Ramblin’ Fan’s “Humpday” Morning Links: Tavon Austin Misses Practice, Fantasy Steals, And Rams’ Bubble Watch

Is it Wednesday already? It seems like time flies once football season rolls around, with the league now headed into the three-quarter mark of the preseason. With fantasy football heating up, notable players missing practice, and several other “headline busters” on the news right now, there is plenty of cover. Here is the best stuff from the last couple of days.

Rams Tuesday practice report

If you aren’t regularly visiting the ESPN NFC West blog by now, you are sorely missing out on some brilliant insight from the new St. Louis Rams’ headmaster, Nick Wagoner. His “daily” practice reports are as in-depth as you could possibly want. If you want to feel like you were at practice on Tuesday, make sure to give this link a click!

Fantasy Preview: Defense and Special Teams

If you have not already taken the plunge into fantasy football, your league is likely to be drafting at some point in the next week. While most sites focus on the “important” positions, like quarterback and running, few give insight into some of lesser slots on the roster… like defense and special teams. In most leagues, the two aspects of the game are lumped together into one “DEF/ST” package. That means sacks, interceptions, and defensive touchdowns get paired with kick/punt return yards and special teams touchdowns (i.e. lots of potential). Look who the best team “on paper” might be this season.

Denver Broncos vs. St. Louis Rams Free Pick 8/24/13

In the most important game of the preseason, the St. Louis Rams appeared to have picked one of the AFC favorites for the Super Bowl this coming season. However, with Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller both “gone,” in some capacity, Sam Bradford could have a relatively easy night against a less-than-stellar front-four, and a not-so-young secondary. However, the real challenge will be for the defense, facing off against, arguably, a Top 5 receiving corps in the NFL… oh yea, and Peyton Manning. With it being Week 3 of the preseason, we can except the starters to play up until halftime; so, in a way, this will be similar to a regular season game. Thus, having a “pick against the spread” isn’t necessary a ludicrous concept. Are the Rams’ favored? Can they beat the spread?

Fantasy Football 2013: Late-Round Steals Who Will Shape Your Season

Talk about some fantasy football love, Bleacher Report appears to have finally opened their arms and welcomed in the St. Louis Rams. Maxwell Ogden lists four players that you might be able to “steal” late in your fantasy draft that have the “potential for fantasy greatness.” Of the four players, two might seem very familiar to Rams Nation.

St. Louis Rams 2013 roster: Bubble watch

As the end of August approaches, the not-so-fun part of Training Camp begins; the roster cuts. Soon, Jeff Fisher and Co. will have to chop the roster down to 75 players, soon followed by the decision on the final, 53-man roster. In this piece, Ryan Van Bibber breaks down a handful of players that are likely on the fringe of making the team.