NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the St. Louis Rams. As always, average draft position (ADP) is pulled from FantasyPros.com.
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Must Owns
Todd Gurley, RB (ADP: 60): This rookie running back was considered the top rusher in the draft, even better than Chargers rookie Melvin Gordon who held—for one week—the NCAA single-game rushing record. For all that talent though, Gurley isn’t going to play in the preseason, and he has an All-Rookie RB in Tre Mason in front of him.
Gurley should be keeper league gold, but in redraft leagues he is a high-risk, high-reward player.
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Tre Mason, WR (ADP: 111): Mason is opening the season as St. Louis’ starter, and if he picks up where he left off last year—4.3 yards per carry—he will be tough for Gurley to knock off the perch. Regardless, he will be splitting carries at some point which hurts his value. It’s a shame too, because Mason is a pretty damn good running back.
Defense/Special Teams (ADP: 174): The Rams’ D is the fourth D/ST off the board, and it’s one of the few D/ST’s that may be worth reaching for. The defensive line might be the best in football, the linebackers are strong, and the secondary is very spry.
They also have a potentially lethal return game, with Benny Cunningham returning kicks and Tavon Austin returning the punts. The Rams have a great chance to be the No. 1 D/ST in 2015.
Sleepers (Best Format)
Brian Quick, WR, PPR (ADP: 129): Someone has to catch passes for the Rams right? Quick is the best bet to be the No. 1 receiver in St. Louis; even though Kenny Britt is listed as the No. 1, who can really trust him? Between injuries and his unfortunate tendency to get himself arrested, owners should want no part of him. Quick, on the other hand, is tall, fast, and shown flashes of productivity before.
Nick Foles, QB, Standard (ADP: 184): Foles is not Sam Bradford, which is a positive for most Rams fans. The jury is definitely out on both his durability and his quarterbacking, but his 27-touchdown, two-interception breakout in 2013 earned him the chance to try. If he approaches that kind of performance he’s a big value. Don’t read that as a recommendation! I’m merely saying it could happen, but it probably won’t.
Greg Zuerlein, K, Stadard (ADP: 241): Zuerlein has a huge leg, and the Rams offense may struggle to punch in touchdowns. Sneaky pick who you can snap up literally in the last round.
Deep Finds (Best Format)
Tavon Austin, WR, Standard (ADP: 244): Austin’s ADP reflects how sick fantasy owners are of waiting for him to live up to his huge potential, but he’s only 24, and it’s not wise to just give up on such talented players. He probably won’t do anything for your team, but in a deep league he warrants a late pick.
Jared Cook, TE, Standard (ADP: 187): It’s hilarious that people are still drafting Cook, since he’s been everyone’s sleeper tight end for the last three or four years. Like Austin, Cook has every physical tool in the world but has yet to put it all together. He’s going to be largely ignored, but if he puts it together there’s top-5 TE upside. I’m not kidding.
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