2014 Record: 6-10
2015 Non Division Opponents: NFC North, AFC North, Washington, & Tampa Bay
2014 in review: It was an inconsistent year in St. Louis. Sam Bradford got hurt, again, leaving the Rams to go at it with Austin David and Shaun Hill at quarterback. Zac Stacy failed to grab the running back job, and him, Bennie Cunningham, and Tre Mason shared the load, with only Mason finding some success. That success didn’t sustain all season, however, and the Rams finished last in the NFC West. But hey, Jeff Fisher trolled the Redskins, so at least they had one highlight last year.
2015 Offseason: The Rams weren’t super active in free Agency, and didn’t sign anyone to a long term deal. Akeem Ayers is the one signing who will start, as they grabbed him from New England on a two year deal. St. Louis also took a shot at Nick Farley, who is slated now to be a backup Defensive Tackle. Farley could end up being a steal on a cheap contract if he can stay healthy. Of course, the Rams biggest move was the trade of Sam Bradford to Philadelphia to Nick Foles. Foles fell out of favor with Chip Kelly, and the Rams jumped at the opportunity. Not only is Foles healthier than Bradford, he’s a better quarterback. This upgrade should help the Rams offense in 2015.
2015 Draft: The Rams realized their Running Backs were not good so they drafted Todd Gurley tenth overall. Their next two picks were on the offensive line. Robert Havenstein & Jamon Brown. Both will start day one as the Rams attacked their area of weakness. The hope is to protect Foles and be able to run the ball. The issue is with Gurley, who is coming off of a torn left ACL. He is going to begin camp on the non-football injury list, and the belief is he will not see the field until October 25th, which is after the Rams Bye week. With four of their first five games against 2014 playoff teams, the Rams will need production from one of their subpar running backs to keep the season from getting away early.
Player on the hot seat: Tavon Austin. Austin was supposed to be a game changer when the Rams drafted him. In two seasons he’s caught 71 passes for 660 yards. He’s third on the depth chart behind stalwarts Brian Quick and Kenny Britt. If Austin cannot break out in year three, he won’t be a Ram in year four.
Players you want on your fantasy team: For a team people like this year, the Rams are as close to a fantasy wasteland as there is. I would draft Gurley, if he drops. There are too many question marks with his ACL to justify taking him anywhere earlier than round seven. He’s currently over valued in the 4th round. You’re taking a flier on any of the Rams WR’s as well. Foles could be a solid QB, but he won’t make those receivers any better. Perhaps those WR’s will make him worse? Basically, if you walk out of your draft with a Ram starter at any position, you didn’t have a good draft.
Season Prediction: Questions at RB. Shoddy WR’s. A QB who may be a system quarterback. A brutal opening schedule. Add it all up and you have a team that will struggle to make it to .500. SFTB prediction is 7-9