COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF! After losing to the Cowboys in Hawaii, the Rams get their first victory of the preseason beating the Denver Broncos 10-6. Los Angeles closes out the preseason this week against the Houston Texans. Most of the Ram starters have rested during the preseason so they should be healthy and rested for the opener. Let’s take a look at the current Fantasy positions heading into the final week of preseason. I will also mention several young players fighting for roster spots even if they have minimal Fantasy impact heading into the season.

QB: QB Jared Goff is the franchise quarterback and QB Blake Bortles is the established veteran reserve. QB Brandon Allen and QB John Wolford have been competing for the third spot; however, I believe the Rams keep only two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. If Los Angeles decides to keep one of the two youngsters on the practice squad I believe it will be Wolford who has shown some play-making ability.

RB: RB Todd Gurley is the leader of this group and is a top five talent when healthy. Rookie RB Darrell Henderson got all a lot of hype after being drafted in the third round; however, he has look average in preseason. RB Malcom Brown has been held out most of the exhibition games, which could mean the Rams value him as Gurley’s true handcuff. Second year RB John Kelly has looked better than Henderson when given the opportunity and should be out RB Justin Davis as the fourth running back if the Rams keep that many.

WR: WR Bradin Cooks, WR Robert Woods, WR Cooper Kupp, and WR Josh Reynolds are the established top four receivers. HC Sean McVay has said that WR Michael Thomas has separated himself as the fifth receiver; however, WR Khadarel Hodge continues to make plays and could still surprise. Undrafted free agent WR Nsimba Webster has been one of the top performers in preseason and has a realistic chance of beating out punt and kick return man WR Jojo Natson, who scored a touchdown against the Cowboys but also lost a fumbled punt return. I have been impressed with the Lion King (yup I went there) and hope he get an opportunity on this team.

TE: TE Tyler Higbee and TE Gerald Everett are locked in as the top two tight ends. The Rams like TE Johnny Mundt as the blocking specialist and he has made some nice catches in preseason action so I think he makes the team. The other tight ends competing for a roster spot have not done anything to establish themselves.

K: PK Greg Zuerlein is poised for a big season so PK Brock Mille time (yup went there too) is about over.

DEF: Even though McVay has done his best to protect his players, injuries still occur, and scheduled starting LB Micah Kiser suffered a significant chest injury against the Cowboys. Micah had surgery and will be out a while so LB Bryce Hager is slated to fill his spot next to Pro-Bow, LB Cory Littleton. Kiser’s injury is a bummer as he was really coming on as a player. Hopefully he makes a full recovery and returns to pre-injury form. Undrafted LB Natrez Patrick and second year LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo have played well on the outside and both have made strong cases to make the team. Rookie LB Dakota Allen and second year LB Travin Howard have been making plays all over the field from their inside linebacker spots and their chances to make the team improved with Kiser’s injury. Rookie DB Taylor Rapp has been consistent and productive and looks like he could be a good player for this team. There are a lot of new pieces on this unit and I am excited to see them perform.

The regular season is about to commence and Fantasy Drafts are in full swing. Good luck to everyone (except Owners in my leagues!). Have fun and select players that you like but make sure you do not draft QB Andrew Luck or RB Lamar Miller. I wish Andrew a happy retirement and Lamar a full recovery. Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops! Aloha!

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