Rams fantasy outlook: Will Steven Jackson play this week?

A look at the fantasy implications for the Rams players this week.

Steven Jackson, RB - This is the big question mark. Jackson sat out practice all week with a thigh bruise he suffered late in last week's win over the Cowboys. Watch what happens today. If he practices with the team, he'll play. If he doesn't or is limited, Haslett will make it a game time call. What to expect if he does play? The Patriots have been getting beat through the air, so opposing back haven't had big games. Our QnA with Pats Pulpit revealed mixed results from the Pats run defense. Tomlinson had 74 against them 2 weeks ago. The Broncos last week were the first team to rush for 100+ yards (they had 106) against NE since Miami embarassed them with the WildHog formation, racking up 216 rushing yards and 4 TDs. The Rams will have to use the run to balance their attack, so if Steven Jackson plays, he's a decent start.

Marc Bulger, QB - The Rams passing attack is now finding its feet after struggling all season. Bulger has connected with his receivers for some big plays, like the 42 yard TD to WR Donnie Avery, and they'll be looking for that again this week against a susceptable group of defensive backs.  Pro Bowl LT Orlando Pace is playing this week, so that should help the passing game. Beware though, of the 5 times the Cowboys sacked Bulger, three came because he held the ball too long, not because of a failure in protection.

Torry Holt, WR - The Rams need the usually reliable Holt to get going. He's on pace for just 61 catches and 696 yards this season. Of course, much of that has been the slow starts from other parts of the offense. With Donnie Avery emerging as a threat as the Rams #2 WR, teams will have to give him more attention and loosen up their coverage of Holt.

Donnie Avery, WR - Is Avery still a sneaky sleeper pick after last week? Just 22% of the teams in ESPN's fantasy universe own Avery, so there's a good chance you can still grab him. And pick him you should. He'll most certainly be part of the game plan this week, and as the Rams schedule softens a bit, the playmaking opportunities will only grow.

Josh Brown, K - The best, at least the most consistent, fantasy player on the Rams. Brown has been nails this season, hitting 4 of 6 FGs for 50+ yards and a perfect 4 for 4 on FGs in the 40-49 yard range. You can bet he'll be kicking a few more this week.

Rams DST - Since Haslett took over as head coach, they've held both opponents to fewer than 20 points in two straight wins. That they've done that mostly thanks to big turnovers and a defensive TD should impress fans and fantasy players alike. A sneaky pick if you're DST is on a bye or you don't have one of the biggies.