2012-2016- The Fisher Era

2016 Preview: Five fantasy expectations for the Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams are known for consistently fielding one valuable fantasy asset: running backs. Last season, Running back Todd Gurley emerged as the best offensive rookie in the league, both in fantasy and in real life. Fantasy owners have high hopes for Gurley next season. Is anybody else going to break out on the Rams like Gurley did? Here are five things to expect from the Rams fantasy-wise in 2016.

Todd Gurley will be the No.1 fantasy running back in 2016

Gurley produced an explosive rookie season and repaid any owners who took a chance on him early in the draft. He ran for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 12 starts coming off a torn ACL. If Gurley could run for over 1,000 yards without an offseason’s worth of training, the sky is the limit for what he can do after a healthy offseason. Gurley is once again expected to be the focal point of the Rams offense, and he should deliver in a big way. If I’ve got the No. 1 pick this year, I’m taking Gurley.

Jared Goff won’t have any fantasy relevance this season

Rams fans should be excited for the Jared Goff era to begin this season, but fantasy owners should be a little bit more hesitant. The Rams don’t have a great receiving corps, and Goff will spend most of his season handing the ball off to Gurley. Don’t expect the Rams to let Goff air it out 40 times week after week. He’s got plenty of promise in a dynasty league, but redraft players won’t have a reason to take Goff in their draft this year.

Tavon Austin will remain boom-or-bust

Wide receiver Tavon Austin had the best season of his career in 2015. He recorded a total of 10 touchdowns, more than he had in his first two years combined. However, Austin relies heavily on the big play. When you plugged Austin in your lineup last season, you knew what you were gonna get. He’s not the type of player to get you 12 receptions for 110 yards. He’ll get you two receptions for 110 yards, or two receptions for eight yards. I expect more big plays from Austin this season, but I’m not willing to bank on his fantasy consistency increasing. His upside warrants a late round selection assuming you know what to expect from him.

The defense will be top five, but not matchup proof

The Rams once again enter the season with one of, if not the best, defensive lines in the league. The unit is guaranteed to get a few sacks and potentially force some turnovers, making the Rams defense one of the most desirable fantasy options. However, the defense isn’t good enough to be matchup proof. Games against Carolina and New England stand out as examples of when you may want to stay away from the Rams defense.

Tyler Higbee will be the breakout player on offense

The Rams have implemented their tight ends heavily into the offense during the Jeff Fisher era, despite poor play from the position. Fourth round draft pick Tyler Higbee may change that. Higbee has a massive frame and could quickly become Goff’s favorite target in the red zone. If he can put his off-thefield issues aside, Higbee should be a major factor in the Rams offense this season. Tight end is already a weak fantasy position. Higbee will add some depth to that this season and become a touchdown dependent TE1.

Steve Rebeiro is a staff writer for Rams Talk and an undergraduate student at Marquette University. For more of his opinions, follow him on Twitter here.

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