Let the (pre-season) games begin! The Rams open the 2022 pre-season with a 29-22 victory over the neighborly rival Chargers. As usual all of the starters and sat this game out and even a few depth players rested. These pre-season games do not count but they definitely matter as many youngsters get to make their case to earn a spot on the Rams and another NFL team. Let’s take a look at the current status for Fantasy positions as the team prepares for their second pre-season game.

QUARTERBACK: QB Matthew Stafford is ready to take the next step in this offense; however, his participation in camp has been limited due to discomfort in his right (throwing) elbow. The level of concern for fans and Fantasy Owners is all over the place but I think he will be fine as long as he does not take too many hits to that arm. When he plays, Stafford is a top 8 Fantasy quarterback. As a precaution, QB John Wolford did not play against the Chargers. QB Bryce Perkins played the entire game and did very well, rushing for a touchdown and passing for two while not turning the ball over.

RUNNING BACK: RB Cam Akers has had a strong camp but is currently dealing with what HC Sean McVay describes as a soft tissue injury. RB Darrell Henderson has the same issue as Cam so both will sit out of practice for the foreseeable future. Hopefully the injuries go away and they both get back to 100% soon. In their absence, third year RB Jake Funk and rookie RB Kyren Williams will try to impress the coaching staff to earn more than just a roster spot.

WIDE RECEIVER: WR Cooper Kupp and WR Allen Robinson have had good camps and should both have big years as long as Stafford is playing. WR Van Jefferson is recovering from minor knee surgery that has delayed his progress. Van has a chance to be back for the opener but the Rams must not be counting on that as both WR Tutu Atwell and WR Ben Skowronek sat out the Charger game. The star of the game was undrafted rookie free agent WR Lance McCutcheon who caught 5 passes for 80+ yards and two touchdowns. He also caught a 2-point conversion and created two pass interference penalties against the Chargers. This young stud has also been impressive in camp and is making a strong case to make the 53-man roster. The Rams have no chance to sneak him on to the practice squad as some other NFL team could use his talents.

TIGHT END: TE Tyler Higbee, TE Kendall Blanton, and TE Brycen Hopkins are the top three tight ends and if the Rams keep McCutcheon as the seventh receiver, then they will only keep three tight ends. Second year TE Jacob Harris is injured again and might be the odd man out.

KICKER: PK Matt Gay is the unquestioned starter but rookie PK Cameron Dicker is making his case to be the starting punter. Dicker has added value as he can place kick in addition to his punting skills.

DEFENSE: None of the starters or needed depth players was on the field against the Chargers. DL Aaron Donald has been dominant in camp and LB Bobby Wagner has adapted well with his new team. Wagner will wear the green dot and call out the defensive plays for DC Raheem Morris. Second year LB Ernest Jones has been learning from Wagner and is poised to have a solid season. All Pro CB Jalen Ramsey is back on the field and should be good to go in the opener. This unit has the potential to be a top three defense with several IDP stars.

The NFL pre-season is in full swing, which means Fantasy Draft Season has started. Good luck to everyone in their upcoming drafts. Be safe and care for others. Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops and Scratch! Aloha!

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