Great (pre-season) start! The Rams win their first pre-season game 20-12 over the Kansas City Chiefs. Most of the starters and many second team players watched from the sideline because HC Sean McVay does not play them in the pre-season. It was an excellent debut for rookie QB Ty Simpson as well as several other rookies. It has been an encouraging off-season and training camp and the momentum carried over into this first pre-season game. Let’s take a look at current Fantasy positions and how the roster is shaping up.

QUARTERBACK: QB Matthew Stafford has been healthy this training camp and is poised for another great season. Jimmy Garoppolo retired so there will be a new backup this season. QB Stetson Bennett (4-6 for 38) started the game and is currently number two behind Stafford. QB Ty Simpson (21-25 for 190 and 2 touchdowns) played the last three quarters and looked better as the game progressed. This is Bennett’s fourth season he has earned the team’s trust as the number two quarterback; however, Simpson is the future and should surpass Bennett as Stafford’s backup in the near future. There is no doubt both quarterbacks are making the roster.

RUNNING BACK: RB Kyren Williams, RB Blake Corum, and even RB Ronnie Rivers did not play. RB Jordan Waters (5-37) and RB Jarquez Hunter (9-35) were the leading rushers but rookie RB Dean Connors (6-22 rushing and 4-4 for 29 receiving with 2 touchdowns) was the star running back of this game. Connors looked particularly impressive on his first receiving touchdown. Williams and Corum are locks as the top two runners but the third spot is up for grabs. The Rams have two more pre-season games to sort out this matter. Waters is a power back and also has some juice, while Connors showed his versatility in the receiving game. Hunter and Rivers are similar to Williams and Corum in size and style but not as good as the top two backs.

WIDE RECEIVER: WR Puka Nacua and WR Davante Adams sat out as expected but WR Jordan Whittington and WR Konata Mumpfield surprisingly got to rest also. WR Xavier Smith (4-4 for 26) and rookie WR CJ Daniels (2-5 for 18) should round out the receiver room. Smith looked good on his punt returns and should be the top choice for that role. WR Brennan Presley (4-4 for 58) has talent and speed and could make the practice squad like he did last year.

TIGHT END: The Rams sat their top four tight ends and Rookie TE Max Klare (7-8 for 37) led the team in targets and receptions. TE Mark Redman (3-3 for 47) had a good game and his best shot is on the practice squad. The Rams led the NFL in running 13-package (three tight ends on the field) so it is possible they keep five tight ends on the roster. TE Terrance Ferguson has the most Fantasy potential but I think the targets will be spread out too thin for him to be a top tier performer.

KICKER: PK Harrision Mevis (2-2 FGs (25 & 40) and 2-2 XPs) is the only kicker on the roster and should benefit from a high powered offense.

DEFENSE: The addition of DPOY DE Myles Garrett and two new starting corners in CB Trent McDuffie and CB Jaylen Watson give the Rams the potential to have one of the top defensive units in the league. Future HOF DL Aaron Donald has been working out and could come out of retirement. If Donald joins this team, it will be must watch television. The Ram defensive unit should produce for Fantasy teams led by Garrett as the top IDP performer.

The Rams came within one game of the Super Bowl last year and addressed their weakest link that was cornerback play. If Los Angeles stays healthy, they have the talent on both sides of the ball to dominate. I was taking care of family stuff this summer and I apologize for missing the June and July reports. My next August report will have Fantasy draft advice for you. Good luck in your Fantasy Drafts. Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops and Scratch! God Bless!

End.