Rams Fantasy Roundup: Week 12 Arizona Cardinals
Looking back 12 weeks ago just prior to the opener against the Philadelphia Eagles the fantasy potential for the Rams seemed legitimate and promising. Whoops. As the season has progressed the opportunities that have presented themselves have been few and far between.
Spagnuolo and McDaniels, along with the injury bug have all done their parts to confuse, frustrate and befuddle fantasy owners on any given week. That being said, if your patient, look really hard…and are a bit desperate, they plays are there. Of course remember we’re taking in IDP plays as well as the standard plays.
Week 12 at home against the Arizona Cardinals is one of those weeks. Brandon Lloyd with nearly 15 targets last week will be active for sure as will Steven Jackson. The others are harder to nail down but the opportunity will be there. And if you’re jonzen to start a Ram you might want to get it out of your system while the schedule is still favorable.
Standard Play & PPR
Sam Bradford: Beatable matchup by the numbers but he continues to struggle to get that 2nd TD pass every week. Regardless, if you are starting Sam your team is in trouble.
Steven Jackson: Put up 130 rushing yards on them earlier this year so you have to start him. Besides, no one is playing harder than Jackson and look for him to break out after being stymied by Seattle last week.
Brandon Lloyd: Continues to produce and he literally is their passing attack with another 14 targets last week.
Brandon Gibson: He's been starting and had 7 targets last week but hard to trust anyone other than Lloyd.
Austin Pettis: Had 5 targets last week but it's not really happening for him.
Marc Clayton: If you’re the Rams 4th best fantasy option at WR you’re not really an option.
Lance Kendricks: Certainly not someone you ever want to start but they have nothing other than Lloyd at receiver.
D/ST: We could see Kolb but even he is a pretty good matchup and Cards giving up 5th most FPG to DTs in last five weeks. The D did a good time keeping them in check a few weeks ago and even put up four points of their own.
IDP
This is where it’s been at recently for any Rams fantasy value. Look back on the last time these two teams met and you’ll find the defense nearly outscored the offense. Over the last four weeks the Rams defense has really tightened up. It’s not league leading in any regard but they have cut their yards allowed by nearly 100 yards a game.
Chris Long: The Cardinals offensive line has been shaky and banged up Long should have the advantage Sunday. He has now recorded five sacks over the last three games.
Robert Quinn: Coming off his best game as a pro with five solo tackles and his fourth sack of the season.
James Laurinaitis: The defensive leader of the Rams' unit, Laurinaitis remains a very steady option and a quality IDP starter in your weekly lineup.
James Hall: Cardinal offensive line woes and recent history bode well for Hall. Pressure will be there again as will the opportunities for a sack.
Quintin Mikell: he has put up solid tackle numbers, along with 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Mikell is scoring enough points to make him fantasy relevant, and should still be considered a borderline S1.
