Ramblin’ Fan’s “Humpday” Morning Links: Top 20 Power Rankings, Robert Quinn Fights For The Deacon Jones, And Tavon Austin A “Fluke”?

Nothing is better for a team than heading into the Bye after a dominating performance against a Top 5 team in the NFL. Naturally, with that extra week of rest and some notable performances/performers, there will plenty of content being pumped out over the next couple of weeks about the St. Louis Rams. Here is some of the best stuff from the past two days, written in the after-math of the Indianapolis Colts stomping.

Fantasy football Roundtable: Was Tavon Austin’s performance a fluke?

Was his performance a “fluke”? Well, it certainly wasn’t par for the course! However, this isn’t that first game that Tavon Austin has “broken out,” it is just the first time that those massive plays haven’t been negated or called back for illegal block in the back, tripping, or illegal use of speed and athleticism… O.K., maybe not that last one. In terms of fantasy football, it is still a risky bet to throw Austin as  No.1 or No.2. However, assuming Schottenheimer watched the game film, the Rams may have found a handful of ways to get Tavon the ball in space.

ESPN: Power Rankings: No. 20 St. Louis Rams

Hard to argue with the Rams being at the bottom end of the middle two-thirds in the power rankings. Despite the final scores against the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks, both were still loses, contributing to the three-game losing streak headed into last Sunday. However, as long as Washington stays below St. Louis, it is doubtful anyone in Rams Nation will pay much mind to the rankings until Sam Bradford is back under center.

Robert Quinn Chasing The Deacon Jones Award

Right now, Quinn is sitting pretty in second place, trailing only Robert Mathis in the hunt for the Deacon Jones award. Now, with the Rams headed into their Bye week, the St. Louis Rams can finally rest and gain back some health… which won’t be good news for some quarterbacks. After the Bye, Robert Quinn and Co. will start off against the potentially Cutler-less Bears, get a shot against a pathetic offensive line in Tampa Bay, and will get another crack at each of the NFC West quarterbacks (7 of his 12 sacks have come against those three players). Should be some happy hunting for Quinn in Week 12 and beyond!

Ultimate Fantasy Football Week 10 Lineup

It isn’t very often that a player on the St. Louis Rams takes the crown as the top statistical player of the week as his position. However, after dominating the Indianapolis Colts, the Rams actually have two players/units on Bleacher Report’s “Ultimate Fantasy Teams” for Week 10: Tavon Austin and the St. Louis Rams Defense.

The “total” for the Rams’ defense on their infographic doesn’t even truly exemplify what most fantasy owners received from the unit on Sunday. In most basic leagues, the defense and “special teams” are bundled together. That means toss on another 6.0 points for Tavon Austin’s 98-yard return. Moreover, most D/ST units get something for “points allowed”; a category where the Rams gave up only 8 total points…

Four Reasons the St. Louis Rams Have Slowly Improved

Watching the Rams over the past three weeks, it is easy to “see” that they have improved. However, sometimes it can be difficult to put your finger on where, who, or how. Rams 101 breaks down four areas where St. Louis has made progress this season, despite the injury to Sam Bradford.