The Los Angeles Rams' trip Down Under didn't go as planned, but Las Vegas isn't hitting the panic button just yet. Despite a 27-7 beatdown at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers in Sydney, the Rams remain the odds-on favorites to win Super Bowl 61.
According to ProFootballTalk, the Rams' Super Bowl odds have drifted slightly from +500 to +650, but they still sit atop the board. Meanwhile, the 49ers have leapfrogged them in the NFC West race, now listed at +160 to win the division, followed by the Seahawks (+175), Rams (+205), and Cardinals (+4500).
San Francisco's Super Bowl odds also improved to +1400, tying them with the Kansas City Chiefs for the fifth-best chances of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. But even with the loss, the Rams' overall talent and coaching pedigree keep them in the driver's seat for the ultimate prize.
Injuries and Roster Moves
The Rams are currently dealing with a significant setback: defensive end Myles Garrett was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. Additionally, Aaron Donald is still working his way back from retirement, which has left the defensive line thinner than expected early on.
Despite these hurdles, oddsmakers remain confident that head coach Sean McVay will have his squad firing on all cylinders by the time the playoffs roll around. The Rams' next challenge comes Monday night against the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium, where they enter as a solid favorite.
But the Giants showed plenty of fight in their season opener against the Cowboys, and there's no reason to believe they can't give the Rams a tough test. New York's defense looked aggressive, and their offense showed flashes of potential, so LA can't afford to sleep on them.
Looking Ahead
If the Rams can weather the early storm and get healthy, their path to a deep playoff run remains wide open. The NFC is loaded with contenders, but few rosters boast the combination of star power and experience that Los Angeles possesses.
For more on the Rams' outlook, check out ESPN's model analysis and Schrager's early Super Bowl pick. And if you're curious about the halftime show buzz, the leaked wish list has some interesting names.
One thing is certain: the Rams' season is far from over. With McVay at the helm and a roster built for January, they remain the team to beat—even if the road got a little bumpier after Week 1.
