Rams flip kickoff play in 2025, turning Joshua Karty into a real weapon with low, landing-zone kicks that limit returns and push Texans into tougher starting field positions. Week 1 produced two landing-zone touchbacks, a third bounce that stayed in play, and a swarm of Rams upfield coverage that kept returns to 11 yards on average. League rule tweaks spurred higher kickoff returns overall, but LAR topped the Week 1 ledger in drive-start edge.

Cam Little and Tremon Smith surfaced as notable pieces in the Rams’ revamped plan, while the Texans fought a different battle from their own 20s and 23s. The narrative centers on field position as a strategic weapon, redefining the kickoff phase as a true battleground for fantasy managers circling special-teams and leverage plays.

Rams kicking trio Joshua Karty, Ethan Evans and Alex Ward are forming the backbone of a potentially long run together, mirroring a vintage Rams special-teams core. Their bond in training camp and Karty’s demonstrated mental toughness set the stage for stable field goals, punts and snaps, a rare continuity boost for fantasy managers seeking reliability in a volatile unit.

Xavier Smith, Whittington, Corum and other special-teams contributors add value with punt and kickoff returns, while Dolac and Reeder bolster coverage and jump-start opportunities. If the Rams maintain this rhythm, field-position advantages could translate into steady fantasy points and fewer negative plays from special teams.

Week 1 kicks a strong kickers slate with Brandon Aubrey perched at the top, followed by a balanced tier of Chris Boswell, Cameron Dicker, and Jake Bates. Streaming options spotlight Ka'imi Fairbairn, Wil Lutz, and Daniel Carlson, while cautious rosters fade Harrison Butker, Jake Moody, and Tyler Loop. The guide leans into matchup-driven latitude, highlighting red-zone goals, FG volume, and waiver targets to land the best points from Week 1.

Fantasy managers should prioritize kickers in offenses likely to stall in the red zone, favoring high-volume legs with long-range potential. This Week 1 cheat sheet distills streamers, fades, and tiered rankings so rosters can pivot quickly as games unfold.

The Los Angeles Rams took a unique offseason approach by relocating their minicamp to Maui, prioritizing team bonding and community involvement over traditional football drills. The latest episode of 'Behind The Grind' captures this unconventional trip, showcasing moments of camaraderie among players, including an exciting boating outing led by offensive lineman Kevin Dotson. The team also participated in a Habitat for Humanity project, emphasizing the importance of giving back. Even reserved players like Joshua Karty were seen letting loose during a golf outing, highlighting the trip's focus on team chemistry and personal development.

As the Los Angeles Rams gear up for the 2025 season, special teams will lean heavily on kicker Joshua Karty. After a rocky rookie year, Karty showcased his clutch abilities in the playoffs, going a perfect 9-for-9 on kicks. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Stanford, Karty has established himself as the primary kicker, with a successful track record highlighted by a long field goal of 58 yards and a flawless playoff performance.

With the upcoming season's challenges, Karty's ability to hit crucial field goals, especially from 40-plus yards, will be pivotal for the Rams' success. His development and consistency are critical as games in the NFL frequently come down to the final moments.