While the 2021 NFL season is still months away, it is never too early to prepare for the fantasy season. Whether it’s research, mock drafts, or going with your gut, everyone has a way to prepare for their fantasy drafts. However, this isn’t another article to help you prepare for the fantasy season. Today, I am going to give three bold fantasy predictions for the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.
All stats are base on PPR scoring.
Be sure to check out all of Fanelli’s Fantasy Predictions.
Cam Akers Finishes as a Top-Six Running Back
Despite finishing third on the team among running backs in fantasy points scored last season, Akers led the team in rushing attempts and total touches. While Akers averaged only 7.8 fantasy points per game, he had just four games with 15 or more rushing attempts. In those games, Akers averaged 13.9 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, when given the featured job in the playoffs, Akers was unstoppable, averaging 24.5 touches for 136 scrimmage yards, one touchdown, and 22.1 fantasy points per game. From Week 12 through the playoffs, Akers played an average of 72.8 percent of the snaps per game. With Malcolm Brown in Miami and Darrell Henderson’s injury history, Akers should have no trouble finishing the season as a top-end RB1.
Editor’s Note – Update: Cam Akers tore his Achilles and will miss the season.
Cooper Kupp sets a Career-High in Touchdowns
Last season, Kupp scored a career-low three touchdowns despite averaging a career-high 6.1 catches per game. However, in 2019, Kupp had a career-high 10 touchdowns. Furthermore, Kupp was on pace for 12 touchdowns over a 16 game pace in 2018. When the Rams used two tight end sets last season, Kupp was limited in his totals snaps and, more importantly, snaps in the slot. Last season, Kupp played only 55 percent of his snaps from the slot compared to 65.5 percent in 2019. With Gerald Everett in Seattle combined the additions of DeSean Jackson and Tutu Atwell, expect Kupp to play more in the slot this season. Returning to his natural position, Kupp should set a career-high in touchdowns in 2021.
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Tyler Higbee Finishes as a Top-12 Tight End
After his strong finish to close out the 2019 season, Higbee was a fantasy sleeper entering the 2020 season. However, Higbee finished the year as the TE17, averaging 8.5 fantasy points per game. Unfortunately for his fantasy owners, Higbee scored 22.2 percent of his fantasy points in a single game. Removing that game, Higbee averaged only 7.1 fantasy points per game the rest of the season. However, Higbee is the perfect post-hype sleeper candidate. Over the past two seasons, Higbee averaged fives targets per game. Meanwhile, his new quarterback, Matthew Stafford, loves to target his tight ends. Last season, Stafford targeted a tight end on 24.2 percent of his passes. With Everett in Seattle, Higbee has a chance to break out this season.
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