Rams vs. 49ers Preview: Can The Puka Nacua Show Continue?

Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua went off in Week 1, but he'll need to keep it rolling to beat the San Francisco 49ers.

A week ago, the Los Angeles Rams (1-0) were staring down the barrel of a road divisional game without their best offensive player, receiver Cooper Kupp. Then they made it look easy.

In a 30-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks, the Rams offense went for 426 yards. Kupp’s absence was supposed to dominate the headlines, but rookie receiver Puka Nacua stole the show.

Nacua was targeted 15 times for 10 catches and 119 yards. He and young receiver Tutu Atwell, who also generated 119 yards through the year, lit up Seattle. Los Angeles ran away with the second half, allowing just 12 yards.

Head coach Sean McVay spoke to the impact of Kupp on the surprising offensive outing.

“I think what was the most powerful thing is that those guys asked and then wanted to make sure that … because usually guys that are on IR don’t make these trips to away games,” McVay said. “They wanted his feedback because of the way he’s able to lead, and the information that he’s able to give them could be digestible and then applicable.”

Now, Nacua (who is dealing with a minor oblique issue) heads home to host the San Francisco 49ers (1-0). The 49ers dismantled a highly-anticipated Pittsburgh Steelers team, 30-7, in Week 1.

They were expected to compete for a conference title, and so far, so good. 

The Rams were rightfully underdogs in Week 1, and they stepped up to the challenge. Sure, Seattle’s offensive line fell apart, but the offense exceeded all expectations, too.

San Francisco poses a new, bigger threat to Los Angeles’ undefeated campaign. The 49ers have a new defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks, but the game-wrecking talent of edge rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner remain. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is always a play calling connoisseur, and against an inexperienced Rams defense, they won’t be able to bank on pitching a shutout in the second half.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford has to continue to step up, and every indication is that Nacua will be his top target until Kupp returns to action. He’s proven to be versatile, physical, and capable of earning Stafford’s trust.

San Francisco’s cornerbacks are the weakest link of their otherwise incredible defense. Nacua’s encore could make or break the Rams’ chances in Week 2.

WHAT: Los Angeles Rams (1-0) vs San Francisco 49ers (1-0)

WHERE: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA (70,240)

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, 4:05 p.m. (PT)

TELEVISION: FOX

RADIO: ESPNLA 710 AM, Ty Liga Radio 1330 AM

ODDS: Rams +7.5 (-118), +265 moneyline, Total: 45.5 (o -110/u -110)

Make sure to follow along with in-game updates at Ram Digest!