Los Angeles Rams DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford took the field on Tuesday at the team's training camp. Stafford was noticeably absent from Monday's practice due to a contract dispute involving a guaranteed money structure. It would appear that it only took one day for the Rams and Stafford to come to an agreement. Stafford finished 2023 with 3,965 passing yards and 24 touchdowns in 15 games. Stafford helped propel Puka Nacua to his stellar WR4 finish. While Stafford only finished as the QB15, he got hot down the stretch with excellent games between Weeks 13 and 16. Stafford's days as a potential weekly fantasy starter are likely gone, but he could have some streaming value and is an excellent second quarterback in superflex leagues.

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (knee) was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Tuesday. This is unsurprising, as Higbee suffered a torn ACL and MCL during the Rams' Wild Card Game loss to the Lions in January. The Rams signed Colby Parkinson this offseason to serve as their second tight end behind Higbee. Given the timeline of Higbee's injury, Parkinson may begin the year as the starter. Behind Parkinson, the Rams also have interesting second-year player Davis Allen and Hunter Long. Higbee has provided fantasy players with solid value over the years. He finished 2023 with 47 receptions for 495 yards and two touchdowns. Whoever begins the year as the starter should have a solid game here and there. For now, Higbee should be off your draft radar.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was not among the many players who reported to training camp on Monday night, according to Cameron DaSilva of The Rams Wire. While we don't have an official word on Stafford's absence, it's likely related to his ongoing contract impasse with the Rams. Stafford, who still has three years left on his existing deal, reportedly wants to restructure his contract so that he gets more guaranteed money and possibly a pay raise, too. Oftentimes, these impasses get resolved during the summer months (or the player gives in and tables discussions until the following offseason). However, that's not always the case, and Stafford's veteran status could prompt him to take a firmer stance on the whole ordeal. His presence (or lack thereof) will be a storyline that fantasy managers should continue to monitor as the 2024 season inches closer. For now, Stafford has an ADP of 121 in redraft leagues, making him the 19th quarterback off the board in drafts. He was the overall QB15 last year after tossing for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

Working in Los Angeles Rams tight end Hunter Long's favor is the fact that Tyler Higbee (knee) probably isn't going to be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season. That lone could land Long a spot on the 53-man roster to open the year if Higbee starts on the Physically Unable to Perform list. However, the Rams added Colby Parkinson in the offseason and love the potential of Davis Allen. If one of Nikola Kalinic or Neal Johnson emerges in training camp and the preseason, Long could be out of a roster spot. The 25-year-old finished last year on Injured Reserve after having surgery on his MCL but he was taking part in organized team activities this offseason and should be ready to go this fall. In just four games played in 2023, Long wasn't targeted at all while playing 54 offensive snaps for the Rams.

ESPN's Sarah Barshop lists Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp as one of the team's most surprising offseason standouts, which even she admits is odd. Kupp, who was the 2021 receiving triple-crown winner, has played through significant injuries in each of the past two seasons. He finished 2023 with 59 catches for 737 yards and five touchdowns, his fewest receiving yards since 2018, when he played in only eight games. However, Kupp is healthy this offseason, and it showed on the practice field. Head coach Sean McVay said during organized team activities that he doesn't think "anyone really understands the amount of things [Kupp was] working through last season" with his injury and that the receiver has been able to build his body "from the ground up." Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting the 2021 version of Kupp anymore, especially with Puka Nacua in the fold, but if he's healthy, he can still deliver value as a low-end WR2/high-end WR3 in 2024.