2007 Previews: St. Louis Rams

Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.

Last year: 8-8 (second in NFC West)

Best addition: Drew Bennett (WR, Titans)

Key personnel loss: Kevin Curtis (WR, Eagles)

2007 outlook: Like Pittsburgh and New England are to defense, St. Louis is to offense and you better believe that if the Rams think Bennett is an upgrade over Curtis at WR, it's probably true. Mark Bulger recently signed a huge extension and Steven Jackson is one of the top runners in the NFL. Throw in Tory Holt and Isaac Bruce and you've an offense most defenses don't want to face.

However, for as much as the offense does to win games the defense almost seems to do as much to lose games. While there are decent pieces all over the defense, the Rams lack that one standout that you always have to account for. It is because of this unimpressive defense that St. Louis will struggle to make the playoffs.

Key to success: Obviously it comes down to the play of the defense and it's ability to stay healthy. With no real depth behind ok starters, the Rams will rely a lot on their starting 11 to carry the load and not give away games. Even if the unit doesn't suffer any major injuries, the Rams will still have a tough time of producing a solid all-around team.

Against Washington: With 2 weeks left in the season, it took overtime before Washington lost at St. Louis 37-31, despite 129 yards rushing from Ladell Betts. These teams won't face each other during the regular season.

Fantasy sleeper: Randy McMichael. The TE's seem to have a good chance to breakout this year and McMichael is one of those guys who, while good in the past, could have a career year because of the new, pass-happy offense he is in. However, the TE has never been that big of a deal in St. Louis but the Rams have never had a pass catcher at the position like McMichael, so it will be interesting to see how this scenario plays out.