News: St. Louis linebacker James Laurinaitis is starting in the Week 17 season finale at Seattle. He was a slight question mark for the Sunday game as he continues to deal with a nagging back injury. Laurinaitis has yet to miss any playing time this season, however.
Analysis: Laurinaitis, who recorded his second interception of the season in Week 16, has recorded double-digit tackles in eight of 15 games this season. The interceptions aren't so common, but he's capable of putting himself in position to make a big play. Fantasy owners should view him as a must-start IDP option in all formats heading into the regular season finale.
News: Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis was listed as probable for Week 17 at Seattle as he continues to deal with a nagging back injury. Laurinaitis, who was able to practice without limitation on Thursday and Friday, has not missed any playing time this season.
Analysis: Laurinaitis, who recorded his second interception of the season in Week 16, has recorded double-digit tackles in eight of 15 games this season. The interceptions aren't so common, but he's capable of putting himself in position to make a big play. Fantasy owners should view him as a must-start IDP option in all formats heading into the regular season finale.
News: Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis recorded his second interception of the season Week 16 at Tampa Bay, and according to him, it wasn't a matter of happenstance. "We felt like we had a good beat on these guys going into the game, and what they were trying to do," Laurinaitis told the Tampa Bay Times. "They had some tells. So we've got to credit the coaches and credit the guys for studying hard." Laurinaitis also had 12 tackles, including 11 solo.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has recorded double-digit tackles in eight of 15 games this season, which is reason enough to start him in Fantasy. The interceptions aren't so common, but he's capable of putting himself in position to make a big play. Keep him active in all Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis, who was dealing with a back injury leading up to the game, is active for Week 16 at Tampa Bay. He was listed as probable on Friday's injury report.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has been dealing with this injury for a couple weeks now, but it has yet to cost him any playing time. As one of the league's premier tacklers, he's a must-start in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: St. Louis linebacker James Laurinaitis was listed as probable on the team's injury report for Week 16 at Tampa Bay due to a lingering back issue. Laurinaitis showed steady improvement in practice over the past week and was a full participant in Friday's session.
Analysis: Laurinaitis is not expected to miss any playing time as he continues another stellar season for the Rams. Since his first season in the league in 2009, Laurinaitis is the only NFC player with at least 8.5 sacks and six-plus interceptions. Keep him rolling in all Fantasy formats for Week 16.
News: Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis, who was limited in practice by a back issue leading up to the game, was active for Week 15 against the Vikings after being listed as probable on Friday's injury report. He included six tackles, all solo, in the contest.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has been a terrific source of tackles this season, recording nine or more in nine of 14 games this season. Keep him active in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis practiced on a limited basis Friday after sitting out the previous two days due to a back issue. He was listed on the injury report as probable for Week 15 against the Vikings. Laurinaitis enters Sunday with 119 tackles on the year.
Analysis: Laurinaitis continues to be a tackling machine for the Rams and should be good to go Sunday. That being the case, keep him active in the majority of IDP formats for Week 15.
News: Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis posted his lowest tackle total of the season in Week 14 against the Bills Sunday. He had just three stops in the game, though he did add a fumble recovery in the game, a 15-12 win.
Analysis: This probably puts Laurinaitis’ tackle total of 142 from a year ago out of reach, as he now has 119 with three games remaining. That does not mean Laurinaitis has struggled this season, as he ranks second in the league in stops. His consistent excellence makes him a must-start Fantasy option in all formats in IDP options.
News: Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis had a big game in the Week 13 overtime win over San Francisco Sunday. Laurinaitis finished with 10 solo tackles in the game.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has recorded double digits in tackles in three straight games and in four of his last six for the Rams. He's heating up and is now well over 100 tackles on the year with 116. Laurinaitis also has a half a sack and an interception on the year and should remain active in just about all Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis picked off his first pass of the season in Week 12 against the Cardinals. He intercepted quarterback Ryan Lindley in the fourth quarter and also led his team with 14 tackles (seven solo) in the 31-17 win.
Analysis: Laurinaitis continues to be a tackling machine for the Rams as he has 106 through 11 games. Few linebackers in Fantasy are as productive as the 25-year-old so keep him active in all IDP formats heading into Week 13 against the 49ers.
News: St. Louis linebacker James Laurinaitis tallied a game-high 11 tackles (10 solo), including two for a loss, during the Rams' 27-13 loss to the Jets in Week 11. Laurinaitis nearly matched his tackle total from his previous two games (12) as he also notched a hit on quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Analysis: Laurinaitis had been slumping recently, but was able to rebound effectively and post his fifth outing of the season with double-digits in tackles. He sack totals (0.5) are a little off from last year when he tied a season high with three sacks, but he remains a high-end Fantasy option in all formats.
News: Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis recorded five solo tackles during the Week 8 blowout loss to the Patriots from London Sunday. Laurinaitis did not record any other defensive stats in the game.
Analysis: Laurinaitis already has four games this season with at least 10 tackles as he is up to 74 tackles on the season. He is well on his way to a 100-tackle yer and has added half a sack for the Rams. Laurinaitis is a solid cog in the defense for St. Louis and is generally a solid option in IDP formats. That said, he needs to be avoided for Week 9 as St. Louis is on bye. They return Week 10 at San Francisco.
News: Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis led the team with 14 tackles, including 13 solo, Week 7 against the Packers. The 14 tackles were a season high. He has recorded double-digit tackles four times this season.
Analysis: Laurinaitis is one of the elite tacklers in the game, and he certainly came through in a big way Sunday. He's more or less a must-start option in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis led the team in tackles in Week 6 against the Dolphins Sunday. Laurinaitis finished with six tackles in the game, his lowest total of the season. The Rams would lose the game, 17-14.
Analysis: Laurinaitis' tackle total was low, but it wasn't because he played poorly. The Dolphins had just 49 plays on offense in the game, so there were not many opportunities for Laurinaitis to post numbers. He remains on pace for another 100-tackle season, and should be considered a must-start Fantasy IDP option in all formats for Week 7 against the Packers.
News: Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis turned in another dominant performance against the Cardinals Thursday night in Week 5. Laurinaitis registered a team-high 10 tackles (seven solo), including sack in the third quarter to secure a 17-3 victory.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has emerged as one of the top middle linebackers in the NFL and in all IDP formats as he has registered 49 tackles and recorded his first sack of the season on Thursday night. He is considered as a must-start Fantasy option in all IDP formats heading into Week 6 in Miami.
News: Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis totaled nine tackles (eight solo) Week 4 vs. Seattle. Laurinaitis has 39 tackles (32 solo) through four games.
Analysis: Laurinaitis continues to be one of the top middle linebackers in the NFL and it shows up in the stat column. He remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis led the Rams with 11 tackles in a Week 3 loss to Chicago. He now has 30 on the season.
Analysis: Laurinaitis is one of the top IDP options in all of Fantasy. He finished eighth in tackles in 2011 and will likely be in the top 10 by the time the dust settles on Week 3. Continue to start him in all formats heading into Week 4 against Seattle.
News: Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis led the way in tackles in the Week 2 win over Washington Sunday. Laurinaitis finished with 10 total stops and eight of them were of the solo variety. One of his tackles went for a Redskins loss.
Analysis: Laurinaitis started slowly with just five tackles Week 1 in Detroit. Laurinaitis led the team with 142 tackles last season and was rewarded for his efforts with a lucrative contract extension. He should get things rolling and can be used in all Fantasy IDP formats heading into Week 3 at Chicago.
News: St. Louis linebacker James Laurinaitis registered nine tackles, including five solo stops, during the Rams' 27-23 loss to Detroit in Week 1. Laurinaitis finished one tackle shy of the team lead as newcomer Cortland Finnegan paced St. Louis with 10 tackles in the game.
Analysis: Laurinaitis led the team with 142 tackles last season and was rewarded for his efforts with a lucrative contract extension last week. The 25-year-old is a strong bet to exceed 100 tackles for the four straight season and should be considered a must-start in all Fantasy IDP formats.
News: ESPN reports Saturday that the Rams have agreed to a five-year, $41.5 million extension with linebacker James Laurinaitis. The extension runs through 2017 and includes $23.5 million guaranteed.
Analysis: Laurinaitis racked up 142 tackles last year and is one of the top Fantasy options among IDP players at the linebacker position. He can be starting in all IDP formats Week 1.
News: LB James Laurinitis was in his customary position atop the tackles standings for the Rams in a Week 17 loss to the 49ers. He led the team with nine tackles, finishing the season with 142.
Analysis: Laurinaitis doesn't help much in other categories, but few linebackers can offer tackles in such quantities on a consistent basis. He will go into next season as one of the top LB options for owners in IDP formats.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis led his team in tackles in Week 16 against the Steelers. He recorded seven solo and assisted on six more to finish with 13 tackles in the 27-0 loss.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has a career-high 133 tackles on the year to go with three sacks and two interceptions. While the defense around him is not that good, he remains a solid option in Fantasy so keep him active in all IDP formats for Week 17 against the 49ers.
News: St. Louis LB James Laurinaitis posted six tackles during the Rams' 20-13 loss to Cincinnati in Week 15. Laurinaitis' total matched his lowest output over the past six games, but he still was able to tie his career high of 120 tackles set during his rookie season.
Analysis: Laurinaitis will undoubtedly establish a new career best during St. Louis outing in Week 16 at Pittsburgh as he continues to be the team's leading defender. The 25-year-old has also produced three sacks this season and should be viewed as a must-start in all Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis had a big game on Monday night Week 14 at Seattle, despite St. Louis coming up on the losing end. Laurinaitis finished the game with a game-high 12 tackles, seven of which were solo. Laurinaitis had one pass defended and one of his tackles went for a Seattle loss.
Analysis: The former Ohio State standout linebacker now has 114 tackles on the season for the Rams. Laurinaitis has three sacks, two interceptions and six passes defended as well. Laurinaitis is a high-end Fantasy LB playing on a poor team. He can be starting in any Fantasy IDP league.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis had 12 tackles (10 solo) in the Rams 26-0 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13. Laurinaitis topped 100 tackles on the season and added a sack in the loss.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has double-digit tackles in three of the Rams' last four games. This is his third season in a row with 100 tackles. He is a high-end Fantasy LB in IDP formats.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis came up with an incredible interception of QB John Skelton on Sunday of Week 12 in a loss to the Cardinals. Laurinaitis finished the game with six tackles for the Rams.
Analysis: Laurinaitis picked up his second interception of the season in the loss on Sunday. He now has 90 tackles and is just 10 shy of 100 for the season. He will get the opportunity to reach that plateau in Week 13 at San Francisco. Laurinaitis is a solid Fantasy IDP option for use in all formats.
News: St. Louis LB James Laurinaitis (foot) is active for the Week 12 game against Arizona on Sunday. Laurinaitis was labeled as questionable on the injury report for the game entering Sunday, but was never seriously in jeopardy of missing the game. Laurinaitis sat out Wednesday's practice before participating in a limited capacity the past two days, including Friday.
Analysis: Laurinaitis was held out of Wednesday's practice as a precaution after an MRI on his foot revealed no serious damage. He is OK for the game Sunday. Laurinaitis is 16 tackles shy of reaching 100 for the third consecutive season and should be viewed as a high-end option in Fantasy IDP formats.
News: St. Louis LB James Laurinaitis (foot) is labeled questionable for Week 12 against Arizona, but is expected to suit up for the game. Laurinaitis sat out Wednesday's practice before participating in a limited capacity the past two days, including Friday.
Analysis: Laurinaitis was held out of Wednesday's practice as a precaution after an MRI on his foot revealed no serious damage. He is 16 tackles shy of reaching 100 for the third consecutive season and should be viewed as a high-end option in Fantasy IDP formats.
News: An MRI revealed no serious damage to Rams LB James Laurinaitis' injured foot, but he was still held out of practice Wednesday in prep for Week 12 against the Cardinals. "It's still bothering him a little bit and we just didn't want to overdo it today and have him not be full on Sunday," Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "The hope is to have him as healthy as possible."
Analysis: Laurinaitis needs just 16 more tackles for his third straight season of 100-plus tackles. He continues to be a standout playmaker and high-end Fantasy LB, so continue to track his progress.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis is going for an MRI on his foot. Laurinaitis racked up 13 solo tackles in Week 11 against the Seahawks.
Analysis: Laurinaitis needs just 16 more tackles for his third straight season of 100-plus tackles. He continues to be a standout playmaker and high-end Fantasy LB, so continue to track his progress.
News: St. Louis LB James Laurinaitis led his team with 13 solo tackles in Week 11 versus Seattle. Only one of those hits went for a loss, however.
Analysis: Laurinaitis is on pace to go over the century mark in tackles for a third straight season. He currently has 84 and has registered two sacks. Fantasy owners in IDP leagues should continue to view him as a solid No. 2 LB option.
News: For the second time in three games, Rams LB James Laurinaitis made 10 tackles, as his team defeated the Browns in Week 10. Laurinaitis also recorded his second sack of the season.
Analysis: Laurinaitis' production hasn't always been consistent, but he helps enough with tackles to be useful in most IDP leagues. Continue to trust him as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy LB in IDP formats.
News: St. Louis LB James Laurinaitis had just four tackles, three solo, on Sunday against Arizona. The Rams would lose the game, 19-13.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has hit double-digit tackles twice this season for the Rams. Even though he didn't have a great outing in Week 9, Fantasy owners in IDP leagues should continue to view Laurinaitis as a high-end No. 2 LB option.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis, who has been a steady source of tackles this season, recorded his first sack Week 8 against the Saints. He also had a team-high 10 tackles, all solo.
Analysis: Though Laurinaitis is a pretty good source of tackles, Sunday's game was only his second in double digits this season. He's coming off back-to-back seasons with more than 100, though, so you can continue to trust him as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy LB in IDP formats.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis made eight tackles in Week 7 versus the Cowboys. St. Louis would lose the game, 34-7.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has recorded 47 tackles on the year and one interception. Fantasy owners in IDP leagues should continue to view Laurinaitis as a No. 2 LB option moving forward.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis continues to play well. He had eight tackles Sunday at Green Bay, including five solo. He now has 39 tackles on the season.
Analysis: Laurinaitis remains a quality Fantasy LB in all leagues. We would consider him a No. 2 Fantasy option in IDP leagues in Week 7 at Dallas.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis had a solid performance in the Week 4 loss at home to the Redskins. Laurinaitis made things interesting late in the game as he intercepted Rex Grossman's pass in the fourth quarter. The pass was a bad decision by Grossman, and Laurinaitis stepped in front of the waiting receiver for the pick. Laurinaitis finished the game tied for the team lead with seven tackles.
Analysis: Laurinaitis picked up his first interception of the season on Sunday and now has 31 tackles in four games for the Rams. Laurinaitis has big-play ability and routinely makes a large amount of stops. Fantasy owners can use Laurinaitis in deeper Fantasy IDP leagues. That said, the Rams are on bye in Week 5 and return Week 6 at Green Bay.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis was relatively quiet in week 3 against the Ravens. Laurinaitis finished with just four tackles, all solo in the contest and was also credited with a quarterback hit in the contest.
Analysis: Laurinaitis wasn't his usual self on Sunday afternoon as his four tackles were a season low for him. Still, he is usually the team's leading tackler on most weeks, so expect him to bounce back next week against the Redskins. Owners should continue to iew Laurinaitis as a solid option in the majority of IDP formats heading into Week 4.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis led his team in tackles in Week 2 against the Giants. He recorded nine solo tackles and assisted on five more, including one for a loss, to finish with 14 in the 28-16 loss.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has been a productive force for the Rams since coming into the league in 2009 and is expected to be their man in the middle for many years to come. With 20 tackles through the first two games, he looks well on his way to his third straight 100-tackle campaign so continue to view Laurinaitis as a solid option in the majority of IDP formats.
News: Rams LB James Laurinitis was credited with six tackles in Week 1 against the Eagles. He also notched one tackle for a loss and a pass defensed.
Analysis: Laurinitis remains the top IDP option on the Rams defense for his ability to produce more than just tackles. He remains a worthy play in any IDP format as long as he remains healthy.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis (chest) was limited in Tuesday’s practice and is still questionable for Thursday’s game. “(Head trainer) Reggie (Scott) and I have been talking, does it make sense to take a chance of setting him back,” coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “So we’ll just see how it feels on game day.”
Analysis: Laurinaitis has been battling this chest injury for most of the preseason, but he has practiced and played in games. It just seems sitting Thursday is a precautionary move, so don't downgrade Laurinaitis in Fantasy. He is still a very good Fantasy LB, worth drafting in all IDP formats.
News: St. Louis LB James Laurinaitis made his preseason debut Saturday and finished with five tackles against Tennessee. On the Titans' first play of the game Laurinaitis tackled Jamie Harper for a 1-yard gain. Laurinaitis, who missed the opener with a pectoral injury, also had a sack.
Analysis: Laurinaitis said he was glad to be back anchoring the defensive unit, but knows there is still work to be done. “I was happy with how we ended up stopping them when they were in the red zone and holding them to three points instead of seven, but we expect more out of our defense," he said. With the injury seemingly behind him, Fantasy owners should consider Laurinaitis a quality option in the middle rounds of IDP drafts.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis missed Saturday's preseason opener against the Colts because of a pectoral injury.
Analysis: Laurinaitis went for an X-ray on his injury, but since no earth-shattering news arose, then that likely means he is just on the day-to-day watch. Laurinaitis has totaled 234 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions in his first 32 NFL games. He is a viable Fantasy LB when healthy, so continue to draft him in IDP formats.
News: Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said Tuesday that LB James Laurinaitis aggravated a pectoral injury and he is going to get an X-ray.
Analysis: The Rams and Fantasy owners are crossing their fingers that everything comes back OK for the former Ohio State standout. Laurinaitis has totaled 234 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions in his first 32 NFL games. He is a viable Fantasy LB when healthy, so we wait patiently to hear the updated status.
News: St. Louis LB James Laurinaitis tallied nine tackles in the Rams' 16-6 loss at Seattle in Week 17. The second-year linebacker from Ohio State also recovered a fumble and notched a hit on Seahawks QB Charlie Whitehurst.
Analysis: Laurinaitis had another sterling season and finished with 114 tackles -- just six off his career high he set in his rookie season. Laurinaitis totaled 27 tackles in his last three games of the season and will remain one of the best linebacker options for Fantasy IDP drafts in 2011.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis played well in Week 16 against the 49ers. Laurinaitis finished with seven tackles, all solo in the contest and was also credited with a tackle for loss and quarterback hit in the 25-17 win.
Analysis: Laurinaitis continues to rack up the tackles for the Rams and has been a solid Fantasy contributor all season long. Keep him active in all IDP formats heading into St.Louis' season finale against the Seahawks.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis led the team in tackles with 11 in a Week 15 loss to the Chiefs. The tackle count matched his season high.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has been very steady for owners in IDP leagues. Keep him active for Week 16, as owners should be counting on him to produce tackles on a weekly basis.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis had another solid outing in Week 14 against the Saints. Laurinaitis finished with eight tackles, all solo in the 31-13 loss and was also credited with a quarterback hit.
Analysis: Laurinaitis continues to rack up the tackles for the Rams as he now has 87 on the season. He also has three sacks and an interception and is one of the bigger play makers on this St. Louis defense. Keep him active in all IDP formats heading into Week 15 against the Chiefs.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis had a decent game in Week 13 against the Cardinals. Laurinaitis recorded six tackles, all solo in the 19-6 loss and was also credited with a tackle for a loss.
Analysis: Laurinaitis continues to rack up the tackles for St. Louis as he now has 79 on the season. He has a knack for always being around the ball and should remain active in most IDP formats heading into Week 14 against the Saints.
News: St. Louis LB James Laurinaitis had a big breakup with less than a minute left in the game on Sunday against Denver. With the Broncos driving in the fourth quarter, Laurinaitis dropped back in coverage and klnocked the ball out of TE Daniel Graham's grasp. He would finish with three tackles. The Rams would be the Broncos, 36-33.
Analysis: Laurinaitis showed he can't do it all on defense. He has 73 tackles and three sacks for the Rams this year, but is also a solid defender in the passing game. The Rams face the Cardinals in Week 13, a team that is one of the worst at protecting their quarterback. Consider Laurinaitis a No. 2 LB option in Fantasy IDP leagues for Week 13.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis posted his first double-digit tackle game of the season in Week 11 against the Falcons. He recorded eight solo and assisted on three more, giving him 11 tackles total, in the 34-17 loss.
Analysis: Laurinaitis continues to rack up the tackles for St. Louis and now has 70 through the first 10 games. He also has three sacks and one interception to go with three passes defended. Continue to view the former Buckeye as a solid No. 2 LB in IDP formats heading into Week 12 against the Broncos.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis picked up his third sack of the year in Week 10 against the 49ers, setting a new career high. He also had five tackles in the 23-20 overtime loss.
Analysis: Laurinaitis, who came into Week 10 with a knee injury, has a sack in back-to-back games and looks on par for another 100-tackle campaign. The 23-year-old is developing into a solid linebacker right before Fantasy owners eyes and should continue to be viewed as a No. 2 LB in IDP formats heading into Week 11 against the Falcons.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis has officially been ruled active for Week 10 against the 49ers. Laurinaitis was limited in practice on Wednesday but was able to practice in full participation on Thursday and Friday.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has been dealing with the knee issue for several weeks now, but he's playing his best football of the season lately. He recorded a sack and an interception in Week 8 against the Panthers and has been productive all season. Get him active in Week 10.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis (knee) is probable for the Week 10 game against the 49ers. He was limited in practice on Wednesday but was able to practice in full participation on Thursday and Friday.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has been dealing with the knee issue for several weeks now, but he's playing his best football of the season lately, coming off the Week 8 game against the Panthers where he had an interception and a sack. Continue to keep Laurinaitis active in Week 10.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis had a big game in the Week 8 win over Carolina. Laurinaitis led the Rams in solo tackles with eight and added a sack of Panthers QB Matt Moore. He also picked Moore off in the game for his first interception of the season. The sack was his second of the year.
Analysis: Laurinaitis had not been a Fantasy standout until the Week 8 game against the Panthers. He had just one sack and no picks coming into the game to go with 46 tackles on the year over seven contests. All those numbers go up after the Week 8 game and Fantasy owners should breath a sigh of relief. Keep Laurinaitis benched for Week 9, however, because the Rams are on bye. They return Week 10 at San Francisco. Laurinaitis will be worth starting in deeper leagues in that one.
News: As expected, Rams LB James Laurinaitis was activated for Week 8 against Carolina. He had been listed as probable on the injury report. He was limited in practice all week with a knee injury.
Analysis: Laurinaitis isn't putting up eye-popping numbers, but he has been consistent and productive. Keep him active in all Fantasy formats as long as he's healthy.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis is officially listed as probable for the Week 8 game against the Panthers. He was limited in practice all week with a knee injury.
Analysis: Laurinaitis isn't putting up eye-popping numbers, but he has been consistent and productive. Keep him active in all Fantasy formats as long as he's healthy.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis led the Rams with eight total tackles (seven solo) in the Week 7 loss to the Bucs. Laurinaitis got his hands on one of Josh Freeman's passes, and knocked it down. He continues to rack up at least five tackles per game and now has 46 total on the season.
Analysis: Laurinaitis isn't putting up eye-popping numbers, but he has been consistent and productive. Keep him active in all Fantasy formats.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis recorded five tackes in a 20-17 win over the Chargers in Week 6. He has had at least five tackles in every game this season for a total of 38 on the year.
Analysis: Laurinaitis isn't putting up eye-popping numbers, but he has been consistent and productive. Keep him active in all Fantasy formats.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis totaled seven tackles (four solo) in Week 5 against the Lions. He has 33 tackles in five games.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has failed to record at least five tackles in a game just once this season. He continues to step up as a leader and a playmaker for the Rams defense. Keep Laurinaitis active in all Fantasy formats.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis had five tackles in a Week 4 win over the Seahawks. One was for loss.
Analysis: Laurinaitis is a solid tackler for St. Louis but rarely gets to the QB. Still, he remains a must-start Fantasy IDP option heading into Week 5 at Detroit.
News: For the past two weeks, LB James Laurinaitis has led the Rams in tackles. In Week 3 against the Redskins the second-year linebacker recorded seven tackles, six solo, in his team's first win at home in 14 games.
Analysis: Laurinaitis now as 21 tackles through three weeks of the season and is pace for 112 on the year. After recording 120 as a rookie anything less may be a disappointment to him. Regardless, the young LB out of Ohio State is a No. 1 Fantasy option in IDP leagues.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis led his team in tackles in Week 2 against the Raiders. He posted nine tackles and also had a sack in the 16-14 loss. He killed one Raiders drive with a third-down sack when he came untouched up the middle.
Analysis: Laurinaitis had 120 tackles as a rookie last season and already has 16 in two games in 2010. He was a ball-hawk at Ohio State and should only get better with Steve Spagnuolo as his head coach. Laurinaitis, as long as he is healthy, should be a considered a No. 1 Fantasy LB heading into Week 3 against the Redskins.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis recorded five tackles against the Cardinals in Week 1. He also had a quarterback hit in the 17-13 loss. Laurinaitis on getting QB pressure: "Our D-line did a great job of getting pressure on him. We also had some blitzes. It's all well and good, but I don't care how many times you hit him, you've got to get that 'W.'"
Analysis: Laurinaitis had 120 tackles as a rookie last season and should be able to put up similar numbers in 2010 with another year under his belt. He was a ball-hawk at Ohio State and should only get better with Steve Spagnuolo as his head coach. Laurinaitis, as long as he is healthy, should be a considered a No. 1 Fantasy LB heading into Week 2 against the Raiders.
News:USA Today reports Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo has delivered a message to second-year linebacker James Laurinaitis -- take charge of the defense. "I told him before the first preseason game that there had to be a moment where he grabbed the huddle and said, 'This is my show now,' " Spagnuolo says. "He has to let the huddle know when it needs to step up and play with a little more juice. He's starting to do that." Laurinaitis has totaled seven tackles in the preseason. "He's got a football mind," Spagnuolo says. "He'll probably be a coach someday."
Analysis: We knew Laurinaitis would be a good NFL player after a standout career at Ohio State, but he has surprised everyone in his short time in the NFL. He posted 120 tackles as a rookie, and even showed he could play well in pass protection. Laurinaitis, as long as he is healthy, should be a good linebacker for years to come. Draft him as a No. 1 Fantasy LB.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis (shoulder) has been listed as probable for the team's Week 14 game at Tennessee. Laurinaitis was limited in practice all week.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has been a standout rookie in 2009 and is definitely pushing Brian Cushing for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He has quickly become a nice start in Fantasy IDP leagues and it appears safe to keep Laurinaitis active in Week 13.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis (shoulder) is listed as probable for Week 13 at Chicago. He took limited practice reps all week. Laurinaitis has yet to miss a game and has 25 solo tackles in his last two games.
Analysis: Laurinaitis has been a standout rookie in 2009 and is definitely pushing Brian Cushing for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He has quickly become a nice start in Fantasy IDP leagues and it appears safe to keep Laurinaitis active in Week 13.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis (nine tackles, sack), RB Oshiomogho Atogwe (nine tackles), LB Paris Lenon (three tackles, forced fumble) and DB Justin King (tackle, fumble recovery) all played well in a Week 12 loss to the Seahawks.
Analysis: Laurinaitis is having a stellar rookie season and ranks in the top 10 in tackles among linebackers. He is a must-start elite option in IDP leagues. Atogwe is also a solid starting choice, while King and Lenon have no Fantasy value.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis led the team with 16 tackles, all solo, Week 11 against the Cardinals. He's up to 76 total tackles on the season.
Analysis: Laurinaitis is beginning to make some noise during his rookie season and is worth using as a No. 2 LB in Fantasy IDP leagues if he continue to have performances like this one.
News: Rams DB Oshiomogho Atogwe (seven tackles), DL C.J. Ah You (seven tackles), DB Ronald Bartell (six tackles), DB Bradley Fletcher (five tackles) and LB James Laurinaitis (four tackles) led the way defensively in a Week 7 loss to the Colts.
Analysis: Atogwe and Laurinaitis are Fantasy studs at their respective positions in IDP play, while the other three are not worth using in Week 8 at Detroit.
News: St. Louis LB James Laurinaitis intercepted a pass and had five tackles on Sunday in the team's overtime loss to the Jaguars. It was the second straight game in which he picked off a pass. He also had five tackles in the contest.
Analysis: Laurinaitis had 14 tackles in the team's first game but has seen those numbers tail off the rest of the season. The interceptions are not something that Fantasy owners can count on week in and week out as LBs don't usually get too many of them. Think of Laurinaitis as a decent No. 2 Fantasy LB for Week 7 against the Colts.
News: Rams rookie LB James Laurinaitis made his first career interception in Week 5 on a pass from Brett Favre. "It's pretty cool. I'd be lying if I didn't say it was," said Laurinitis. "But to be honest with you, I'd put that ball on the ground if it meant we could get a W."
Analysis: The rookie linebacker from Ohio State has been a great addition to the Rams defense. He is making tackles and earning his keep in the starting lineup. Laurinaitis is no worse than a No. 2 Fantasy LB for Week 6 at Jacksonville.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis totaled a team-high nine tackles (six solo) during a Week 4 loss to the 49ers. He has 34 tackles through four games.
Analysis: The rookie linebacker from Ohio State has been a great addition to the Rams defense. He has yet to record a sack or interception, but he is making tackles and earning his keep in the starting lineup. Laurinaitis is no worse than a No. 2 Fantasy LB.
News: Rams LB Will Witherspoon led the team in tackles on Sunday of Week 2 against the Redskins. Witherspoon amassed 10 total tackles. Oshiomogho Atogwe added 8 tackles as did James Laurinaitis.
Analysis: Witherspoon already has 16 tackles on the season after two games and that is a solid number. He can be used as a No. 2 Fantasy LB in IDP leagues. Atogwe also has 16 total tackles and an interception. He can be used as a No. 1 DB Week 3 against the Packers. Laurinaitis already has 22 tackles on the season and is a No. 3 IDP option most weeks.
News: Rams LB James Laurinaitis put up some gaudy stats in first career NFL game. He led the team with a total of 10 tackles with six solo efforts and four assists. Laurinaitis also recovered a fumble in the game. Head coach Steve Spagnuolo said the rookie got "dinged" in the knee but should be OK.
Analysis: Laurinaitis was already owned in 30 percent of IDP leagues before playing a single regular season down in the NFL and it was for good reason. He should quickly become one of the leaders in the Rams' defense and should continue to be productive all year. Think of him as a decent No. 3 Fantasy LB in IDP formats and one of the better options in all-rookie leagues.
News: The St. Louis Rams have signed second-round draft pick James Laurinaitis, the All-America linebacker from Ohio State. Laurinaitis, who had 375 tackles in college, was the 35th overall pick in the April draft. Rookies and selected veterans begin workouts on Thursday in suburban St. Louis, with the rest of the squad beginning practice on Friday.
Analysis: Laurinaitis is expected to start right away in the middle of the Rams defense and contribute as a defensive play caller and run stopper. He isn't a bulky, physical linebacker and is more of an undersized guy who simply makes plays. Thus, he should be responsible for plenty of tackles and as such has the potential to be a low-end No. 3 Fantasy LB in deeper IDP leagues this summer, worth a middle- to late-round pick. He's worth a middle-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and an early-round choice in rookie-only drafts.
News: The Rams added a key piece to their defense with the addition of Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis with their second-round pick. Laurinaitis is expected to start right away in the middle of the Rams defense and contribute as a defensive play caller and run stopper.
Analysis: Laurinaitis isn't a bulky, physical linebacker and is more of an undersized guy who simply makes plays. He should be responsible for plenty of tackles and as such has the potential to be a low-end No. 3 Fantasy LB in deeper IDP leagues this summer, worth a middle- to late-round pick. He's worth a middle-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and an early-round choice in rookie-only drafts.
