Unsung Ebukam
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report selected Rams' second-year linebacker Samson Ebukam as the team's '1 Unsung Player to Know' entering 2018.
Sobleski says Ebukam's job has become even more important as the Rams roll out a newly stacked defensive line.
"On the other side of the formation, Matt Longacre and Dominique Easley are competing for playing time—which makes Ebukam's performance even more important. Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh will collapse the pocket; the Rams need an edge presence to finish off the quarterback at times."
Ebukam played in all 16 games as a rookie in 2017 and finished his season with 20 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and one forced fumble.
To view the entire article, click here.
WHO HAS THE EDGE MONDAY NIGHT?
On Sunday Rich Hammond of the Orange County Register broke down the Rams' Monday night opener. Hammond gives the Rams the edge against the Raiders in Week 1, and here's how it breaks down:
Offensive edge: Rams
Defensive edge: Rams
Special teams edge: Rams
Intangible edge: Rams
Coaching edge: Raiders
Matchup to watch: DL Aaron Donald vs. LT Kolton Miller
Prediction: Rams 31, Raiders 21.
"Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald vs. Raiders offensive tackle Kolton Miller. The Raiders made an interesting, and eye-opening, decision in training camp when they moved Donald Penn, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, to right tackle, and gave the left side to Miller, whom they drafted out of UCLA with the No. 15 overall pick in April. And who does Miller draw in his first regular-season game? Donald, last season's NFL defensive player of the year. Given that the Raiders also have to account for Ndamukong Suh and Michael Brockers, the Raiders could have trouble keeping the Rams out of their backfield."
For Hammond's full breakdown, click here.
FANTASY MATCHUP
NFL.com's Marcas Grant previewed all of Week 1's games for fantasy football owners on Friday. Grant advices setting a lineup with really any Ram, as the Raiders defense might have a hard time slowing head coach Sean McVay's offensive weapons.
Rams
Jared Goff: Start
Todd Gurley: Start
Brandin Cooks: Start
Robert Woods: Start
Cooper Kupp: Start
Rams DST: Start
Raiders
Derek Carr: Sit
Marshawn Lynch: Flex
Amari Cooper: Flex
Jordy Nelson: Beware
Jared Cook: Sit
For the entire predictions, click here.
