The Rams traded up to grab Ole Miss RB Zach Evans late in Round 6 of the NFL Draft. Our guy C.H. Herms is a big fan of Evans' film and has liked Evans' dynasty value all along. And he's far from the only Evans film fan. Evans bounced from TCU to Ole Miss and dealt with multiple injuries. He finished with just 290 carries and 30 catches through three seasons. But he also averaged 6.9 yards per rush and 10.8 per catch for his career. That included 6.5 yards per carry and 9.9 per reception in his lone SEC campaign. Going to the Rams likely puts him in competition with 2022 rookie Kyren Williams for the No. 2 spot behind Cam Akers. The situation presents opportunity, with neither Akers nor Williams having proved much as a pro to date. We'll be watching this backfield competition through training camp. He's worth a look late in your dynasty rookie draft. See where he lands in our dynasty RB rankings.
QB Jimmy Garoppolo and the Raiders have reportedly agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million deal. The former 49er will receive $34 million in guaranteed money and reunite with HC Josh McDaniels, dating back to their days together with the Patriots. Garoppolo has struggled with various injuries over the course of his career but has played fairly well when healthy. We expect him to maintain QB2-level production in Las Vegas as more of a game manager that's better for your real-life NFL team than your fantasy team. That said, Garoppolo kept pace with QB Derek Carr, the man he's replacing, in fantasy PPG from Week 5 through Week 12 (16.3 and 16.4, respectively) before a foot injury ended his season. Plus, anyone paired up with WR Davante Adams carries some appeal in superflex leagues. This move doesn't prohibit the Raiders from pursuing a younger QB in the NFL Draft this April, but at least they have a bridge plan in place at a minimum.
Ole Miss RB Zach Evans (hamstring) didn’t participate in any drills at the NFL Combine on Sunday. We did confirm his measurements at 5’11 and 202 pounds, though we won’t see the former TCU transfer run drills until the Rebels' pro day scheduled for March 29th in Oxford, Mississippi. A quality pro day performance could see the former top high school recruit work his way into Day 2 draft capital. Check back on Evans as the month unfolds.
The Rams are hiring Mike LaFleur as their new OC, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. LaFleur replaces Liam Coen, who left Los Angeles after just 1 season to return to his previous post as Kentucky's OC. LaFleur struggled as Jets OC the past 2 years, with both of those teams finishing bottom 8 in both total yards and points. Like Rams HC Sean McVay, LaFleur comes from the Shanahan coaching tree, so there should be plenty of synergy here. McVay will still be running the show, though, so don't expect a big change to the Rams' play calling.
The Rams are expected to pick up QB Matt Stafford's 2023 option bonus and 2024 salary, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. It'll pay Stafford a combined $62 million in guaranteed money. There had been questions about Stafford's football future after a spinal cord contusion ended his 2022 season. He's avoided surgery, though, and is expected to be ready for the offseason program. With HC Sean McVay also returning for 2023, the Rams offense has bounce-back potential with better health and improvements along the offensive line.
Rams HC Sean McVay has decided to continue coaching, according to multiple reports. That's good for all the offensive skill-position players relevant to our fantasy football teams. Now we can focus on who gets healthy, who leaves and who arrives this offseason.
Rams TE Tyler Higbee (elbow) is active for today’s game vs. the Chargers. He got in just limited practices on Thursday and Friday but never seemed to be in danger of missing this one. See where Higbee lands in the Week 17 TE Rankings.
Commanders S Kamren Curl (ankle) is inactive for today's game against the Browns. CB Benjamin St-Juste (ankle) is also out, leaving the secondary without 2 of its top 5 players.
ESPN's Adam Schefter confirms that Rams TE Tyler Higbee (elbow) will play vs. the Chargers. Higbee only got in limited practices on Thursday and Friday, but there never seemed to be much doubt about his availability for this one.
Rams TE Tyler Higbee (elbow) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game vs. the Chargers. He got in limited practices on Thursday and Friday and is expected to play, according to HC Sean McVay. Higbee is coming off a huge 9-94-2 line on Christmas, putting him back on the fantasy radar. Just remember that he totaled 6 catches on 8 targets for 38 yards in QB Baker Mayfield’s first 2 games.
Commanders S Kamren Curl (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Browns. He put in limited practices all week after missing last Saturday's game at San Francisco. Curl will make for a risky IDP play this week if active.
Rams TE Tyler Higbee caught 9 balls for 94 yards among a team-dominating 11 targets (39.3%). Higbee also claimed both of the team's TD receptions. No other Ram caught more than 3 passes. TE Brycen Hopkins' 57 yards (on 3 catches) ranked 2nd on the team. No other teammate reached 30 yards.
Commanders S Kamren Curl (ankle) is inactive for today's game against the 49ers. CB Benjamin St-Juste (ankle) is active. EDGE Chase Young (ACL recovery) is also active for the 1st time this year. We wouldn't be putting him into IDP lineups though.
Browns S John Johnson III (thigh) is active for today's game against the Saints. Use him as planned in your IDP lineups.
The Rams have ruled DL Aaron Donald out for the 3rd straight game. He's dealing with a high-ankle sprain.
Commanders S Kamren Curl (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against the 49ers. We'll check his status that afternoon. CB Benjamin St-Juste (ankle) is also questionable.
Browns S John Johnson III (thigh) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Saints. Johnson played through the injury for a portion of last week's win over the Ravens, but he managed just 1 limited practice this week. We'll check his status Saturday morning. EDGE Jadeveon Clowney (concussion) is out for the game.
Browns S John Johnson suffered thigh contusion in Saturday's win over the Ravens. He played through it for a portion of the game but sat out the entire 4th quarter. We'll see about Johnson's outlook for Week 16.
The Rams have ruled DL Aaron Donald (ankle) out for Monday night’s game against the Packers
Rams HC Sean McVay admitted Tuesday that he'd be "hard-pressed" to envision WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) playing again this season. There's no reason for the 4-9 Rams to push Kupp back from a significant high-ankle sprain that required surgery. You can cut Kupp from redraft rosters if you've been hanging on.
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