the rest of the roster is holding things together so well speaks volumes about McVay’s leadership. Add in a top performing defense and a steadily improving offense, and you’ve got a playoff worthy formula.
3. Balanced Roster, Check
The Rams aren’t leaning solely on one superstar or flashy gadget plays. Their strength right now is balance. The defense is doing its job, the offense isn’t overcomplicating things, and the special teams, once a glaring weakness, is now quietly reliable. Their ability to win close games, stay disciplined, and grind out results is what makes them dangerous. Multiple power rankers are noticing it, and betting against them now feels risky.
4. Respect From Across the League
Power rankings don’t lie. When both ESPN and PFT, two very different kinds of analysts, agree that you’re No. 1, something’s up. The Rams aren’t just stacking wins, they’re stacking respect. And with only a handful of games left before real playoff implications set in, that respect is building into momentum.
5. The Big Picture
Yes, there are risks. Special teams remain under watch, and small mistakes could unravel the fragile margin that’s allowed L.A. to creep into dominance. But the bigger picture says they’re not just a flash in the pan, they’ve got staying power. ESPN’s poll explicitly warns that if kicking issues return, McVay might have to make changes. That transparency shows two things, skill plus accountability. When you’re at the top, you don’t just celebrate, you fix.
What’s Ahead for the Rams
With the Rams sitting at No. 1, every opponent sees them as giant killers now. That puts a target on their backs, and maybe that’s exactly where they belong. If they keep protecting narrow leads, winning close games, and keeping their cool, they might not just be No. 1 now, they could be the story of the season.
Lo and behold, the Rams might just be the real deal. They’re not perfect, but they’re steady, dangerous and playing like a team that knows what’s at stake. And in a league as ruthless as the NFL, that might be more than enough.