Welcome to Week 18, and welcome to Nacua Watch. With just four receptions and 29 yards, Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua would break the NFL rookie record for catches (104) and receiving yards (1,473) in a season. With stars on both sides of the ball absent, it’ll be the rookie who catches spectators’ attention against the San Francisco 49ers.

San Francisco, having already locked up the conference’s top seed, will be without a handful of starters, including quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey. It’ll be Sam Darnold under center against a Rams defense that won’t have lineman Aaron Donald or linebacker Ernest Jones. It’s necessary to note that a loss and a Green Bay Packers win over the Chicago Bears would demote Los Angeles to the seventh seed, all but ensuring a trip to Dallas, where the Rams fell 43-20 early in the season. A win, however, clinches the sixth seed and – likely – a storybook meeting with the Detroit Lions. However, head coach Sean McVay has prioritized the health and rest of his best players, opting to face an NFC division winner at their best instead of risking injury for a slightly better matchup. As for Sunday’s proceedings, explosive plays may dictate Los Angeles’ fate. The secondary has been inconsistent all season, and without the defense’s two best players, the Rams are bound to be less formidable. If Darnold can replicate Purdy’s success to any legitimate extent, there could be a handful of opportunities to break this one open.

Playing sound on the back end and having backup quarterback Carson Wentz keep the ball safe will be necessary steps in locking in a Wild Card date in Detroit. WHAT: Los Angeles Rams (9-7) vs. San Francisco 49ers (12-4) WHERE: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA (68,500) WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, 1:25 p.m. (PT) TELEVISION: FOX RADIO: ESPN LA 710 AM, Tu Liga 1330 AM ODDS: Rams +4.5 (-118), Moneyline: +165, Total: 40.5 (o -125,u +100) Live updates will appear after kickoff. Copyright ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. All Rights Reserved.