NFL Offseason Check-In on the Rams, Lions, Bears & More

The Seahawks, despite winning the Super Bowl last year, are being systematically overlooked in 2026 despite being as strong as ever, according to Rich Eisen and Chris Brockman. They argue that the lack of respect stems from Sam Darnold’s absence from the Madden cover and his non-mention in top-five quarterback conversations, even though he led a championship team. The duo also dissect the Rams’ massive offseason move acquiring Miles Garrett, calling it a seismic shift that raises expectations to 'failure' if they don’t win it all—though they acknowledge injuries could derail even the best-laid plans. Meanwhile, the Bears’ potential move to Indiana is framed not as a logistical issue but as a cultural and emotional crisis for fans, with the Madden cover serving as a symbolic omen. The conversation also touches on the tush push’s resurgence, the Lions’ high expectations for Jameer Gibbs, and the Packers’ long-term gamble on Micah Parsons’ return—highlighting how team-building decisions now are measured not just by wins, but by long-term cultural and psychological impact. The episode reveals a deeper truth: in modern NFL discourse, perception is as powerful as performance. A quarterback on a cover, a team’s stadium location, or a coach’s public demeanor can shape narrative momentum more than actual talent. The Rams’ 'dream team' status is built on optics and media narrative, not just roster depth.