LET THE GAMES BEGIN! And I do not mean the Olympics! The Rams finished the preseason with a 2-2 record and cautious optimism. RB Steven Jackson came to his senses and agreed to a new deal and there were only a few significant injuries in the preseason; none to players the Rams can’t replace (I am keeping my fingers crossed for the health of Pace). After a horrible first two preseason games, Bulger and the first string offence showed improvement in game 3 against the Ravens, scoring their first two touchdowns in a preseason game since Linehan became the Head Coach. The Rams have a tough schedule and open the season in Philadelphia so Jackson better be in shape and ready for some punishment. Most Fantasy Drafts are this week so here is my take on the Fantasy prospects for the 2008 Rams.

QB: If QB Marc Bulger can master Al Saunders offense and get decent protection from the O-line, he could be a steal. Due to his (and the team’s) early struggles, Bulger has been falling down most Fantasy Cheat Sheets. If you can get him after the first wave of Quarterbacks is taken you could have great value. Make sure your other Quarterback is sturdy because there is always the chance of Bulger going down with an injury. QB Trent Green is probably even more brittle as his backup. It looks like QB Brock Berlin has beaten out QB Bruce Gradkowski for the third Quarterback spot, but he still has no Fantasy value.

RB: RB Steven Jackson might take a few games to get into "game shape" but should still be considered a top five running back. RB Antonio Pittman appears to have locked up the "handcuff" position to Jackson as RB Brian Leonard tries to come back from a shoulder injury. The Rams need Jackson to stay healthy, which is never a guarantee and even more precarious due to his long holdout resulting in Steven missing all of training camp and the preseason. If you draft Jackson, pick up Pittman in the later rounds; however, do not expect the same productivity if Jackson should go down.

WR: WR Torry Holt says his knee feels better this year than last year and even though he missed some time with a stiff back, he should be 100% for the opener. I expect Holt to have slightly better numbers than last year with Saunders calling the plays and hopefully better health and performance from the O-line. Drew Bennett continues to disappoint as the man trying to replace the once great Ike Bruce (no longer great, wearing a 49er jersey) and even though he is the other starter, I would not draft him. WR Donnie Avery and WR Keenan Burton played well in the preseason, unfortunately, Avery is having trouble staying healthy (first the pelvis now a strained knee). Either rookie could surprise this year. WR Dante Hall will be the main return man for the Rams.

TE: TE Randy McMichael had a productive preseason and looks to have a much better year than last year in this new offense. TE Anthony Becht and TE Joe Klopfenstein are the backups but neither has Fantasy value.

K: PK Josh Brown needs to work on his consistency. Preseason misses are not acceptable for high priced free agent kickers. The Rams will need to capitalize on any scoring opportunity that they get this year. Because St. Louis is not considered an offensive power, Brown could have decent Draft value this year.

DEF: The defense appears to be steadily improving, but right now the only IDP’s worth having are DE Leonard Little (who looks like his old sack happy self) and LB Will Witherspoon (who had a groin injury but should be ok). If your league has team defense and special teams, the Rams could be a good bargain. They should be better at stopping the run and putting pressure on the opposing Quarterback and Hall is still a threat to take a punt or kickoff to the house.

It is like Christmas Eve for Football fans and I hope Rams fans do not get another lump of coal like they did last year. If St. Louis players can stay healthy, the potential is there, offensively and defensively, for a successful season on the field and in Fantasy Land. Good luck to all. Have a safe trip Scratch. Your crown is in danger! Aloha!