Slow out of the blocks! Thank God it was only the first pre-season game as the Ravens trounced the Rams 33-7. HC Sean McVay rested almost all of his starters and the second unit was embarrassed. Los Angeles practiced on Monday and Tuesday in Baltimore and the team got in a lot of good work so McVay decided to give most of his starters the night off rather than risk injury. McVay has not decided if or when the stars will play this preseason as he balances the need for game action and the risk of injury. Similar to last year, DT Aaron Donald is holding out and hopefully will get an extension soon. Let’s take a look at the current Fantasy positions.

QB: QB Jared Goff watched from the sidelines as QB Sean Mannion got the start and played terribly (3-13 for 16 yards and 1 interception). QB Brandon Allen came in after Mannion and fared much better (10-15 for 73 yards and 1 touchdown) albeit against Baltimore’s subs. Neither quarterback instills much confidence so Jared Goff needs to stay healthy if the Rams are to have a successful season.

RB: RB Todd Gurley also had the night off and his primary backup from 2017, RB Malcom Brown had a short night (3-1 rushing). Second year RB Justin Davis (7-41 rushing) and rookie RB John Kelly (13-77 rushing and 2-14 receiving) were impressive as they compete for playing time. Gurley is a top running back and his handcuff will be determined as the preseason progresses. Unlike the quarterbacks, the second and third team running backs played well in Baltimore.

WR: With WR Bradin Cooks, WR Robert Woods, and WR Cooper Kupp all sitting out, the Rams let their understudies play the whole game. It was not a very productive night for the passing offense but at least rookie WR Khadarel Hodge got to score a touchdown. Unfortunately, second year WR Josh Reynolds suffered an ankle injury and will miss the game this week. Cooks, Woods, and Kupp should all be productive but there might not be a clear number one receiver in this offense.

TE: TE Gerald Everett is still nursing a shoulder injury and third year TE Tyler Higbee got the starters night off so TE Temarrick Hemingway got the start. Higbee could be a sleeper if Everett continues to miss time.

K: PK Greg Zuerlein has been kicking well during training camp; however, PK Sam Ficken kicked the extra point against the Ravens. Zuerlein should be 100% when the season opens and is one of the top kickers go get in 2018.

DEF: Second year LB Samson Ebukam was the only starter to play in Baltimore as he needs to gain as much experience as possible. The defense is set at most of the positions with the exception of linebacker. LB Mark Barron is recovering from some injuries but he is expected to be ready to start the season. LB Corey Littleton has been starting in Alec Ogeltree’s spot making the defensive calls and is currently penciled in as the starter next to Barron on the inside. Ebukam has been starting at Robert Quinn’s outside linebacker position and has the potential to be a special player. The other outside spot is still unsettled but hopefully someone will step up and take it. The main missing piece for this squad is Defensive Player of the Year DT Aaron Donald who is still holding out for a new contract. Once Donald is back and everyone gets on the same page, this unit could be dominant.

The Rams take on the Raiders for their second preseason game and ironically will face them again in the regular season opener. McVay has not decided if he will play any of the starters and will definitely keep the game planning to a minimum. The next report we will look at the Fantasy potential for the main players heading into the 2018 season. Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops! Aloha!

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