Following a tremulous week between Odell Beckham Jr and the Cleveland Browns, OBJ signed with the LA Rams as a FA. With the news of Robert Woods suffering a torn ACL, is OBJ a fantasy football league winner? Or is he a bust. The answer may surprise you.
If Robert Woods had not suffered a torn ACL, my stance would be that OBJ is another potential fantasy football clogger. However, now OBJ competes with Van Jefferson and Brian Skowronek for the WR2 role behind Cooper Kupp.
The Rams’ prolific offense ranks fourth with 29 points per game. Prior to his injury, Robert Woods was averaging a 12.7% target share as the WR2. That placed him as the fantasy football WR17 through Week 9 with 12.7 FPTs/G.
Los Angeles ranks first in the NFL in 11 personnel (3WR) usage, checking in at 85% frequency. Having the eventual WR2 on the Rams as your WR2 in fantasy football is fruitful. I would know, as I had Robert Woods in a league prior to injury, and have lost only twice. Replacing Woods’ productivity will be key to my championship hopes.
So, in steps in OBJ. The dynamic in Cleveland was just not working. Blame was being pointed in all directions; from OBJ’s lack of work and focus, to Baker’s inaccurate tendencies reeling its head from time to time. Regardless of the reason, OBJ is still an elite route runner. Take a look at the play-action double move he against the Bengals. The Rams run effective wide/outside zone plays that confuse defenses because it is hard to decipher a run play from a pass play. This is by far the best offense and quarterback OBJ will have played with in his entire career.
From today’s @NFLMatchup Show…
We looked at the play-action pass game in the CLE offense — on a deep ball throw for QB Baker Mayfield.
• “Shot Zone” situation
• 1st down play-action
• Boot Flood + the DBL move
• OBJ’s route running traits #Browns pic.twitter.com/DReC3Dbvek— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) October 10, 2020
Another element that led to Robert Woods’ consistent fantasy production was his rushing ability. Woods does not rush often, but is very effective when he does – and is utilized near the LOS often. The Rams scheme concepts allowed Woods to gain YAC (along with Kupp).
Several times in a Browns’ uniform, the WRs have to catch the ball before immediately being tackled due to errant throws. OBJ’s fantasy production will see positive progression due to this scheme alone. Take a look at this run from last year by OBJ that could have ended dangerously, but OBJ possessed the quickness to hit the edge.
Per @NextGenStats’ rushing yards over expected (RYOE) metric, the best run yesterday was not by a RB.
It was this play by OBJ.
▫️Expected Rush Yds: 2
▫️Actual Rush Yds: 50
▫️RYOE: +48— Marvin Elequin (@FF_MarvinE) October 5, 2020
Outside the drama, Odell is an elite football player. He lands in a solid situation with the Rams where scheme, quarterback, and coach will utilize his athleticism to its potential. Go trade for OBJ if your WR2 or flex spots are the likes of Kirk, Sutton, and/or Gallup. When you are a League Winner, you can thank me later – even despite his slow start in his first game with the team in Week 10.
