Los Angeles Rams 2016 Season Preview

(photo credit: nflspinzone.com)

The Los Angeles Rams have a glut of young talent that make them intriguing sleeper picks for the upcoming season. The Rams return to LA for the first time in 22 seasons, and they have a lot to showcase to the city of angels. Los Angeles plays in a very difficult division: the NFC West. The Rams have been staring up at the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals for the past couple of seasons, but Head Coach Jeff Fisher and company are confident because of the collection of young talent that they have.

Los Angeles has a relatively easy schedule to begin the season, as they’ll only play two playoff teams from last year (Cardinals and Seahawks), before they head into their Week 8 bye week. The back-end of the schedule gets tougher, as they’ll face off against four playoff teams from last year, including the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers. The Rams fate lies squarely on the shoulders of second-year running back Todd Gurley. Gurley racked up 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, which earned him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. 

Los Angeles selected quarterback Jared Goff out of California with the first pick in last season’s NFL Draft, but he won’t even be the backup quarterback to start the season. Goff is expected to be behind Case Keenum and Sean Mannion to begin the season. Keenum’s season was shortened by injury last year, as he threw for 828 yards and four touchdowns in only six games played. Keenum will have an elite weapon to throw to, as Tavon Austin will be his number one target. 

Austin, who is only 5’9,” recently signed a four-year extension with the team. Austin is a threat in many ways, as he can score as a wide receiver, as a running back, or he could even wreak havoc on special teams. Austin caught 52 passes for 473 yards and five touchdowns last season. The Rams defense is anchored by their defensive line. 

Robert Quinn and William Hayes are both players that instill a lot of fear into the quarterback. Quinn has totaled 50 sacks and 146 tackles over his career thus far. Hayes recorded 5.5 sacks and 36 tackles last year in his best season as a Ram. Los Angeles has the talent to make it to the playoffs, but they’ll have to get past Seattle or Arizona in order to get to the playoffs.