The Los Angeles Rams are set to potentially be one of the best teams in the league in 2021. The trade for Matthew Stafford gives this team a prolific quarterback that gives them an edge in the NFC West. Couple that with their impressive receiving group and stellar defense, we could be looking at a Super Bowl contender in Los Angeles.

Even so, the NFC West is the toughest division in the NFC. The Seattle Seahawks will be at the top of the pecking order, the Arizona Cardinals improved this offseason, and if they can stay healthy, the San Francisco 49ers are elite. It'll be a tough season for the Rams, but they have the roster to go the distance.

For this franchise to make a deep run, they'll need everyone to step up. You can bet that Stafford will be at peak performance. Additionally, Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp could be in for their best year yet. Even so, the offense will need other guys on the roster to elevate their game too.

Two players stand out that could make more of an impact than some realize. Both of which are on the offense and they could give the Rams the boost they need to outscore their opponents. With that said, here are two underrated sleepers on the Rams for the 2021 season.

Van Jefferson

Van Jefferson had a quiet rookie season after finishing with just 19 receptions, 220 yards, and one touchdown. However, the coaching staff has been raving about Jefferson throughout the offseason. He's in a perfect position to be the third passing option in LA, which bodes well for his chances in 2021.

Stafford is known to be a gunslinger and spreads the ball around well. It doesn't really matter who his receivers are, as we've seen him play well regardless of who is lineup out wide. Woods and Kupp will be the top two targets, but don't sleep on Van Jefferson.

Darrell Henderson

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Sean McVay, 2024 NFL draft, Rams

Shane Shoemaker ·

Aaron Donald with angry emojis near him. Jason Kelce

Ryan Bologna ·

Former Rams' players Chris Long and Aaron Donald

Benedetto Vitale ·

There is a ton of hype surrounding Cam Akers right now after he carried the bulk of the workload in the final portion of last season. However, many are forgetting how effective Darrell Henderson while he played as the starter. He finished with 624 rushing yards and five touchdowns, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Henderson has the tools to be a starting-caliber running back and he could prove that next year.

For that to happen, he'll have to split carries with Cam Akers. This is going to become the new norm in the NFL, especially with the added 17th game to the schedule. Having two capable running backs will be essential in 2021, which should allow for Henderson and Akers to thrive in the Rams' offense.

If Los Angeles can have a solid one-two punch out of the backfield, they should be able to wear down their opponents throughout the season. We've watched the Cleveland Browns do the same thing with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Akers and Henderson aren't at that caliber yet, but they could prove to be the difference-maker for the Rams.