Los Angeles Rams
Todd Gurley
It’s difficult to remember a fantasy superstar whose stock has dropped quite like Todd Gurley’s. Sure, early reports of Tyreek Hill’s potential suspension and Melvin Gordon’s contract situation caused a fall, but they were each dependent on a decision. Gurley was dominant in 2017 and an MVP candidate through the first half of the 2018 season, winning week after week for fantasy football owners lucky enough to have picked him. Since that point, he struggled through a spell of ineffectiveness before ceding touches to C.J. Anderson late in the year.
Factor in recurring knee issues and the Los Angeles Rams drafting Darrell Henderson with their second pick in April and the days of Gurley touching the ball 25+ times per game could be over. He’s an incredibly talented running back in a high-power offense, but Gurley is no longer a player that you can count on as your RB1 for the season.
Brandin Cooks
When it comes to wide receivers that you know will produce over the course of the season, Brandin Cooks is about as safe as they come. He may have never had the standout season that cements his place among the elite, but his consistency has been remarkable. Only three players have been top 15 fantasy WRs in each of the last four seasons – Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, and Brandin Cooks. Except for his rookie season, he’s had 1,000 receiving yards every year, and that’s despite playing for three different teams. Cooks won’t singlehandedly win you your fantasy football league, but if you can get him as your WR2, then you’ll be in a great position.
Robert Woods
It wasn’t long ago that Robert Woods was an underwhelming draft pick for the Buffalo Bills. Skip to the present and he’s coming off the back of a season registering 1,376 offensive yards and 7 touchdowns. Woods led the team in targets and receptions in 2018 and would have done so the previous year if not for an injury cutting his season short. The team’s abundance of receiving options may limit his upside, but he had over 60 receiving yards in 14 of his 16 games last season, with only Julio Jones matching him. Those owners looking for a floor play to team with high variance players could do a lot worse.
Sleepers
Maybe it’s a reach to list Cooper Kupp as a sleeper given how he’s performed for the Rams, but his ACL tear could cause him to fall further in fantasy football drafts than he should. The slot receiver is a key red-zone weapon and ready to handle a bigger role in the offense.
Jared Goff took a huge step in his development in 2018. A year older and with the Rams returning one of the best supporting casts in the NFL, you shouldn’t be surprised if Goff exceeds projections.
Darrell Henderson could be the beneficiary of Todd Gurley’s health concerns. Although Gurley’s health is a concern, the bottom line is that the Rams are looking to once again win the NFC West and return to the Super Bowl. The rookie may be the one to lead them there.
Henderson had an exceptional college career, culminating in 2,204 scrimmage yards and 25 touchdowns in his final season at Memphis. Even without an injury to Gurley, Henderson could see a steady number of touches each week as the team looks to reduce the strain on their star running back.
UP NEXT: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
