As the NFL reaches Week 7 of the 2026 season, the 2-4 Los Angeles Rams face pressure following an upset home loss to the Arizona Cardinals, while power rankings change across the league with teams like the 49ers and Chiefs holding firm.
Los Angeles Rams Face Stiff Odds After Home Loss to Arizona Cardinals
Entering the 2026 season as heavy preseason favorites to capture the Super Bowl, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves in unfamiliar territory at 2-4 through six weeks following a 12.5-point home defeat against the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Sean McVay delivered a blunt assessment after Sunday’s contest, stating that We won't win a game unless we figure out how not to beat ourselves.
"We won't win a game unless we figure out how to not beat ourselves."Rams HC Sean McVay after losing to the Cardinals. pic.twitter.com/jZ4KOGLnd2
The club now confronts historical precedent, as no NFL team has started a season 2-4 and reached a Super Bowl. The team will be without receiver Davante Adams for the next six to 10 weeks due to a hamstring injury, while defensive lineman Kobie Turner is sidelined for at least a month.
Power Rankings Shake Up as Contenders Rise and Fall
The San Francisco 49ers hold the top spot entering their matchup against the Washington Commanders, anchored by Brock Purdy’s MVP-caliber play under center. The Kansas City Chiefs use a heavy rushing workload from Kenneth Walker III.
CHAD RYLAND WINS IT FOR THE CARDINALS pic.twitter.com/QfTHlvwVcr
In the AFC North, the Cleveland Browns have engineered a reversal, sitting at 4-2. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are generating momentum, aided by rookie Caleb Williams setting a Next Gen Stats milestone by completing all 24 passes from a clean pocket for 248 yards in a 31-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Offensive Struggles and Injuries Cripple Traditional Powerhouses
The Dallas Cowboys dropped to 2-4 after a 23-13 loss at Green Bay, where coordinator Klayton Adams noted that the team is forced to play with one arm tied behind its back due to an ineffective ground game. Across the league, the Philadelphia Eagles absorbed a blow when quarterback Jalen Hurts was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to multiple blood clots in his lungs.
🏈 SIX FIELD GOALS. ZERO TOUCHDOWNS. ONE HUGE UPSET!The Arizona Cardinals stun the Los Angeles Rams 18-16!With the game on the line, Chad Ryland delivers the winning kick, completing a victory built entirely on field goals. Who needs touchdowns when the kicker can do THAT?! pic.twitter.com/Ws2d3AXJwF
When you’re fighting behind the sticks, it’s hard to get in a rhythm.
Roger Rosengarten, Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle, via ESPN
The Los Angeles Chargers continue to languish at the bottom of the standings at 0-6 under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, watching their average points drop to 15.0 per game while quarterback Justin Herbert deals with interceptions and sacks.
Critical Four-Game Stretch Ahead for Los Angeles
The team travels to face the Las Vegas Raiders—who are currently sitting at 3-3 following three consecutive losses—before hosting the Chargers, traveling to Washington, and meeting Arizona once again. Los Angeles needs to capture at least three of these next four contests to salvage any realistic hope of contending for the division title.
Additional Observations From Around the League
Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid joined Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning, and Bud Grant and Fran Tarkenton as the only head coach-quarterback duos in NFL history with at least three 5-0 starts.
Players missing at least one game include quarterback Kyler Murray due to a concussion, receivers Justin Jefferson with an ankle injury and Jordan Addison with a hamstring issue, running back Jordan Mason with a finger injury, left tackle Christian Darrisaw with a concussion, left guard Donovan Jackson with a knee injury, and tight ends T.J. Hockenson.
Will the Los Angeles Rams manage to secure three wins in their upcoming four-game stretch to save their season?
