He’s back! Los Angeles has won its first two preseason games but has done so with franchise QB Matthew Stafford sidelined all of training camp with a back ailment. With the first regular season game only a few weeks away, Stafford finally took the practice field and the hope is that he will be able to start on September 7 against the Houston Texans. The rest of the vibes for the team through camp have been positive so let’s take a look at current Fantasy positions and how the roster is shaping up.

QUARTERBACK: As noted above, QB Matthew Stafford has been dealing with back problems so QB Jimmy Garoppolo and QB Stetson Bennett have been taking most of the snaps in camp. Jimmy G has been held out of both preseason games and Bennett has taken advantage of the extended playing time. The hope is that Stafford is healthy enough to play, but I think Los Angeles keeps all three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster as a precaution in case Matthew has any setbacks (no pun intended).

RUNNING BACK: Congratulations to RB Kyren Williams on his well-deserved contract extension. Williams is a focal point of this offense and his skillset is only surpassed by his character and commitment to the team. Second year RB Blake Corum and rookie RB Jarquez Hunter have had good camps and both have played well in the preseason games as the Rams have held out Williams and the other starters for safety reasons. Williams is the lead dog and I think Corum and Hunter would share the backfield if Kyren was not available.

WIDE RECEIVER: WR Puka Nacua and WR Davante Adams have had strong camps even without QB1 in action. I am eager to see them with Stafford in the lineup. WR Tutu Atwell is WR3 and the top reserve should be second year WR Jordan Whittington. Whittington has sat out the first two games along with the starters, which means Los Angeles has big plans for him. Rookie WR Konata Mumpfield has been up and down and because of the depth at this position, he is not a lock to be on the opening day roster. Third year WR Xavier Smith has developed nicely as a return specialist and playmaker on offense. A sleeper who could make the team is UFA WR Brennan Presley who has great speed and played a major role in the victory over the Chargers.

TIGHT END: TE Tyler Higbee is the returning starter and veteran leader of this position; however, the player with the most upside is rookie TE Terrance Ferguson. Unfortunately, Terrance has been dealing with minor ailments and only returned to practice this week. He has a lot of catching up to do, but T-Ferg could develop into a weapon for McVay in this offense.

KICKER: PK Joshua Karty was inconsistent at the beginning of his rookie season but improved as the season progressed and made 17 straight field goal attempts over his last eight games. Karty should be even better in year two as a Ram.

DEFENSE: This unit grew together as the season progressed and has the potential to be one of the top defenses in the league this year. The front five leads the way with DROY ED Jared Verse, DL Braden Fiske, NT Poona Ford, DL Kobie Turner, and ED Byron Young ready to dominate. LB Nate Landman and LB Omar Speights should have plenty of opportunities to make tackles. DB Quentin Lake played every defensive snap last year and is a leader of the defense. The Ram defensive unit should produce for Fantasy teams and Verse, Young, and Lake could be top IDP performers.

This team is built to make a Super Bowl run in 2025 and Matthew Stafford’s health will be the key to success. With number 9 at quarterback, this offense could be dynamic. The defense should be solid with the potential to be great. I went to the National Sports Card Convention in Chicago last month and apologize for missing my report. Good luck in your Fantasy Drafts. Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops and Scratch! God Bless!

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