Fantasy Update: Why You Should Pick Up Sam Bradford This Week

Sam Bradford is going to have a monster game this week.  When all the dust settles, I think Bradford might be one of the most productive QB's in the league this week. 

I can hear your protest, "Wait a minute... Aren't the Rams playing the Ravens?  As in, 'The Baltimore Ravens?'  You know, the same Ravens with Ed Reed and Ray Lewis?"

Yes, the Rams are playing the Ravens.

"And aren't the Rams going to probably be without All Pro running back Steven Jackson?  And his backup, Cadillac Williams?"

Yes, Jackson is a game time decision.  Williams is probably out with a hamstring injury. 

"And don't the Rams basically have... NOBODY at wide receiver?"

Yes, the Rams wide receivers are still young and unproven. 

So let me tell you why you should pick up Bradford this week.

1) The Rams won't have Jackson or Williams!  If either can play, it will be in a very limited role. The Rams best running back this week will be Jerious Norwood.  That means the Rams are going to have to throw the ball, a lot.  That means Bradford will have the ability to put up huge numbers today.

2) The Ravens secondary is depleted.  They have a ton of injuries to their cornerbacks.  I don't care who you are, if you are thin in the secondary, in today's pass happy NFL, you are probably going to get lit up.  Bradford is an accurate QB and he put up 300 plus yards against a depleted Giants secondary.  That game was on the road.  This game is in St. Louis.

3) This game is in St. Louis.  Okay, I already said that, but playing in the Edward Jones Dome gives the Rams a "fast track" to play on.

4) Bradford's receivers are young and inexperienced.  I think the Lockout hurt the Rams as much as any team in the league.  They drafted two young wide receivers, plus tight end Lance Kendricks.  They signed Mike Sims-Walker, expecting him to be a major contributor.  Add it all up. There was no mini camp, no OTA's, a shortened training camp, no two-a-days, learning Josh McDaniels' new offense, and so on.  This group started the season behind the Eight Ball.  I think you will see these guys make some plays for Bradford today.

5) Sam Bradford is a stud.  That is the biggest reason you should start him!  The Rams are 0-2, and he knows they need a win.  He knows he has to step up big time today, or they are going to be 0-3.  I think he will have a huge game. 

My projected stat line for Sam the Ram: 25-41, 352 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs...

And the Rams will still lose.  I just can't see the Rams' D, with all the stupid penalties and injuries in the secondary stopping Joe Flacco and the Ravens.  But if you are a fantasy owner, that shouldn't stop you from picking up Bradford today.