MVN - Most Valuable Network

Fantasy Rams prospects in week 11

Not much news from the Rams lately, good or bad: Setterstrom rehabs his left knee, Hall should return, Bruce and Holt are both nearing milestones and the Rams are favorites for the first time in what seems years.  

So as the Rams prepare for their game at San Francisco tomorrow, it seems an appropriate time to examine the Rams’ fantasy match-ups. There’s a bounce in their step - and a smile on their faces - after last week’s big win over New Orleans, but can you trust these Rams with your fantasy lives this week? Let’s take a look. 

THE VARSITY

Marc Bulger, QB - Bulger has made plenty of us believers again after his fantastic performance against the Saints. His passes displayed his trademark accuracy, and he appeared to be playing without pain for the first time in weeks. Perhaps most importantly, Bulger avoided the interceptions that have plagued him all year. Yet, right now, it’s unclear whether that performance is the start of a trend or a mere aberration. Bulger should be able to pile up the yards, so he’s worth starting, but we’ll have a better idea of his potential after this week is over.

Steven Jackson, RB - Is there any clearer sign of the difference Jax makes in this offense than the team picking up its first win? Still, his numbers weren’t awe-inspiring: only 3.5 yards per carry, a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown on a trick play. There’s no doubt he should be your lineup, and if the Rams coaches trust Jackson enough to give him 27 touches again, he might even put up decent numbers. But the 49ers defense played well against Shaun Alexander and the Seahawks running backs, and as long as Patrick Willis is patrolling the field, there’s no guarantee Jackson matches last week’s output.

THE JUNIOR VARSITY

Torry Holt, WR - Holt has averaged 105 yards over the last three games and Bulger is re-finding his game, so does that merit a start for the stalwart receiver? Well, Holt needs only two catches to move to 19th on the NFL’s career list, so the Rams should look to get him the ball. But Holt’s scored only 4 touchdowns this year and he’ll be covered by Nate Clements all game, so don’t go into week 11 expecting huge numbers.

Randy McMichael, TE - Say what you will about McMichael’s second touchdown of 2007 coming out of the hand of Steven Jackson, McMichael still had his highest reception total (4) of the year against the Saints and looked comfortable in the Rams offense for the first time. Certainly, part of the credit must go to the surprising play of the Rams’ offensive line, and if he doesn’t have to stay in and block all game as he has in past weeks, he could easily replicate his week 10 output. Chalk him up for at least 4 points.

Jeff Wilkins, K - Yes, Wilkins has been hot, kicking at least two field goals his last three games. Yet consider this: while Wilkins has connected on 10 of 11 field goal attempts at home this year, he’s made only 7 of 12 on the road. With the Rams offense showing signs of life, Wilkins could be a good play, but consider other options as the team hits the road on its way to the blustery Bay.

St. Louis, DEF -  The Rams defense took it to Drew Brees, Reggie Bush and Marques Colston for three quarters last Sunday and now face an anemic 49ers offense, ranked dead last in the league. San Francisco looks to start Trent Dilfer this week, so this could be a great match-up play if you’re looking for an alternative to your usual start.

THE FRESHMEN TEAM

Isaac Bruce, WR - There was speculation earlier in the week that Bruce, as he deals with a hamstring injury, might not make it in the game at all, but all signs (including a “probable” denotation from the coaching staff) point to his playing. Count on Bruce getting at least the 15 yards he needs to move into sixth on the NFL’s career list, but the rest will depend on how well the Rams perform against a sagging defense (averaging 27 points allowed over the four weeks).

THE MIDDLE SCHOOL SCOUT TEAM

Brian Leonard/Antonio Pittman, RBs -  Were the Rams merely trying to make a statement last week by feeding Pittman the ball against his former team, or were Leonard’s 2 carries indicative of things to come? We’ll see this week, but unless one of them can bust a big run like Pittman’s 43-yarder last week, neither’s worth playing, even at a flex spot. 

This entry was posted on Saturday, November 17th, 2007 at 4:37 pm and is filed under Rams Offense, Marc Bulger, Jeff Wilkins, Rams News, Antonio Pittman, Rams Players, Rams Defense, Isaac Bruce, St. Louis Rams, Fantasy Football, Brian Leonard, Torry Holt, Randy McMichael, Steven Jackson, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.