The Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals had tough losses to start the season. Each team saw a late score push their opponents over the top, and the Rams, in a more dramatic fashion, lost in overtime to the Detroit Lions. Even though both clubs lost, there are some silver linings.
The Rams lost key receiver Puka Nacua, but Cooper Kupp and Tyler Johnson stepped up to carry the workload. The Arizona Cardinals had a more balanced attack, feeding the ball to James Connor 19 times and spreading the ball to eight different receivers.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals DFS Start ‘Ems
Here are a few of the players that we are leaning on heavily in this game. These players are in a good spot to put together a solid performance and have a favorable matchup.
Tyler Johnson, WR, Los Angeles Rams ($3.3K DraftKings, $4.0K FanDuel )
Last week in Detroit, Tyler Johnson had his number called to step up when star receiver Puka Nacua went down. Johnson hauled in five catches for 79 yards averaging just under 16 yards per reception.
With Sean McVay deciding to air the ball out instead of ground and pound, Johnson could be the new WR2 on a Rams team that likes to sling the ball. For only a small price in your lineup, I love this Tyler Johnson pickup.
James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals ($6.4K DraftKings, $6.5K FanDuel)
In the Cardinals’ tough loss to the Bills, they relied heavily on James Conner as their workhorse. Conner had 16 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown, and he added three catches for 33 yards. The overall numbers are not great, 19 touches for 83 yards is not very efficient.
However, this means the Cardinals believe Conner can break through tough defenses with enough tries. The Bills’ defense is a tough unit, so if Conner gets 19 touches against the Rams, he should find more success.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals DFS Sit ‘Ems
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On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.
Blake Corum, RB, Los Angeles Rams ($4.7K DraftKings, $6.0K FanDuel )
Last week in Detroit, Blake Corum did not see the ball the entire game. With the loss of Puka Nacua, you would think the Rams would lean on their tandem of running backs. Instead, they leaned heavily into the passing game with Matthew Stafford having 49 passing attempts. Blake Corum may get some attempts this week, and throughout the season Sean McVay will probably work him into the rotation increasingly, but for this week sit him.
Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals ($6.6K DraftKings, $8.0K FanDuel)
Kyler Murray had an interesting game on Sunday. Murray went 21/31 with 162 yards and a touchdown, and he found success running the ball with five carries for 57 yards, but he fumbled. His accuracy was good, but he did not throw the ball far, averaging just under eight yards per completion. He made up for that with his legs, until he fumbled. Weird game from Murray, not sure what to expect from him, sit him this week.
Total Apex Lock of the Game
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams ( $7.6k DraftKings, $7.7K FanDuel)
21 Targets. Does any more need to be said? Last week, Kupp put the entire Los Angeles team on his shoulder, catching 14 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. He added 2 carries for 10 yards but 16 touches for a wide receiver is beyond heavy usage. 14 catches would have put him tied third for most receptions all of last season, and that was week one. Kupp will probably not see 21 targets again, but the Rams will heavily rely on him to move the ball.
Total Apex Fade of the Game
Trey Benson, RB, Arizona Cardinals ($5.1K DraftKings, $4.9K FanDuel)
Trey Benson finds himself in a weird situation in Arizona. James Conner is 29 but plays like he’s 23, touching the ball 19 times against the Bills. Hopefully, Trey Benson will get more touches as the season goes on, but early on the Cardinals have shown they are relying heavily on one back, which is James Conner. I think Trey Benson is a great young player, but until the Cardinals show they are using him in rotation more often he is going to be a sit.
Conclusion
Both teams look to bounce back from tough losses in Week 1. The Rams will rely heavily on their Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp, but Kyren Williams and Tyler Johnson could have increased roles with the loss of Nacua. The Cardinals are working James Conner like a machine, and he may not have found the success he was hoping for against the Bills, but the Rams’ defense is not as solid as the Bills.
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