Rams, Chargers fans hit panic mode after disastrous starts to 2026 NFL season

The Rams entered the season dreaming of a Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium. Seven weeks later, their fans are torn whether it’s time for a quarterback change, a complete rebuild or if the Super Bowl is still in sight. 

Welcome to panic season in Los Angeles.

According to social media sentiment data compiled by BetOnline Sports & Casino throughout the season, Rams fans ranked among the NFL’s most panicked fan bases on X, alongside the Cowboys, Eagles and Chargers. 

Speaking of the Chargers, things aren’t exactly sunshine and rainbows for the NFL’s only remaining winless team. 

Jim Harbaugh’s squad has stumbled out of the gates to a disastrous 0-6 start, leaving a frustrated fan base wondering how a season that began with playoff expectations has already turned into a nightmare before Halloween. 

Many people picked the Chargers to go to the Super Bowl this season or at least win a playoff game after back-to-back 11-win seasons. Instead, the Bolts are just trying to win one game, period.

The two most panicked fan bases go head-to-head Sunday when the second Battle for LA at SoFi Stadium kicks off at 1:05 p.m. 

If the Chargers lose, fans might already start counting down the days to the 2027 NFL Draft, when their sights will be set on Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. 

If the Rams lose, then it’s definitely time to hit the panic button on a team once considered the Super Bowl favorite.

Thankfully, the Rams revived their season before it slipped away after a 35-21 victory over the Raiders last Sunday at Allegiant Stadium. 

After the embarrassing Week 6 loss to the Cardinals, Rams fans’ frustration was so high that some began to demand the team bench Matthew Stafford and hand the keys to the franchise off to rookie quarterback Ty Simpson.

There’s just one rather inconvenient problem with that strategy:

The Rams don’t own their 2027 first-round draft pick. 

They traded it in the blockbuster deal for Myles Garrett, meaning every additional loss would only improve somebody else’s draft position.

It’s too early for the Rams to throw in the towel on this season and look ahead to the future. Not when humility in the NFL is just a week away. The Rams have gone on midseason runs before, specifically in 2023 and 2024. They’ll need to go on one again to have any shot of winning the NFC West or making the playoffs as a wild-card team. 

The Rams’ once-promising championship odds have plummeted from +500 to +1200. 

The panic felt by fans might be premature, but the frustration is justified. 

This team and this roster is too talented to be losing games in the manner they are losing. Self-inflicted wounds, lack of discipline, untimely penalties and special teams mishaps have caused a team that could easily be 6-1 to instead be below .500 before Halloween. 

And another humiliating loss to the Chargers on Sunday would only make it worse.

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