Time for the real games! Los Angeles finished the pre-season at 2-1 and finalized their 53-man roster. Now they prepare for their home opener against the Houston Texans on September 7. There were no big surprises on the final roster, but there were a few moves the Rams made that raised the eyebrows of many fans. Let’s take a look at current Fantasy positions heading into regular season.

QUARTERBACK: QB Matthew Stafford has practiced the past two weeks and is scheduled to start to opener. QB Jimmy Garoppolo will be the backup and QB Stetson Bennett number three. Jimmy G did not play in any preseason games and the hope is that he does not have to play in the regular season either. With the talent in place around him, Stafford has the potential to be a quality QB2 in Fantasy.

RUNNING BACK: RB Kyren Williams has a nice new contract and is ready to earn his big raise. Second year RB Blake Corum should be the primary reliever with rookie RB Jarquez Hunter providing the change of pace role. Los Angeles kept only three running backs and I think that should suffice as long as they stay healthy. Kyren is a solid RB1 in Fantasy and should be taken within the first two rounds. Corum is the handcuff to start the season.

WIDE RECEIVER: WR Puka Nacua and WR Davante Adams are poised for big years and I am excited to see the pair in action. WR Tutu Atwell is WR3 and should get a lot of 1 on 1 opportunities in this offense. Second year WR Jordan Whittington provides good depth and could blossom into a star in the next year or two. Rookie WR Konata Mumpfield made the roster and will compete with third year WR Xavier Smith for offensive snaps. Smith is the main punt return man. Nacua is a WR1 and Adams a WR2 in Fantasy leagues.

TIGHT END: TE Tyler Higbee is healthy and leads this crowded position group as the Rams kept four tight ends. Rookie TE Terrance Ferguson had a nice debut in the last preseason game against the Browns. T-Ferg has the most potential to develop into a weapon in this offense. Ram tight ends have not been good Fantasy producers; however, Ferguson might be the exception to the rule.

KICKER: PK Joshua Karty has been so good since the second half of last season that the Rams did not even bring in another kicker for training camp. Karty should be a really good Fantasy kicker.

DEFENSE: This defense has reportedly been dominating in joint practices and I am excited to see them do the same in the regular games. The most questionable roster cut was 5^th round pick LB Pooh Paul whom the Rams traded two picks to move up to select him. Los Angeles kept LB Troy Reeder over Paul, which many fans did not agree with. The line with ED Jared Verse, DL Braden Fiske, NT Poona Ford, DL Kobie Turner, and ED Byron Young could be very special in year two of DC Chris Shula’s tenure. LB Nate Landman and LB Omar Speights will start as the inside linebackers and both could be viable IDPs. Congratulations to UDFA LB Shaun Dolac for making the 53-man roster. DB Quentin Lake will be a Captain for the second year in a row and is another viable IDP. If your League plays team defense and special teams, the Rams could be a solid choice.

Matthew Stafford appears ready to lead this team on another Super Bowl run and the defense could also be Super Bowl caliber. This is a very exciting time of year and I want to congratulate QB Dillon Gabriel on earning the QB2 spot in Cleveland. Good luck to everyone heading into their Fantasy Drafts. Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops and Scratch! God Bless!

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