There wasn't a lot to like about the St. Louis Rams' 2014 season, as they finished 6-10 and in last place in the NFC West. They did, though, pull off the upset of eventual NFC champion Seattle Seahawks in one of their two games against the Seahawks last year. Sunday, they'll look to do it again, opening their season against Seattle.
Fantasy football advice, Week 1: Who to start/sit for Seahawks vs. Rams
Last year’s first- and last-place teams in the NFC West face off to start the 2015 season.
The Seahawks come into Sunday's game about as healthy as any team. The Rams aren't so lucky; running back Todd Gurley has already been ruled out, running back Tre Mason is dealing with a hamstring injury, and didn't practice all week, but hasn't been officially ruled out as of yet.
St. Louis will host Seattle Sunday, the same situation that led to last year’s upset. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s look at the fantasy considerations:
SEAHAWKS
Start 'em: Even with the strong St. Louis defense, Russell Wilson has proven himself enough to be an every-week must-stat in fantasy. ... Marshawn Lynch is Marshawn Lynch. You're using him. ... Jimmy Graham is still fantastic, and will still be a big fantasy contributor. ... Steven Hauschka has been one of the fantasy game's top kickers year after year. ... The Seahawks' defense is still excellent.
Sit 'em: The Seahawks have huge strengths at every skill position, except wide receiver, where Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett and others are not fantasy-viable right now. ... Luke Willson could be a sneaky sleeper for the season, but he's not a fantasy option yet.
RAMS
Start ‘em: The Rams might have some offensive troubles this year, but that Rams’ defense is on point.
Start 'em?: In a desperate situation, there's a very tiny argument to be made in favor of Jared Cook at tight end. It'd have to be really desperate, though.
Sit 'em: The only thing in Nick Foles' favor in his career was that he was on Philadelphia, and he isn't on Philadelphia anymore. ... If Tre Mason goes, you can't use him against Seattle. If Mason is out, you can't use Benny Cunningham against Seattle. ... The Rams have a whole host of No. 3 or 4 receivers -- Brian Quick, Stedman Bailey, Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin -- without having a single one you'd want to use in fantasy. ... Greg Zuerlein just might not get kicking opportunities against that defense.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, Jimmy Graham, Steven Hauschka, Seattle defense, St. Louis defense
Start if you're desperate: Jared Cook
Bench: Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett, Luke Willson, Nick Foles, Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham, Brian Quick, Stedman Bailey, Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin, Greg Zuerlein
