Sean McVay’s ninth season with the Rams hinges on Stafford staying healthy and the line keeping him upright. The Rams’ passing game looks rebuilt and primed for fantasy relevance, led by Nacua’s breakout to anchor the wide receiver corps while Adams steps in to replace Kupp. Williams remains the leading ground option, with Higbee and Parkinson commanding a deep tight end group. The offense still needs better pass protection to sustain big-play passing from a veteran passer.

The defense is building depth behind Verse and Young, with Stewart a rookie to watch for situational pressure. The Rams’ ceiling rides on Stafford’s clean pocket and the offense’s ability to sustain drives, but health and line play will determine whether they’re Super Bowl contenders or battling for a wild-card spot. For fantasy, Nacua, Adams, and Williams head the astronaut-level upside, while Higbee and Parkinson offer tight-end versatility in a high-volume attack.

Bottom line: Stafford’s health and Jackson’s durability are the two X-factors. If they cooperate, the offense can sustain top-10 fantasy production across multiple players; if not, the rotation around Adams and Nacua could become crowded sooner than expected.

Los Angeles Rams 53-man roster picture after the first preseason game vs. the Cowboys centers on Stafford’s health and a booming rookie-backed offense. Bennett’s best game yet adds a real backup option, while Kyren Williams leads a crowded backfield that includes Blake Corum and Cody Schrader in the RB mix. At receiver, Puka Nacua headlines a six-man group that also features Davante Adams and Tutu Atwell, with Xavier Smith providing return upside. The tight end room seems locked with Higbee and Allen spearheading a versatile group. On the line, Lampkin’s stay is pivotal; on defense, Verse, Turner, Fiske and Hampson anchor a front that should create enough volume for fantasy angles in deeper leagues. Special teams slot is essentially a lock with Karty, Evans and Ward.

Practically, fantasy managers should monitor how the Rams deploy 12 personnel and how the RBs carve out roles behind Williams. Bennett’s trajectory matters as a late-season stash if Stafford only plays a limited slate. Adams and Nacua look like reliable Week 1 staples, while Corum and Schrader bear watching in deeper formats as the Rams balance youth and experience. The initial roster projections emphasize depth and upside at multiple spots, with a handful of fringe players likely to land on the practice squad or surprise during cuts.

The 2024 NFL draft saw an unprecedented focus on offensive talent, yet the defensive class showcased impressive depth and impact. Notably, twenty-seven rookies logged over 500 snaps, with defensive backs leading the charge. Players like Jared Verse and Byron Murphy II are already making waves, promising significant roles in their second seasons. As teams look to build on last year’s performances, these rising stars on defense will be crucial to their success.

Byron Murphy II, despite a challenging rookie year plagued by injuries, displayed the traits of a high-impact defensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks. His ability to navigate double-teams and disrupt plays showcases his potential for growth. Meanwhile, Jared Verse has already garnered respect for his formidable presence on the Los Angeles Rams' defensive line, where he consistently pressures quarterbacks and stops runs effectively.

The Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Los Angeles Rams in a joint practice, with standout performances from both sides. Jared Verse showcased why he is considered a measuring stick for the Cowboys, impressing with his agility and technique. The joint practice allowed both teams to gauge their strengths and weaknesses, providing valuable insights as they prepare for the upcoming season. The Cowboys focused on enhancing their offensive line protection, while the Rams emphasized their defensive strategies against a potent Cowboys offense.

Among the highlights, Dak Prescott's improved timing with his receivers was evident, particularly with CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. The Rams, meanwhile, looked to refine their defensive schemes under head coach Sean McVay, aiming to maximize their player potential in the upcoming season. As training camps progress, both teams are expected to make adjustments that could greatly influence their performance in the regular season.