Preseason Grades: Rams Shine While Falcons Struggle With QB Questions

The 2026 preseason delivered mixed signals across the league, with the Los Angeles Rams emerging as one of the summer's clear winners while the Atlanta Falcons stumbled through a forgettable stretch. The Rams benefited from the return of Aaron Donald, whose presence alone stabilizes a defense that has long been built around his ability to collapse opposing offenses. Even in limited preseason action, Donald's impact was evident, and the team's overall performance suggested they've maintained continuity through the offseason.

For Atlanta, the story was far less encouraging. The Falcons' preseason struggles were compounded by persistent questions at the quarterback position—a situation that typically raises red flags for a team's overall readiness. When fundamental uncertainty exists at such a critical spot, it tends to ripple through every level of preparation, from offensive line cohesion to play-calling confidence.

What it means going forward. Preseason grades don't always translate to regular-season success, but they do offer a window into how well teams have constructed rosters and executed coaching plans. The Rams' strong showing suggests they're ready to compete from Week 1, while Atlanta faces the dual challenge of settling their QB situation while rebuilding momentum after a disappointing summer.

From a betting perspective, the Rams' solid preseason could factor into early-season win totals and point spreads, particularly in division matchups where preparation and confidence matter. Conversely, the Falcons' struggles and QB uncertainty might warrant caution on their early-season lines until clarity emerges at the position.

Source: original report ↗