Preseason is here! The Rams finished training camp and won their first preseason game of the year with a last minute touchdown pass from QB Stetson Bennett. The Rams have been battling through numerous injuries during camp but according to HC Sean McVay most of the players involved should be ready for the season opener in Detroit. The best news since last month’s report is that Matthew Stafford’s contract has been taken care of and he reported to camp on time with his teammates. Let’s take a look at current Fantasy positions and how the roster could shake out.

QUARTERBACK: Franchise QB Matthew Stafford has had a strong camp and will not see any preseason action. He experienced hamstring tightness this week and missed practice time. The team is saying the situation is minor and the rest was precautionary but with Matthew’s age and injury history, any time off draws concern. QB Jimmy Garoppolo is suspended for the first two regular season games and will not play in the preseason similar to Stafford. QB Stetson Bennett played the entire game against the Cowboys and threw four interceptions, which is totally unacceptable, especially when you consider it was against players fighting to make the Cowboy roster. In Bennett’s defense, it was his first live game action in a year and even with the turnovers, he put together the game winning drive. For the Rams and fantasy Owners, it all comes down to Stafford’s health. If he is good to go, the team and its offensive stars will shine. If Matthew misses significant time during the season, it could be perilous for all invested parties. How long Stafford misses practice will determine how "minor" the injury is.

RUNNING BACK: RB Kyren Williams and Rookie RB Blake Corum both did not dress against the Cowboys, meaning they are entrenched as the top two backs. RB Ronnie Rivers dressed but did not play so he is almost a lock to make the team. RB Boston Scott and second year RB Zach Evans handled the running back duties and Scott was much more productive. Scott is also a better special team’s player than Evans so unless the Rams keep five running backs (unlikely) Evans could be on his way out. I like Evans potential so hopefully they sign him to the practice squad if he does not make the 53-man roster. When the real games start, Williams should be a top ten Fantasy back when healthy. Corum provides occasional game to game production, but if Williams misses any games, Blake could produce similar RB1 numbers.

WIDE RECEIVER: WR Cooper Kupp has been solid throughout camp. WR Puka Nacua was also having a good camp but slightly injured his knee during joint practice with the Chargers a few weeks back. The team says he will be ready for the opener but it would be nice to see him back on the practice field before then. WR DeMarcus Robinson and WR Tutu Atwell both rested against the Cowboys so Rookie WR Jordan Whittington was the featured receiver and he delivered an outstanding performance. Second year WR Xavier Smith had a nice game and is competing with veteran WR Tyler Johnson for possible roster spots. Kupp and Nacua are the unquestioned leaders of this group and both could/should produce WR1 numbers. Robinson could be a sleeper but Whittington is the deep sleeper to keep your eye on. I believe the Rookie would be called upon to step in for either Kupp or Puka should either star not be available.

TIGHT END: TE Tyler Higbee will most likely start the season on the PUP. TE Colby Parkinson rested against the Cowboys while TE Davis Allen played, which means the free agent is slated to start the opener. TE Hunter Long should make the team but his position will be in jeopardy when Higbee returns. I do not recommend any Rams tight end for your Fantasy team.

KICKER: Rookie PK Joshua Karty made all of attempts (two field goals and the game winning extra point) and will be the Rams kicker after the team released kicker Tanner Brown. Karty has potential to be a solid kicker for the Rams and Fantasy teams.

DEFENSE: All of the starters and even core reserves sat against the Cowboys including Rookies DE Jared Verse, DT Braden Fiske, and DE Brennan Jackson. It was a good sign that three rookies are considered to be solid contributors in year one. Two other rookies, DT Tyler Davis and DB Kam Kinchens played well in their debuts and both could develop into key players for this unit. Even without future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, this defense has potential to be very good. DT Kobie Turner and ED Byron Young join LB Ernest Jones to form a young nucleus and if Verse and Fiske continue to develop like they have, I think this group could be special. Jones should lead the team in tackles and be the highest rated IDP for Fantasy.

There is much optimism and excitement for the Rams this summer and only injuries have dampened some of that enthusiasm. Fortunately most of the team will be ready to go against the Lions on September 8 so hopefully they can start the season with a nice road win. Fantasy Drafts are starting up and it is my favorite time of the year. Best wishes to all of you in your drafts (excluding my opponents haha). I hope my reports help you a little bit. Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops and Scratch! Aloha!

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