St. Louis Rams fantasy report, week 11, Rams vs. Arizona
One win and a near upset of the undefeated New Orleans Saints and all of the sudden the St. Louis Rams aren't so easy for fantasy players to ignore. The team still lacks reliable, every week fantasy players outside of RB Steven Jackson. At this point, guys like Donnie Avery, Brandon Gibson and Daniel Fells offer respectable, sneaky bye week options. This week's game against the Arizona Cardinals will go a long way toward answering whether or not those players could move beyond bye week fill-ins to guys worthy of keeping on your roster. The first question we need to ask is whether or not we are seeing real progress from the Rams offense? Three things indicate that the answer is yes.
- The offensive line is playing well. Signing C Jason Brown and drafting Jason Smith represented a major investment for the team and provided the basis for the rebuilding project as Spagnuolo builds from the foundation up. Smith is anchoring the right side of the line, overcoming any preseason questions about his adjustment to the three-point stance. The Rams favor the middle and right side for their running game, and Jackson continues to rack up more and more yards thanks to the entire offensive line functioning well as a unit.
- Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is finally opening the play book. Besides a stellar job in run blocking, the OL is giving Marc Bulger time in the pocket, and the passing game is now throwing the ball downfield to Donnie Avery, forcing defenses to respect his speed and ability to get behind safeties.
- The WR situation may be resolved. Maybe. Last week, Bradon Gibson, acquired from Philly in the Will Witherspoon trade, made a real impression, pressed into service for the injured Keenan Burton. One week wonder or not? It's hard to say, but against the Saints Gibson showed great hands and the athleticism to get yards after the catch, exactly what the Rams have been missing from the wide receivers this season. If he's the real deal, the Rams might have an effective enough passing game to score some points.
Obviously, Steven Jackson is a must start this week or any week. The Cardinals gave up 123 yards to Justin Forsett against the Seahawks last week. In week 8, DeAngelo Williams picked up 158 yards.
Donnie Avery looks like a good player to start this week too. The Cardinals allow 253.4 yards passing on average, and have allowed the fourth most, 32, passing plays of 20 yards or more.
Brandon Gibson is a risky start because he's still relatively unknown. If he has another good week, definitely grab him off the waiver wire.
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Comments
This is one of those games
where it will definitely tell the tale. Are we REALLY improving, or simply benefiting from injured teams? man I hope we’re competitive again. That would really make me feel like we’ve taken another step forward.
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
by VTramsFan on Nov 20, 2009 10:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Couldn't wait.
I picked up Gibson to start. I’m in must win zone right now. And I figure the Cards key on Avery after his 2 TD performance.
The name's Rams, St. Louis Rams.
by Bond_007x on Nov 20, 2009 12:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'm definitely starting Gibson
I’m playing in an 8 man league, and I know I won this week already because I know the person and they’re not going to set their lineup very well. So the question is, do I sit Randy Moss, Andre Johnson, or Vincent Jackson for Gibson? Right now its Moss based on his matchup.
The 53 as one have become the 53 that won.
by Carneros on Nov 20, 2009 8:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
honestly
don’t sit any of them
I don’t see revis shutting down moss. Welker wasn’t playing in the first game, and in that first game randy was open downfield a few times, tom just couldn’t get the ball to him, but now Brady’s playing much better
by jb22 on Nov 21, 2009 12:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I have Welker too
The 53 as one have become the 53 that won.
by Carneros on Nov 22, 2009 7:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
damn Carneros
your stacked at WR, your probably good however you set them up.
"SJAX" - The extra strength cleaner that fights off that Stubborn, Stingy Defense
by moy on Nov 21, 2009 4:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Moss's history vs the Jets is terrible
They play him very well. Revis may not be on a Moss level in terms of pure talent but he is a quality DB and routinely faces the other team’s #1.
by CoachConnors on Nov 22, 2009 2:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

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