Rams’ Puka Nacua Most Added Player in ESPN Fantasy Football Before Week 2

Following a tremendous Week 1 performance, Los Angeles Rams rookie receiver Puka Nacua was the most added player in ESPN Fantasy Football leagues in advance of Week 2.

Following a tremendous Week 1 performance, Los Angeles Rams rookie receiver Puka Nacua was the most added player in ESPN Fantasy Football leagues in advance of Week 2.

According to ESPN, Nacua was rostered in just 0.9% of leagues heading into Week 1. But in the absence of All-Pro wideout Cooper Kupp, Nacua caught 10 passes for 119 yards from a seemingly reinvigorated quarterback in Matthew Stafford, helping the Rams to upset the Seattle Seahawks 30-13. In PPR leagues, Nacua scored 21.9 points in the season-opening victory, ninth among all receivers. 

In total, Nacua is now rostered in 56.2% more of leagues than he was last week. The next closest players in terms of being added before Week 2 aren't especially close, as Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell (30.3%) and Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (26.3%) were each rostered at a higher clip entering Week 1 than Nacua was. 

Puka Nacua had a tremendous Week 1 performance. (USA Today)

Despite what was an excellent start to 2023, Nacua is only ranked as the 30th-best fantasy receiver in Matthew Berry's Week 2 rankings for NBC Sports. Among other Rams receivers ranked on Berry's list are Tutu Atwell (No. 44) and Van Jefferson (No. 51). Given that the San Francisco 49ers held the Pittsburgh Steelers to just seven points in Week 1, it does seem unlikely that the Rams will put up 30 points again in Week 2. 

It remains to be seen exactly what Nacua's fantasy value will be throughout the course of his rookie season, especially if/when Kupp returns from his hamstring injury. With that said, Kupp will miss at least the first four games of the season after being placed on injured reserve. 

The Rams also lacked a consistent No. 2 option to compliment Kupp, so there's a chance he could remain valuable even once Stafford's top target comes back. And if you're in a keeper league -- particularly one that allows you to redshirt rookies -- claiming Nacua would be a wise move.