In a season filled with a bit of drama, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has shown that he is one of the better players at his respective position and should be lining up for a big contract in the offseason.
The third-year player had his best season in almost every major metric. He logged 1,715 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns and had 129 receptions. Puka also had his best season in the Rams’ run game, rushing for 105 yards and a touchdown on 10 rushing attempts.
With the playoffs starting in just a matter of days, the Rams will need Nacua to be on his A-game.
The wide receiver has stepped up in the playoffs, registering 322 receiving yards and a touchdown catch in the three playoff games he has played in.
Analyst Makes Big Prediction For Puka Nacua
GettyPuka Nacua could win a major honor at the end of the season
The LA Rams will open up the 2025-26 playoffs after finishing second in a tightly contested NFC West, with the winner of the division also getting the first-round bye.
Despite playing on a Saturday, the Rams are still one of the favorites to make the Super Bowl thanks to a well-rounded offense being led by Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua.
Both players are playing among the best at their positions and could be in the running for awards.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell released his predictions for the NFL award season, with the analyst predicting that Nacua will win the Offensive Player of the Year award.
“Even while missing a game because of an ankle injury, Nacua did more than enough to earn this honor,” Barnwell wrote. “The Rams star led the league in receptions over expected (18.7) and receiving yards over expected (449), owing both to excellent quarterback play from Matthew Stafford and a propensity for absolutely ridiculous catches…”
“Everything else Nacua does puts him over the top. He’s incredibly physical after the catch and simply overpowers opposing defensive backs. He’s an effective runner for the Rams on jet sweeps and racked up 105 rushing yards, five first downs and a touchdown on 10 carries. Nacua is also one of the NFL’s best blocking wideouts. He might be the most complete player in the NFL.”
The former BYU Cougar received the best overall grade from Pro Football Focus this season, with a grade of 96.3.
Puka has been one of Stafford’s most reliable go-to guys since being drafted back in 2023 and will play a key part in the Rams’ run in the playoffs.
Other Players In Contention
GettyThe frontrunners for the Offensive Player of the Year award likely play in the NFC West
Puka Nacua had the best season of his career and is one of the clear frontrunners for the coveted NFL award, but a player from a rival could take the cake.
Barnwell also names Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks as a player who could win the award. The former Ohio State Buckeye also had his best season in all major metrics, including leading the NFL with 1,793 yards, helping the Seahawks to the best record in the NFC.
Smith-Njigba played one more game than Nacua, which helped him to the best receiving yards, but that shouldn’t discredit his performances this season.
Barnwell also lists another player in the NFC West who could win the OPOY. Trey McBride has been one of the bright spots for the Arizona Cardinals‘ team that won just three games this season.
The tight end had the best numbers at his respective position this season, including leading in receiving yards and touchdowns. McBride’s 1,239 receiving yards were also the sixth-most in the league, with the next tight end more than 15 spots away from him and not reaching over 1,000 yards.
With the playoffs still to go, Puka and Smith-Njigba could solidify their case for the award with good performances.
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