The St. Louis Rams are not high on anybody's fantasy football radar, but there are a few players who could make a difference for your fantasy hopes this week.
RB Steven Jackson
St. Louis offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur took plenty of heat on the blogs and in the local press for his sparing use of Steven Jackson in last week's blowout loss to the Seahawks. Despite the top line numbers, Jackson ran well when he did carry the ball, even averaging a yard better per attempt against an eight-man front than other defensive formations. The Rams do not seem likely to repeat that decision this week, and will run the ball more as well as throw more screens to Jackson. They have to given the match up in Washington.
QB Marc Bulger
For a guy playing for his future, Bulger didn't exactly make a statement against a relatively week Seattle secondary. In his defense, the problems plaguing the offense were not Bugler's fault. The receivers looked rusty, and struggled with their timing and routes to get adequate separation. Though the pass protection showed significant improvement, the line had trouble with the snap count with the Qwest Field crowd noise. FedEx Field won't make that any easier. Look for the offense to tighten up in the wake of last week's game, but leave Bulger on your bench.
TE Randy McMichael
The offense should play better this week, and McMichael is the go-to-guy for the short routes scripted into the Rams offense. Without having to face the Seahawks linebackers, his numbers this week ought to make him a decent option at TE.
Rams Defense
The Rams defense had three turnovers last week. Steve Spagnuolo's units have a history of making life hard for Washington QB Jason Campbell, so this could be a sneaky little play for your fantasy team this weekend. Rams FS O.J. Atogwe returned a fumble for a 75-yard TD against the Redskins last year, a game where the Rams defense had three turnovers.