The 2024 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. The season kicks off on Thursday, September 5 and every day through Monday, September 2 we’ll be going team-by-team as we preview the new season. Be sure to come back here every afternoon as we look at a new team and get your ready for the 2024 season. We’ll cover off-season changes, the fantasy prospects, and the prediction for how the team will fare this season.

The Rams bounced back in stunning fashion after a disastrous 2022 season. Matthew Stafford looked strong and a pair of Fifth Round picks—running back Kyren Williams and receiver Puka Nacua—led a great offense. The Rams got enough out of their defense and did enough overall to win 10 games and make their way back to the playoffs. The team didn’t go far, but it was a nice return from where the squad had been in 2022. Now, in 2024 the Rams will look to build on that success and get back to the post-season in an improving NFC. Let’s look at their team.

Off-Season Changes

The Rams didn’t lose many veteran players, but they did lose a crucial one on defense when Aaron Donald retired. The heart of the defense and the defensive line, Donald will be near impossible to replace. Though the Rams did spend two high draft picks to grab defensive end Jared Verse and defensive tackle Braden Fiske to begin that re-building. They also signed veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White to boost the secondary.

It wasn’t all about defense for the Rams. The team added veteran Jimmy Garoppolo—who’ll be suspended to start 2024—to give them a backup quarterback. The team also added running back Boston Scott and tight end Colby Parkinson to provide depth. In the draft, the Rams snagged former Michigan Wolverine back Blake Corum. He was a four-year player at Michigan, but Corum was a workhorse his last two years, posting 505 carries. He also rushed for more than 2,700 yards and added 45 touchdowns in those seasons. He figures to be a weapon for the Rams as well.

Fantasy Prospects

It starts with Stafford, who returned to form coming off injury in 2023. He finished as QB15 in 2023. I like him as a solid QB2 again in 2024. In the backfield, he’s joined by Williams, who burst onto the scene and finished as RB7 despite missing four games. He rushed for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns, catching 32 passes and adding three receiving touchdowns. I like him to be the starter and a workhorse again, finishing as an RB1. The Rams have historically brought rookie backs along slowly, with Williams not doing much as a rookie, either. I think Corum will have a role and will likely have some flex value later in the season, but I still feel good about Williams in 2024. I do like Corum in dynasty and if something happens to Williams.

In the passing game, rookie Nacua finished as WR4. It was an amazing, record-breaking season as he caught 105 passes for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns. The Rams still have veteran Cooper Kupp, who finshed as WR40 in 2023 after missing time with injury. Together, they make a formidable pair. I like Nacua to finish in WR1 range again, with Kupp finishing as a low-end WR2. There aren’t any other Rams receivers I’m rostering in re-draft. Demarcus Robinson could have flex value if there are injuries, and Jordan Whittington could be a good dynasty stash.

At tight end, the team have veteran Tyler Higbee. He finished as TE24 in 2023. Parkinson comes over from the Seahawks and could provide competition for snaps. Higbee is still the tight end I prefer, but he’s a low-end TE2 option for me. In the past he’s been more of a boom/bust selection, and I think that holds true in 2024 as well.

Prediction

I liked the Rams last year. The offense sprung back to life and the defense was solid. Replacing Donald in terms of production is no easy task, but there’s no replacing his ferocity and leadership. Still, the Rams have re-loaded and have a good group, especially if rookies Verse and Fiske make an early impact. I still like Stafford-Williams-Nacua on offense, and I think this team is good enough to compete for a playoff spot and finish with nine or 10 wins.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.