NFC West: Fantasy football options within the division

Dec 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason (27) rushes the ball against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

St. Louis Rams

The team with the most to gain in an evolving division has a small crop of fantasy worthy players, but might hold the biggest surprise of them all. Starting at the top, with newly acquired quarterback Nick Foles now under center the Rams will look to be more consistent at the position than they have been in recent years. A younger, healthier quarterback should help to bring the best out of a fledgling crop of wide receivers. Foles won’t overwhelm with his stats, but he will stay on the field and provide enough to help the new focus of the St. Louis offense, the running game. The Rams already had a very productive back in Tre Mason, last years rookie standout. However, they shocked more than a few folks on draft day when they selected Todd Gurley with the tenth overall selection in this years draft. Mason in his own right would have been a solid option, but adding Gurley could be the biggest get of them all. Gurley showed exceptional ability at Georgia, but had his college career cut short by a devastating knee injury. Now, looking to get healthy, Gurley may have his sites on 2015 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Tight end Jared Cook will look to increase his stats with Foles at the helm, but has been serviceable in the past two years. The talk of the offseason is how good this Rams defense could be in 2015. Another year of Gregg Williams master plan, and the addition of Nick Fairley on a one year prove-it deal could provide a little extra pop up the middle. This defense will turn some heads next season and would certainly be worth a flier in the late rounds.

QB: Nick Foles – A solid QB2, but a reach as QB1

RB: Tre Mason – An RB2 in most leagues, tough to make an argument as RB1

RB: Todd Gurley – Should make an impact at some point this year, but his fantasy value all hinges on his return date which is still TBD

WR: Not much to speak of here. A lot of options at WR2 and WR3 including Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt and Stedman Bailey. A healthy Brain Quick is also worth a look

TE: Jared Cook – Not a bad TE2 to have on the bench, but certainly enough there to fill the gaps as a TE1

D/ST: A tough call as an every week starter. The Rams have a difficult schedule this year. A+ grade as a bye week or fill in though.