Sony no baloney! With the season starting less than a month and injuries mounting, the Rams trade for RB Sony Michel to bolster their depleted running back room. Los Angeles will send a 2022 6^th round pick and a 2023 4^th round pick to New England in exchange for the 2018 first round selection. Michel did not live up to expectations with the Patriots but provides solid veteran stability for the Rams. Let’s look at the Fantasy positions as Los Angeles prepares for their last preseason game.

 

Quarterback: QB Mathew Stafford has been having a solid training camp and is ready to get to the real games as McVay has held out most of his starters from preseason games. Even with the addition of Michel, Los Angeles will rely heavily on Stafford and the passing game for offensive success. Mathew has been ranked anywhere from 9-13 and has potential to finish even higher. I do not mind taking Stafford as my QB1, especially if get him several rounds later than the other starting fantasy quarterbacks.

 

Running Back: With RB Cam Akers out for the year, RB Darrell Henderson was expected to be the lead back; however, after suffering a sprained thumb, the Rams realized Darrell’s propensity to miss time with injury and traded for RB Sony Michel. Sony has his own injury issues but should be a nice complement to Henderson. I think the trade helps the Rams tremendously but limits each player’s Fantasy value. RB Xavier Jones and RB Jake Funk will see their roles diminish greatly and now neither is guaranteed a spot on the 53-man roster, although I think both do make it. Before the trade, Henderson was a potential low end RB1, now he is a decent RB2 at best. Michel becomes the sleeper because if Henderson misses extended time, Sony could produce good numbers as the lead back.

 

Receivers: WR Robert and WR Cooper Kupp continue to be ranked close to each other and rightfully so as either could lead the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. The Rams have been giving WR Desean Jackson the veteran rest treatment in hopes of preserving him for the regular season. I think Jackson will provide big splash plays but I believe second year WR Van Jefferson has more receptions and yards at the end of the year. Van is better built/equipped to be the Ram’s third receiver and I like him as a late round sleeper. Rookie WR Tutu Atwell has had a lot of preseason action but his biggest contribution this year will probably be as a return man.

 

Tight End: TE Tyler Higbee has not played in any of the games but he reportedly has developed a nice rapport with Stafford. I think Tyler has his best season as a professional and should be considered a lower end TE1. TE Johnny Mundt is number two on the depth chart while Rookie TE Jacob Harris has potential but is just learning to be a tight end. Neither player has any Fantasy value.

 

Kicker: PK Matt Gay is the starting kicker and should get many opportunities with this offense; however, he has had a few struggles this preseason and is no lock to be the Ram’s kicker for the entire season if those struggles continue. Consider Matt a high risk high reward Fantasy player.

 

Defense: The defense has played well at times this preseason and that is without their stars. Once the real games begin, DT Aaron Donald, LB Leonard Floyd, DB Jalen Ramsey will be counted on to dominate their opponents. For Fantasy purposes, I like Donald and the top IDP. If your league requires defined positions, then Floyd, Ramsey DB Jordan Fuller and even DB Taylor Rapp could be assets for your Fantasy team. One rookie who deserves a mention for his play against the Raiders is seventh round LB Chris Garrett. First he tipped a pass that was intercepted, and then on the next series, Garrett had a tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble! If this youngster can play like that on a regular basis, the Rams got themselves the steal of the Draft.

 

Good luck to everyone as Fantasy Drafts are in full swing and hope all of you stay safe and healthy. Vaccinate, wear a mask, and continue with other safety protocols so we can get through this season together. God is good all the time! If you believe and have faith you know what I mean, if you don’t, then now is a good time to learn. Prayers go out to my brother Scratch. Keep the faith Bro and continue to persevere! Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops! Aloha!

 

End.