2016 was a rough year for the Rams. The move back to Los Angeles and a rookie quarterback in Jared Goff had fans excited, but things changed quickly once the team took the field.
Entering this season, expectations aren’t high, but for fantasy football players, this team has several intriguing options under first-year head coach Sean McVay.
LA Rams 2017 NFL Fantasy Football Outlook
Quarterback
Jared Goff
Last season’s first overall pick didn’t exactly light the world on fire. The 22-year-old played in just seven games and failed to impress. His best performance was a 214 yards and three touchdown contest against New Orleans, but his six total touchdowns and lack of poise in the pocket was alarming.
The front office did make some moves to help this season. Adding All-Pro left tackle Andrew Whitworth was a start, but the biggest improvement should come in the change of philosophy on offense.
McVay will use a spread offense to help his young signal caller. With a more vertical passing attack and one of the best young running backs in the NFL, Goff should see significant improvement in year-two.
For those looking for depth at the quarterback position, Goff could be a ‘sleeper’ pick and a player to watch in 2017.
Running Backs
Todd Gurley
Most of last year’s player rankings had the former Georgia star as a top five player. The offensive line woes showed early and often as the 22-year-old had just one game with more than 80 yards rushing. With five games in 2016 with more than 100 yards and 10 touchdowns, fantasy owners who took Gurley last year where very disappointed.
Much like Goff, a change in the offense could pay big dividends for the young back. Gurley is expected to be used more often in the passing game and with opposing defenses not able to stack the line, more running room should be in order.
While expectations for the 2017 season should be limited with this team, owners looking for a solid RB1 should look no farther than the 2016 rookie sensation. 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns should be in order, even if the team struggles to grasp the offense early.
Wide Receivers
Tavon Austin
The former first round pick from West Virginia has been handcuffed since joining the team. Used primarily as a quick hitting receiver on short routes, Austin should see a big increase in yards and touchdowns in 2017.
McVay has stressed that the 27-year-old will be used to stretch opposing defenses in the upcoming football season. Used much like Desean Jackson in Washington, a 1,000 yard season isn’t out of the question.
Austin is a game-breaker when given the opportunity and could be one of the breakout stars of the league if Goff and company pick up the new offensive scheme and the line gives just that split second more of protection on the deeper routed.
The LA Rams 2017 NFL fantasy football outlook isn’t great, but this team has made the moves in the off-season to get some excitement brewing in Southern California. The preseason will give fans an early look at the new offense and should give owners a better understanding of player roles and how they could help fantasy football owners in the upcoming football season.
