12 days of Christmas winners for the LA Rams in a Week 16 win over the Jets

(2) - WR Puka Nacua

When the LA Rams drafted rookie prospect wide receiver Puka Nacua in Round 5 of the 2023 NFL Draft, 176 rookies were selected ahead of him. Even after rookie WR Puka Nacua set the All-Time NFL Rookie Receiving record in 2023, there were concerns that he might be a one-hit-wonder. But after another impressive season, Nacua has proven to be far more than an NFL anomaly. He is an elite receiver.

The Rams may not have benefitted from Puka Nacua in every game this season, but the offense has been much better when he has played. In just 10 of 16 games in 2024, he has hauled in 69 of 92 passes for 861 yards and three touchdowns. While injuries have limited his contribution this season, he has become an even more efficient receiver this year. His catch rate has improved to 75 percent, a career high.

Nacua is just 139 yards shy of his second 1000+ receiving yards season, and with two games remaining, he has a strong likelihood of accomplishing that landmark again. In recent games, the offense has routed through Puka Nacua, and not veteran WR Cooper Kupp. I've no reason to believe that Kupp is hurt, but he certainly continues to fall short of his 2021 record-setting performance.

Until things change for the Rams, I will continue to look towards Nacua to lead the team's wide receivers. Nacua is young enough to hold that role for many years, and accomplished enough to secure the lead receiver role as well. The team, may still get solid production elsewhere, but Puka Nacua has proven to be the go-to guy for the foreseeable future.