Fantasy Upside
Jared Goff struggled mightily as a rookie in 2016, completing just 54.6 percent of his passes for 1,089 yards. That said, no Rams player will benefit more than Goff from the hiring of new head coach Sean McVay. Goff said multiple times this offseason he was able to pick up the new offense much quicker than he did a year ago under Jeff Fisher and company. Given the offensive ineptitude the Rams showed under Fisher, Goff stands to make real strides under McVay. The team also traded for receiver Sammy Watkins, added veteran Andrew Whitworth to replace former first-round bust Greg Robinson at left tackle, plus signed John Sullivan to play center. At least on paper, the revamped Rams offensive line looks better than a year ago.
Fantasy Downside
Goff struggled in every imaginable way as a rookie in 2016. Even though McVay's presence will help, the second-year quarterback has a long way to go to be fantasy relevant. Goff struggled with pressure, struggled when he wasn't pressured, struggled to read defenses, struggled with his accuracy, and had zero command of the offense after taking over as the starter in November. Despite the additions of Whitworth and Sullivan, the offensive line remains a work in progress. Jamon Brown is shifting to right tackle after starting his career at guard, while Rob Havenstein has kicked inside after spending the last two years as the team's starting right tackle. Rodger Saffold is solid when healthy, but has struggled with injuries his entire career. The Rams signed Robert Woods in free agency and added tight end Gerald Everett in the second round, but Los Angeles remains devoid of talent at the skill positions.
2017 Bottom Line
Goff will show improvement under McVay but not enough to merit sleeper status in fantasy. He ranks as our No. 28 overall QB and is going undrafted in most 10- and 12-team leagues. Until the Rams are serious about upgrading their skill positions, Goff will struggle to post respectable numbers. It figures to be another long season in Los Angeles.
