Ring ME! The Rams received their Super Bowl rings (amazing rings like no other) and get ready to kick off training camp as they prepare to defend their championship. It has been a busy but very productive off season for Los Angeles and this team could possibly be better than the 2021 team the just won the Super Bowl. Let’s take a look at the Fantasy positions as the team opens training camp.

QUARTERBACK: QB Matthew Stafford thrived in his first year with McVay as he passed for 4886 yards and 41 touchdowns, He did throw too many interceptions (17) but he should improve across the board in year two. The Rams traded Robert Woods to the Titans but they signed WR Allen Robinson to start across Offensive Player of the Year WR Cooper Kupp. Stafford should also have a healthy RB Cam Akers so Matthew has plenty of weapons to produce big numbers. Stafford is a solid QB1 for Fantasy.

RUNNING BACK: RB Cam Akers made a miraculous recovery from a summer Achilles injury but was understandably rusty during the Super Bowl run. Cam worked hard in the off season to make sure that he was healthy and ready to attack the upcoming season. RB Darrell Henderson has been productive when on the field but he too has dealt with injuries that limited his availability. The Rams drafted RB Kyren Williams who was one of the top receiving and pass blocking backs in this year’s draft class; however, he suffered a broken foot in mini-camp so his development will be delayed. The team has several other young and unproven backs and all suffered significant injuries last year. If Akers can regain the form he showed at the end of his rookie season, he could produce RB1 numbers and be a valuable piece for the Rams and your Fantasy team.

WIDE RECEIVER: OPOY WR Cooper Kupp had the most productive season ever for a receiver and his success with Stafford in their first season together was unbelievable. WR Allen Robinson signed as a free agent and should benefit playing with Stafford who is the best quarterback he has had during his career. Robinson should also take advantage of the lighter coverages he should see opposite Kupp. WR Van Jefferson will be the third receiver again and was very productive in that role last year. It sounds odd, but WR Tutu Atwell is in a make or break season in just his second year with the team. Atwell struggled as a rookie and really needs to step it up to avoid being a bust. Kupp is the top receiver in Fantasy and I think Robinson will produce low end WR1 numbers himself. Jefferson is a nice depth/insurance piece, especially if you draft Robinson or Kupp.

TIGHT END: TE Tyler Higbee did not play in the Super Bowl due to injury but he is back and anxious to contribute. TE Kendall Blanton and TE Brycen Hopkins stepped up big time when their numbers were called in the Super Bowl run and they will compete for the second tight end spot. Like Atwell, second year TE Jacob Harris ended his rookie season on injured reserve and needs to prove himself worthy of a roster spot. Higbee is a decent TE2 in Fantasy.

KICKER: PK Matt Gay had a great season in 2021 and will be one of the top rated kickers this year. I have seen in ranked number one in some publications. Matt has a lot going for him, most notably a great offense playing in a warm weather city with a covered stadium. He should be one of the first if not the first kicker selected.

DEFENSE: This unit improved as the season progressed and should be even better in its second season under DC Raheem Morris. The Rams lost several key players from last year’s squad, most notably Von Miller; however, the Rams added future Hall of Famer LB Bobby Wagner and he should help tremendously. Look for Wagner and All-World DL Aaron Donald to be the top IDPs for Los Angeles but keep an eye on LB Ernest Jones who showed flashes in his rookie season and should thrive playing alongside Wagner. All Pro CB Jalen Ramsey started camp on the PUP after having shoulder surgery but he should be fine by the time the season starts.

Super Bowl Champions often loose key players and the Rams lost starters on both sides of the ball. For me the biggest question mark is can young OT Joseph Noteboom take over for retired Captain Andrew Whitworth. The Rams do not need Noteboom to be the team leader that Whitworth thrived as but they do need him to protect Stafford’s blind side and also open running lanes for Akers and others. If Noteboom handles his duties and earns the big paycheck that he received, the O-line should be fine. The start of training camps signals the start of the Fantasy Season. Cherish these times and enjoy with family and friends. 2021 was a tough year personally as my Brother Stratton and good friend Pete went to Heaven to be with our Lord. When we suffer loss or tragedy it is human nature to ask "why". Being a man of Faith I have learned that we should not ask "why" because we won’t get an answer we can understand and more so it shows lack of Faith. Rather than "why" we should ask God "what" as in "what can I do to make things better?" Try this approach next time you are down and see how it can improve your situation. Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops and Scratch! Aloha!

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