Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 5th, at 4:05 PM EST
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Betting Odds: JAC +12, 48 total via Oddsshark
Network: FOX
Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarterback
Trevor Lawrence (Sit)
Trevor Lawrence was able to enter the passing touchdown column to close out November, by tossing his lone TD of the month against the Falcons in Week 12. What saved his fantasy day otherwise were the 39 rushing yards on five carries; otherwise, his passing stat line was left undesired. He completed 23 of 42 passes for 228 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. His Week 13 matchup will not be any easier, as he faces a Rams defense that has given up the 11th fewest fantasy points to QB’s this season. Lawrence has not had a strong rookie season despite the hype entering the year and remains on your league’s wire.
Running Backs
James Robinson (Start, RB2), Carlos Hyde (Sit)
A volume-based RB2, James Robinson had a decent game against Atlanta, turning 17 carries in 86 yards, plus three receptions for 29. This issue is, the Jags offense overall is not a good unit. With the volume to remain – and Carlos Hyde not seeing meaningful touches anymore – Robinson is one of the only options worthy to start from Jacksonville. The Rams just allowed AJ Dillon to turn 20 carries into 69 yards, but also catch all of his targets for 21 yards and a score.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Marvin Jones Jr. (Sit), Laviska Shenault Jr. (Sit), James O’Shaughnessy (Sit)
The target share has been there for Marvin Jones Jr., but the production has not. He has not found the end zone since Week 6, which was the same week where he last amassed over 100 receiving yards. If you haven’t faded him from your lineup or bench, please do already. The same can be said for Laviska Shenault Jr., despite Urban Meyer wanting to get him more involved. With popular streamer Dan Arnold placed on (likely) season-ending IR, fellow TE James O’Shaughnessy will step in, but hold no fantasy relevancy right now.
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback
Matthew Stafford (Start, QB1)
In a crushing loss to the Packers in Week 12, Matthew Stafford struggled, yet finished with 31 fantasy points [in 6-pt TD leagues]. He completed 21 of 38 attempts for 302 yards, three touchdowns, and a pick-six. He’s battling a plethora of injures – elbow and back pain – but is playing through and averaging 42 pass attempts in his last three games. Barring injury setbacks, there is no reason why Stafford won’t have another big day against Jacksonville.
Running Backs
Sony Michel (Start if Henderson is out, RB2), Darrell Henderson Jr. (Start if active, RB1)
On Monday, it was reported that Darrell Henderson Jr. suffered a quad strain that will leave him to be monitored during practices this week. Enter Sony Michel if Henderson can’t go, who would step in as an immediate RB2 in a week where some notable RB’s are on their BYE; Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Aaron Jones, and AJ Dillon. If Henderson is fit enough to play, he’s a locked-in RB1 against a Jags defense that has given up the 12th most fantasy points to the position this season. It is worth mentioning though that over the last few games, Jacksonville has played better against the run, I would expect the game script to be in the favor of L.A., opening up more touches for either Rams RB.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Cooper Kupp (Start, WR1), Van Jefferson (Start, WR3), Odell Beckham Jr. (Start, WR3), Tyler Higbee (Start, TE2)
You know expectations are high for the WR1 on the fantasy season when seven receptions on 10 targets for 96 yards and a 2-point conversion is considered a quieter week. Cooper Kupp saw most of his production in hurry-up mode with the Rams trailing, but the timing of when it happens is never an issue. Kupp has been as steady as they come and should continue his top-dog status against the Jaguars. The next two Rams WR’s are the interesting names to consider. Van Jefferson had three receptions on nine targets – an encouraging total – for 93 yards and a touchdown. Most of the yards came on a 79-yard bomb from Stafford but again, the target share has been nice since the unfortunate season-ending injury to Robert Woods. In Week 10, the first-week post-Woods, Jefferson saw seven looks, but only another three receptions. Jefferson has played himself into WR3 territory, but if you are going to start him, you will hope the number of catches increases. Odell Beckham Jr. had 10 targets against the Packers, catching five passes for 81 yards and a score as well. Like Jefferson, the chunk of OBJ’s yards came on his 54-yard score. Set to face a beatable Jacksonville secondary this week, consider Beckham a solid WR3 with the likes of Davante Adams and D.J. Moore on their bye.
In such a potent offense, Tyler Higbee has been a disappointing TE this season, to say the least. Against the Packers, he had one reception on five targets for three yards – not ideal. You can continue to start him, but he’s played himself into a touchdown-dependent trajectory.
-Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)