Rams Rookie Phenom Puka Nacua Breaks NFL Records in Stunning Rise

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is turning Week 6 into must-see TV. The third-year pass-catcher already leads the NFL with 52 receptions and 588 receiving yards, scorching opposing secondaries at a pace that would shatter franchise—and perhaps league—records this season. Sunday’s trip to Baltimore offers Nacua an inviting matchup against a Ravens defense that has surrendered explosive plays down the seam in four of its first five games. Oddsmakers have taken notice: FanDuel lists Nacua’s receiving-yards prop north of 90.5, the highest line on the Sunday slate. Health won’t be a concern. After leaving Wednesday’s walkthrough with tightness in his right hamstring, Nacua practiced fully on Friday and carries no game-status designation, clearing him to resume his every-down role in Sean McVay’s up-tempo scheme. The Rams continue to deploy Nacua all over the formation—outside, in the slot, and even in motion pre-snap—to maximize mismatches. Coaches laud his “superpower” of route-running versatility, a skill set that has allowed the former BYU standout to eclipse 100 receiving yards in four of five contests and force defenses to bracket him, opening windows for Cooper Kupp and rookie tight end Jared Verse. NFL Network analysts project even bigger fireworks this weekend, boldly predicting Nacua will set a new single-game receptions record—surpassing Brandon Marshall’s 21-catch mark—if Baltimore fails to adjust out of its preferred Cover 3 shell. From a fantasy-football perspective, Nacua is an automatic start in season-long leagues and a chalk play in DFS cash games. He ranks first in yards after catch (YAC) among wide receivers with at least 25 targets, adding a high-floor element to his already sky-high ceiling. If the early-season trend continues, Nacua will not only rewrite the Rams’ record books but also insert himself into the Offensive Player of the Year conversation—a remarkable ascent for a player drafted outside the top 150 just two springs ago. With kickoff looming, all eyes shift to M&T Bank Stadium to see whether the NFL’s hottest receiver can keep the history books burning.