Rams’ most exciting storyline in Week 15 might be hiding in plain sight

If you follow the NFL, you may be astonished by the current production of the NFL's leading wide receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has 1,428 receiving yards in 13 games. But if you dive a bit deeper, you would be equally impressed with Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua and his 1,186 receiving yards.

After all, Nacua has only appeared in 12 games this year, and left early in two of those games. As a result, Nacua ties Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride with 93 receptions, despite playing two full games less./

Nacua is not out to pad stats or earn likes. He is out to win, and his performance this season puts that football focus and passion on full display. After all, Nacua plays his best when the team needs him most. And with four games to go, Nacua remains in striking distance of the NFL's Single-Season Reception record of 149 receptions held by New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas.

To match that record, Nacua must average 14 receptions per game over the final four games.

Puka Nacua is better than many analysts give him credit for

Nacua started 2025 on fire, prompting NFL analyst Mina Kimes to name him the NFL's best offensive player this season. If not for several untimely injuries, he could very easily be on pace to smash an entire battery of NFL records this season.

Even still, he is averaging a catch rate of 78.8 percent, and with standing at the cusp of 1200 receiving yards, he is likely to set career highs in many statistical categories. That's a good thing because he balances teammate Davante Adams in putting up huge gains, allowing Adams to work his red zone magic.

The Detroit Lions secondary faces tough decisions in Week 15. With two defensive backs out, Detroit will need to gamble on coverage. And if they try to match up against Nacua with one DB, he will burn them the entire game. But if they double Nacua, then Davante Adams, tight ends, and running backs can take over the game.

Nacua is very difficult to defend. Detroit may be over its head this week, as LA can clinch a playoff berth with a win. That could prove to be the motivation needed to power the Rams to a win.

As always, thanks for reading.