Over before it starts! The Rams opened training camp this week but did so without projected starting RB Cam Akers as the second year player injured his Achilles and will miss the entire 2021 season. It was a devastating blow to the Rams and Fantasy Owners, but most of all to the young stud who was poised for a breakout season. Let’s take a look at the Fantasy positions as the team opens training camp.

QUARTERBACK: QB Matthew Stafford has generated a lot of optimism in the off season and that attitude has not changed after the first week of camp. Stafford is a seasoned veteran with topnotch skills that has been on display early and often for his new team. The loss of Akers probably means Matthew and the passing game will be counted on more than originally planned. I think Stafford continues to improve along with his new teammates and could be a pretty good QB1 for Fantasy.

RUNNING BACK: Prayers and blessings go out to RB Cam Akers as he recovers from the terrible injury that will put him on injured reserve for the year. In the "next man up" NFL business, third year RB Darrell Henderson will be given the lead back role. Darrell has been productive when on the field; however, he has dealt with his own injuries and might be better in a running back by committee situation to limit the wear and tear on his body. Los Angeles is thin at the running back position but HC Sean McVay says the team is not looking to add a veteran right now and will give his young and inexperienced players the opportunity to make up for the loss of Akers. RB Xavier Jones was a 2020 undrafted rookie who made the team but only played on special teams. RB Raymond Calais was drafted by Tampa Bay but the Rams took him before the Bucs could put him on their practice squad. Rookie 7^th round pick RB Jake Funk is another special team’s ace with untapped potential as a running back. If one of these youngsters can step up to be a dependable complement to Henderson, that would be a tremendous gift for this team. For fantasy purposes, Darrell could be a high end RB2, especially if he can stay healthy.

WIDE RECEIVER: WR Robert Woods and WR Cooper Kupp continue to lead this talented group and veteran WR DeSean Jackson has flashed his elite speed early in camp. Second year WR Van Jefferson has a chance to contribute to this offense and should take advantage of his opportunity with rookie WR Tutu Atwell temporarily out due to Covid. Woods and Kupp should be starting for Fantasy teams and Jackson could be a nice sleeper. See how the preseason goes for Jefferson and Atwell. The youngsters could have long term dynasty value.

TIGHT END: TE Tyler Higbee has a great opportunity to be fantasy relevant. His quarterback is elite and capable of boosting his play and he does not have to share snaps with anyone as Gerald Everett signed with Seattle. Rookie TE Jacob Harris has potential to develop but is currently dealing with a core injury that will keep him out a while. TE Johnny Mundt is more of a blocker and second year TE Brycen Hopkins needs more improvement before he can contribute. I like Higbee as a solid TE2 right now.

KICKER: PK Matt Gay is in line to be the starting kicker for an offense that should provide many scoring opportunities. If you miss out on one of the top rated kickers, Matt could deliver a great return on your draft investment.

DEFENSE: DC Raheem Morris has taken over this unit and so far the players have only good things to say about their coach. Since camp has just started, the top defensive players remain the same. DL Aaron Donald is a unanimous fantasy stud while CB Jalen Ramsey and LB Leonard Floyd have potential to be every week IDPs. Whomever starts at linebacker could contribute too and I think it will be either Rookie LB Ernest Jones or veteran LB Micah Kiser. I will keep you posted on the developments through camp.

The Cam Akers injury was a huge blow and hopefully he comes back 100% next season. One of my good friends from high school and a long time fantasy player Pete passed away unexpectedly this month and like the Akers injury, it was a terrible reminder of how fleeting our time on earth is. Take the time to care for others and show love to everyone because you really never know if or when you will get that chance again! Thank you Pete for all the laughs and good times; our league will not be the same without you! 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!

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