How much of Rams Week 16 burden will fall on playmaker Puka Nacua?

The 11-3 Los Angeles Rams had to pivot from a hard-fought Week 15 victory to a tough Week 16 opponent, the 11-3 Seattle Seahawks, on a short week. You see, Los Angeles faces Seattle on Thursday Night Football. Many Rams players and coaches would have loved an extra couple of days to prepare for this one.

But elite wide receiver Puka Nacua is likely thinking that this game cannot come soon enough

This has not been a great week for the former Brigham Young University star. After demolishing the Detroit Lions secondary for a huge game, he seemed to be set for another big week. Unfortunately, he made it a point to appear on a podcast and embarrass NFL officials just hours before competing in one of the biggest games of the year.

Other matters appeared on social media as well this week, all of which are distractions from the matter at hand.

Can Nacua silence the noise to focus on football? It's a tall order this week. Not only is LA travelling to a stormy Seattle to play in the wind and rain, but the Seahawks are arguably the second-best team in the NFL, and would love nothing better than to knock off the Rams and show off to the remainder of the NFL. It may fall to Puka Nacua to ensure that doesn't happen.

Don't discount Puka Nacua in Week 16

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford loves throwing to Puka Nacua, and for good reason. He catches nearly 80 percent of his targets, he creates separation, and he racks up plenty of yards after making his catch. Despite sitting out four halves of football, he is the runner-up in terms of receiving yards with 1,367 yards gained.

With just one more solid performance, he will set his NFL career high marks. Since arriving in the NFL in 2023, he has been the most proficient NFL wide receiver when he steps onto the football field.

In Week 16, he may struggle a bit. The team has yet to make a decision to play or bench injured wide receiver Davante Adams. Due to the proximity of the postseason, evidence seems to lean towards benching Adams. If that is the case, then Nacua will face tougher coverage.

That won't throw Nacua off. He has been the sole offensive weapon in several games this season. In the past two games, he has hauled in 16 of 22 passes for 348 yards and two touchdowns. Against the Seahawks earlier this year, he caught seven of eight passes for 75 yards. In short, he is a tough receiver to defend.

How much of the offensive game plan will fall on him in Week 16? Expect plenty. The game is a tough road contest, which means the offense will need the best players to show up. Puka Nacua is that guy.

As always, thanks for reading.