NFL Power Rankings, Week 1: Dolphins hurt by trade talk, Bears look foolish

Cam Akers was lost for the season early in training camp and that led to a lot of speculation about what the Los Angeles Rams were going to do at running back. Several free agents had their names thrown around, including Todd Gurley who probably wouldn’t be too keen on returning to L.A.

In the end, they remained patient and allowed the players on their roster to show what they could do — then when a former first-round pick became available, they pounced. Sony Michel, who was taken in Round 1 by the New England Patriots back in 2018 fell down the depth chart which allowed the Rams to land him for a late-round pick.

He likely enters the season as the second running back behind Darrell Henderson, a former draft pick from Memphis who has yet to break out but has all the tools in his toolbox to do so. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see Michel take off in his new environment.

If he does, this offense could go from top-10 to top-5 in the blink of an eye. They already boast a lot of talent including a new quarterback in Matthew Stafford, and Michel could help eliminate the lone question mark they had.