The Rams lean into a refreshed three‑man backfield led by Kyren Williams, with Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter providing a dynamic, multi‑tempo attack. A season‑high 149 rushing yards at Tennessee showed the trio’s potential to sustain a potent ground game even against stout fronts.

Williams handled most carries (19 touches for 80 yards), while Corum ripped off chunk gains on five attempts and Hunter adds power to the rotation. LA plans to balance Williams with Corum and Hunter as the season unfolds, maximize matchup leverage, and keep Williams fresh for high‑leverage games.

0-2 starts are historically brutal, but the NFL’s 17-game era offers room to rebound. A new PANIC score aggregates five panic biomarkers—closeness of losses, head coach security, rookie/young-talent performance, fan sentiment, and the volume of controversial decisions—to rank the league’s 10 winless teams. Kansas City sits at 3.5 while Miami trails at 9.5, with a clear path to calm through improved play, coaching steadiness, and roster decisions that shape playoff odds and fantasy value.

The list spans KC, NO, CLE, NYJ, CHI, CAR, HOU, NYG, TEN, and MIA, each evaluated for the risk of panic in a 17-game season. The piece translates a season’s early chaos into actionable fantasy and betting takeaways: which young players might break out, which coaches face pressure, and how schedules and QB development influence upside in the months ahead.

Week 3 rookie waiver targets rise as usage reveals true upside. Dont'e Thornton Jr. brings rare size-speed bursts that could spark a breakout with Geno Smith connecting on downfield plays. Cam Skattebo has surged to the Giants' RB1 discussion, while Bhayshul Tuten's per-touch efficiency signals elite upside in Jacksonville. Jarquez Hunter edges closer to real volume with the Rams, and Brashard Smith offers a dart throw with return-yard utility. Elic Ayomanor shows flashes, but volume hinders weekly starts. Puka Nacua’s late-blooming path remains the blueprint for upside.

With Ahkello Witherspoon on IR, the Rams face a cornerback crunch that could push outside help or a heavy internal reshuffle. The plan centers on balancing in-house depth with possible upgrades, leveraging Forbes Jr. and Durant as likely starters while Williams handles the bulk of Witherspoon’s snaps as CB3. A.J. Green and Cam Lampkin loom on the practice squad as quick-elevate options, and a veteran could be dipped into if a steady starter is required. Week 7 timing after the bye could shape the decision timeline.

From there, the Rams’ Week 2 clash with Tennessee highlighted where the defense flashed and where coverage stress showed, underscoring the need for reliable depth as the schedule tightens. The decision matrix weighs immediate competitive impact against long-term stability, with external signings or quick practice-squad promotes as the two main routes.