As part of our 2021 Fantasy Preview series, we present the Los Angeles Rams
Team Overview
The Rams roster is a constant threat to go deep in the playoffs. Their roster is full of solid pieces mixed with some of the best at their position. The way they have gone about it is to trade away draft picks to bring in proven veterans. That has culminated in a trade at the QB position, bringing in Matthew Stafford from the Lions.
With the ability of Sean McVay to call plays on the sidelines, all of the signals are pointing up. One setback they have had is that Cam Akers is now out for the season after suffering an injury that will keep him out for 2021 at the very least.
2021 Fantasy Preview Los Angeles Rams- Projected Depth Chart
Individual Players
Studs
Role Players
- Darrell Henderson: At the moment Henderson looks to be the player that is going to lead the offense. Being a starting running back in this offense allows for fantasy relevance, regardless of ability. Henderson has been a solid stand-in on limited action as a backup running back. With the familiarity he has with the scheme, Henderson is going to be a solid RB2.
- Cooper Kupp: Kupp operates as one of the two top receivers for the team, but has been the one that has had more upside, given his use closer to the goal-line. Part of that usage was the close relationship he had with Jared Goff. Having to make a new relationship with Matthew Stafford could be an issue, but the coaching staff hasn’t changed- so he should have a similar role on your roster.
- Robert Woods: Woods is a PPR target, given the number of looks that he has in the offense, The issue with Woods, like other PPR darlings, is that the number of TDs he scores can be limited. Over the past four seasons, he has averaged just 5 per season.
- Tyler Higbee: Higbee is a role player because of the landscape at the TE position. Last season, the issue with the Rams’ TE position was knowing if it was going to be Tyler Higbee or Gerald Everett that was going to get the targets in the offense, and specifically the redzone. This season, that split isn’t likely to be an issue.
- Matthew Stafford: Stafford steps in to lead this offense, surrounded by the best pieces he has had in his recent career. During his time in Detroit, he was often asked to drag the team to victory with his arm. With the Rams, he should be able to rely on improved play-calling and surrounding cast. Stafford is a streaming option with upside if he clicks into the offense early.
Keep an eye on
- Van Jefferson: Jefferson could be the next receiver on the production line from the Rams. He has had a very limited role to date, but could step up after Josh Reynolds left the team. Combined with the team potentially moving to single-TE sets, there could be more snaps (and therefore production) headed his way.
- Xavier Jones (and others): The Akers injury has left a huge hole in the offense, and as of now there are plenty of different ways it could go. The team hasn’t brought in anyone, and the thought is currently that Xavier Jones is the backup for Henderson, but things can change quickly. Keep an eye on the situation as it unfolds.
Dynasty Stashes
***Note: All projections and discussions are assuming full PPR formats.***
IDP Analysis With IDPIggy
Key Additions
Kareem Orr
Fantasy Football Starters
Aaron Donald (DL), Leonard Floyd (LB), Taylor Rapp (DB), Jordan Fuller (DB)
As difficult as it is to place the LA Rams in the bottom half of the NFL’s D/ST, it is a fair analyst. They are in a difficult division, have a suspect offensive line, and have one of the worst depth charts in the NFL. There should be games that DL Aaron Donald and their excellent secondary dominate the game, but the divisional games alone could be offensive shoot outs.
During the off-season the Rams put an emphasis on retaining a few players. Resigning LB Leonard Floyd was top priority, but keeping starting DB Darious Williams and signing LB Travin Howard for depth was paramount. Some may think Donald tilts the strength of their defense to the line, but the loss of DL Michael Brockers will not so easily be overcome. DBs Jalen Ramsey, Taylor Rapp, and Jordan Fuller join Williams to form one the best secondaries in the league.
The Rams will have top 5 weeks, but will also be exploited in the running game on both sides of the ball. With the loss of RB Cam Akers the offense is almost completely dependent on QB Matthew Stafford. Not only must he deliver on high expectations, he will be asked to stay healthy behind a below average offensive line. Offensive woes could be a difficult barrier for a good defense to overcome.
2021 Fantasy Preview Los Angeles Rams- Stat Projections
Passing
Receiving
Rushing
***Note Player Projections are only fantasy relevant players. Team totals may not add up as we left out players that may not have a significant impact on the season. Projections provided by Rich King and is based on 16 games.***
Team Projection
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Image Credit: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
