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Random Ramsdom: A Rams vs. Texans Preview, & Week 6 Fantasy Football Advice

The St. Louis Rams face a formidable - albeit struggling - Houston Texans team this Week. The Texans, 7 point favorites, look to right the ship after three consecutive losses, while the Rams look to quickly climb from the bottom of a very tough NFC West.

By Brandon Bate

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Ezra Shaw

James Laurinaitis Mic’d Up [VIDEO]: NFL.com

Hear the leader of the Rams’ defense getting the squad ready against Jacksonville. Hear him motivate them on the sidelines. Hear him celebrate a defensive TD. See him in action. Hear him throughout.

Aldon Smith Expected To Surrender Later This Month: NFL.com

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith is charged with three felony counts of illegal possession of an assault weapon, Santa Clara County prosecutors said Wednesday in a release, obtained by NFL Media.

Vote Zac Stacy For Pepsi Next Rookie of the Week: NFL.com

It may have not been the most memorable "coming out party" for Rams’ rookie RB Zac Stacy, but it was good enough to be recognized…and not just by the fan base. The Rams’ running game has left a lot to be desired in the early portion of 2013. If you liked what you saw last Sunday, do the man a favor…vote for him!

Running QB’s Might Want to Reconsider: CBS Sports

Star QB’s like Cam Newton, RG3, and Colin Kaepernick made a name for themselves in the NFL as a result of their ability to make things happen [with their legs] when a play breaks down. It’s made mobile QB’s more desirable, and the good ones are true difference makers for their teams. Pat Kirwan has noticed the slow start for the three aforementioned QB’s and thinks they might want to consider airing it out a little more often.

James Laurinaitis Joins Jim Rome Show To Talk Rams…


Texans Head Coach - Gary Kubiak - Makes A Tough Decision: Yahoo! Sports

Matt Schaub has managed to keep his starting job, and the beleaguered Houston quarterback vowed to turn things around this week. ''I need to be better, and I'll be the first to admit that," Schaub says.

A Rams at Texans Preview: Yahoo! Sports

The Houston Texans are mired in their roughest stretch in almost two seasons, greatly because of some poor play from quarterback Matt Schaub. However, coach Gary Kubiak plans to stick with him as the Texans try to avoid a fourth straight loss Sunday against the visiting St. Louis Rams.

Penalties Are Killing Rams’ Special Teams: ESPN

St. Louis Rams rookie Tavon Austin received a game ball for his efforts as a punt returner last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars though a simple glance at the box score would leave most wondering why.

Other Rams’ rookies appear to be in a race to see how many of his excellent punt returns they can have called back…

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Tavon Austin: 3.4 yards/punt return. Worst rate thru five weeks since 1985 (min. 10 returns).</p>&mdash; Vincent Verhei (@FO_VVerhei) <a href="https://twitter.com/FO_VVerhei/statuses/388026072685481984">October 9, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Zac Stacy Gets Some Rest. Williams Hayes Back On The Field: ESPN

Stacy - who’s already been deemed the starter for Week 6 - took a breather on Wednesday, as he looks to heal some soreness in his ribs. Defense End, William Hayes, was back out on the field [on a limited basis], and could soon return from a knee injury. Having both on the field on Sunday would be good news for the Rams.

This figures to be as difficult a challenge as Bradford will face in the passing game. Watt is the master of the batted pass, and Bradford has had issues in that area. Don’t expect much from Bradford & Co. this week.

Joseph Barksdale and Jake Long have performed admirably through the first five weeks of the NFL season…at least according to PFF’s grades they have. Who’s been letting them down? The million-dollar man, Scott Wells.


As high as 23 and as low as 28, the Rams are the clear cellar-dwellars in the NFC West. It’s still early, and…well, Power Rankings really don’t mean much. But here they are. Brace yourself for a Denver vs. New Orleans Super Bowl! We should all be so lucky…

The Houston Texans Try Out Jason Smith: National Football Post

Yes…that Jason Smith. Call it 'stars aligning' or pure desperation…any way you slice it, it’s got to be good for the Rams.

Sam Bradford Off To Career Best Start: St. Louis Rams' Official Site

Amongst the disappointing losses, and dwindled expectations, Sam Bradford is off to the best start of his young career. The issue? His young career hasn’t lead to many wins, and the fan base’s patience is wearing thin.

How about a little Q&A with a guy who has as many touchdowns as Demaryius Thomas, Vernon Davis, Victor Cruz, and….Calvin Johnson?



Week 6 Quarterback Watch: SB Nation

No, this one doesn’t feature Sam Bradford. Actually, it points out how bad Matt Schaub has been…and how much worse T.J. Yates must be. According this read, the Rams defense might be just what Schaub’s season ordered.


I feel obligated to place this article here. The obvious connection between Brian Schottenheimer…you know, the guy who won’t be a head coach in 2014…and his former QB is just too enticing. For Rams’ fans who are ready to ditch Sam Bradford, consider your alternatives…

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>If Bradford continues to look horrible in 2013, wonder if the Rams would look at Sanchez, whose best years were with Brian Schottenheimer</p>&mdash; Aaron Nagler (@Aaron_Nagler) <a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron_Nagler/statuses/387713420889690112">October 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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In Zac Stacy’s first game as a starter in the NFL, he just so happened to have the most impressive rushing game of the Rams’ 2013 season. It’s earned him some praise, and another shot at turning heads. But was it just another game against the Jacksonville Jaguars? Can Zac Stacy be THE guy?


To think this game isn’t winnable for the Rams would be foolish. They’re underdogs for a reason, though. There are a few things that need to happen in order for the Rams to secure the .500 record that the Texans also desire. Here they are… and I’d have to say I agree with them all [especially No. 4].

NFL’s Week 6 Awards Watch: Bleacher Report

Not only will you not see any Rams’ players as leading candidates, but you won’t see them as candidates. Tavon Austin was probably an early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. He’s going to need to get more than 6.1 yards down field…oh, and stop it with the Special Teams’ penalties Ray Ray Armstrong!


Would you be down with the Rams drafting Taylor Lewan in the first round? Of course you would! Would you be down with drafting him with the Rams second pick? Why not? But would you be willing to use the Rams FIRST first round pick on a wide receiver NOT named Sammy Watkins? Walt would…



Adam Rank Ranks Your Week 6 Starters: NFL.com

Player rankings by position, with a few helpful tidbits at each position. You’ll notice, "I’ve removed Jared Cook completely from the list. I’m cool with that."

- NFL.com’s Week 6 Player Rankings By Position

Week 6 Fantasy Fact Sheet: CBS Sports

I’m not sure what else there is to say about this week’s upcoming games, or their fantasy implications. Nathan Zegura does impressive work here.

- CBS Sports’ Week 6 Player Rankings By Position

A Couple of Rams You Might Want To Consider [VIDEO]: ESPN

Zac Stacy and Austin Pettis probably weren’t the Rams’ players you intended on drafting. Silly you!

- ESPN’s Week 6 Player Rankings By Position

Week 6 Fantasy Football [Player] Rankings: Yahoo! Sports

I’m fortunate enough to own Dez Bryant. I’m also dumb enough to have already dropped Alshon Jeffery. If you have guys like me in your league, go ahead and scoop him up… A-S-A-P-!

Preferential Matchups For Week 6 - Defenses & Kickers: RotoWorld

The two positions are certainly known more for being ‘plug-n-play- than most, but it doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade your roster. Check the waiver wire for these D/ST’s and Kickers for Week 6.

Get Well, Cortland. Round 2:



The Jeff Fisher Show - The Rams' head coach talks about the Jags win, and what to expect from Houston.






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