Rams Draw 5 Super Bowl 61 Picks as Burrow Leads 2026 MVP Vote
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 3
Rams Draw 5 Super Bowl 61 Picks as Burrow Leads 2026 MVP Vote
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 3
Summary
Five of nine experts picked the Los Angeles Rams to win Super Bowl 61, ahead of the Bills and Broncos with two votes each as the 2026 season opens Sept. 9.
Joe Burrow led the MVP ballot with four votes despite Josh Allen entering the year as the betting favorite at +600; Lamar Jackson drew two votes and Drake Maye and Justin Herbert one each.
Will Anderson Jr. was the strongest consensus pick on the board, taking eight of nine Defensive Player of the Year votes, while Patrick Mahomes drew six Comeback Player of the Year votes.
Jahmyr Gibbs topped Offensive Player of the Year with four votes, Jadarian Price and Reuben Bain Jr. led the rookie races with five each, and Penei Sewell paced Protector of the Year with three.
The picks add to a broader preseason view that sees the Rams, Bills, Ravens and Broncos among leading contenders in a 272-game season ending at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.