PukaNacua

News: 6 days agoNacua brought in five of nine targets for 74 yards during the Rams' 27-7 Week 1 loss to the 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.

Spin: Nacua was in the familiar position of leading the Rams in receptions, receiving yards and targets, but in a game where Los Angeles' offense surprisingly sputtered and Matthew Stafford threw for only 155 yards, those figures were still below the star wide receiver's lofty standards. Nacua's role as Stafford's unquestioned top target remains locked in, and despite the lackluster season-opening team performance, the fourth-year receiver should have plenty of opportunity to bounce back in a Week 2 home matchup against the Giants on Monday night, Sept. 21.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Nacua has defied the odds, emerging from fifth-round flier in 2023 to one of the most relied upon and productive offensive players in the league. Nacua has finished each of his three pro seasons sixth or better among receivers in fantasy PPG and peaked with a first-place finish last season. Matthew Stafford's top target led the league with 129 receptions and finished no lower than third among receivers in targets, yardage and touchdowns, while also adding 105 yards and one score as a rusher. More goal-line work would be nice (he has 11 end zone targets over the past two seasons), but Nacua's heavy usage in an elite offense locks in the 25-year-old as arguably the top receiver in fantasy.