Team Profile
Los Angeles Rams
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9.8% 10thOff DVOA
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28.8% 10thPassing DVOA
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-2.6% 10thRushing DVOA
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4.4% 26thDef DVOA
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12.5% 24thDef Passing DVOA
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-4.3% 21stDef Rushing DVOA
2024 Team Stats
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Points For21.6 20th
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Points Against22.7 17th
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Yards Per Game331.0 15th
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Yards Allowed Per Game353.0 26th
The Cleveland Browns have signed free-agent running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad. Freeman, a seven-year veteran, was released by the Dallas Cowboys in August and now joins the Browns. A third-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2018, he has also played for the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Rams. Last season, Freeman appeared in 14 games with the Rams, accumulating 319 yards and two touchdowns. With Nick Chubb and Nyheim Hines sidelined, the Browns have been thin at running back, and as of Tuesday, Pierre Strong Jr. is listed as "week to week" with a hamstring injury. Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman have been handling the majority of the carries. Freeman must establish a significant role before fantasy managers consider adding him to their rosters. He could have an opportunity to contribute as soon as this Sunday against the Giants.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington looked to be settled in as the fifth or sixth option to start the season. Now, Whittington might find himself with an every week role. The Rams are expected to be without both Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) for multiple games. That being said, Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, and Tutu Atwell figure to be the starters heading into Week 3. Whittington figures to be the primary backup receiver and should see some action as well. He hauled in both his targets for 22 yards in the Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The sixth-round rookie isn't a must-start option, but could be worth holding in deep leagues or dynasty formats with the Rams shorthanded.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell entered the season as depth, but now could be a starter heading into Week 3. The Rams are without Puka Nacua (knee) and fellow wideout Cooper Kupp (ankle) is expected to miss an extended period of time. That being said, Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, and Atwell figure to be the starting wideouts against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3. On Sunday, Atwell hauled in three of his four targets for 48 yards in the loss. He doesn't have great fantasy value but could be a deep league option for fantasy managers in desperate need of help at wide receiver.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) is expected to miss an extended period of time, according to head coach Sean McVay. The star wide receiver is also a candidate to land on injured reserve, knocking him out for at least four games. With Puka Nacua (knee) already on injured reserve, the Rams have Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, Tutu Atwell, and sixth-round rookie Jordan Whittington healthy at the wide receiver position. Unfortunately, Los Angeles has several players on injured reserve or likely heading there, making fans feel like it's the 2022 season all over again. Matthew Stafford's fantasy value takes a massive hit with his top two playmakers out of the lineup. Fantasy players likely want to avoid starting any Rams player not named Kyren Williams for the foreseeable future.
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson stepped into the starting role after Tyler Higbee (knee) remained on the PUP list heading into the season. After receiving five targets in Week 1, the 25-year-old couldn't take another step up in Week 2 as he was a non-factor in the team's blowout loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Parkinson registered one catch for 12 yards on two targets with five other pass-catchers seeing more targets. While Parkinson has the starting role, his involvement in the offense seems too volatile to rely on him every week. He'll look to bounce back in a game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3. This projects to be an uphill battle against one of the best defenses in the NFL.