Ramblin’ Fans’ “Humpday” Links: Mediocre Power Rankings, NFL Dynasties, And The “No Pressure” NFC West

Outside of baseball, the sports world is essentially dead right now. NBA Playoffs are over, Stanley Cup Playoffs are over, and even NFL OTAs have been completed. With nothing of sports-substance on television, outside the happenings of Vonte Leach and the continuing investigation of Aaron Hernandez, it may seem like good Rams’ news is hard to find. Quite the contrary! Here is some of the content you might have missed this week…

Power Rankings: Seattle Seahawks leapfrog San Francisco 49ers

If there were one tried-and-true way to start heated arguments among NFL fans, it would have to be the release of Power Rankings. NFL.com goes “out on a limb” by slotting the Seattle Seahawks as the top team in the league, leapfrogging the previously-reining 49ers. Meanwhile, about halfway down the list, the St. Louis Rams enter the scene.

Vernon Davis: Seattle Seahawks ‘building a dynasty’

While most players and coaches in the Seahawks-49ers rivalry are going the negative path, Vernon Davis has decided to take the high road in the situation. I am not sure which one is the smarter path… “Dynasty” is a word that gets thrown out in the sports world far too often. Yes, the Seahawks appear to have a handful of long-term pieces in place, but  it is hard to drop the “D-bomb” on a franchise that has NEVER won the Super Bowl.

Are the St. Louis Rams Quietly Building a Powerhouse Team?

For the second article in a row, someone drops the “dynastic” word, this time in reference to the St. Louis Rams. While I disagree with the idea that the Rams will be building a dynasty, they are certainly on their way to building a “powerhouse,” assuming that the recent acquisitions and draftees can make a substantial, lasting mark. Missing from Bleacher Report’s list is the concept of sustainability. In two to three seasons, the Seahawks’ and 49ers’ rosters will implode once they have to pay their quarterbacks “top-tier” money. The Rams, on the other hand, have been writing franchise-type checks to Bradford since Day 1, and have built the rest of the team within the confides of his already-massive deal. Good signs for St. Louis.

Rams’ Zac Stacy Will Be This Year’s Breakout Running Back

Tavon Austin is not the only St. Louis Rams’ rookie getting some love this offseason. The 2013 6th rounder has been mentioned numerous times this offseason as a potential “late-round gem” after dominating the SEC on the ground last year. Some have pegged Stacy as the 2013 version of Alfred Morris… wouldn’t that be nice?

The Pressure Index 

This article doesn’t necessarily pertain directly to the St. Louis Rams, but it does cast an interesting light on the NFC West. National Football Post lists the Top 12 teams in terms of “pressure to succeed” this coming season, and you will be surprised at how few teams in the division made the cut…