Red-hot Puka Nacua is the X-factor Rams need to thwart Colts

The 2-1 Los Angeles Rams are on another collision course to face a formidable opponent in Week 4. This time, LA hosts the undefeated Indianapolis Colts, a team that boasts an effective offense that knows how to score points.

To hope for a win, head coach Sean McVay's offense understands that scoring points is not a luxury; it's a must.

To do that, the Horns must rely on wide receiver Puka Nacua once more.

In three games against some stingy defenses, the third-year receiver has caught 29 of 34 passes for 333 yards. That is nearly half of the team's 63 receptions and 739 receiving yards.

So it's a safe conclusion that Nacua will play a huge role in the offense in Week 4.

His role may be even larger as Los Angeles' other primary wide receiver, Davante Adams, has not practiced for two days due to a nagging hamstring injury. That puts Nacua on center stage once more. It was his ability to shake off a huge gash on his forehead to return and lead the offense to a Week 1 win.

Rams need Puka Nacua to stay hot vs. Colts

Data Fantasy Points writer Scott Barrett shared a fascinating bit of information on social media, highlighting Nacua as one of the NFL's most prolific wide receivers this season. And the rote statistics confirm that conclusion: Nacua is the NFL's leading wide receiver after three games.

His 82.8-percent catch rate is outstanding, as is his 117 yards gained after the catch. That helps to explain why he's second in the number of targets heading into Week 4, trailing only New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave.

Ironically, the third-year wide receiver has yet to score a touchdown through the air this season. That is nothing new, as his 31 NFL games have led to 2,809 receiving yards but just nine receiving touchdowns.

However, he does have a rushing touchdown this season and two rushing touchdowns in his career.

The Rams offense has averaged 24.3 points per game so far this season. While that is good enough for the 11th most points per game, it's not nearly enough to match Indy's offense, which is averaging 34.3 points per game.

Can the offense hope to keep up in a shootout in Week 3? Only if the former Brigham Young Cougars receiver brings his A-game.

If not, this could be a disappointing weekend.

As always, thanks for reading.

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