The Los Angeles Rams have hit big on two fifth-round picks

The Los Angeles Rams have hit big on two fifth-round picks and it’s helped the team stay in the NFC playoff picture

An odd lesson has been learned so far this season that is perhaps one for the record books. If Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams come calling for your fifth-round draft picks, hang up the phone.

Both Kyren Williams and Pooka Nacua are proving to be to of the best at their respective position around the league, and have also shown to be quite irreplaceable. When Williams went down earlier this year the Rams’ rushing attack looked severely handicapped, failing to produce a hundred yard rusher  or even a back that looked slightly explosive to be frank. During that stretch the Rams also posted a record of 1-3, failing to produce more than 20 points.

These are pretty shocking numbers, considering how this team produces with Kyren Williams on the field. When the rookie is their leader in the backfield, the Rams average nearly 30 points a game, with Williams averaging a whopping 5.0 yards per carry on the ground.

The Rams also boast the surprise of the season on their roster in rookie receiver Puka Nacua, who has completely taken over the league with over 1,100 yards on the season already. Nacua looks completely unstoppable in this McVay offense and has as good of a connection with quarterback Matthew Stafford as anyone else on the team, and that’s saying a lot, given he plays opposite of Cooper Kupp.

The Rams have solidified their future in the last two drafts, and the anchor of that future is placed in the hands of these two former fifth-round draft picks. The future is bright in Los Angeles, and this offense is ready to keep producing fireworks.

Rams rookie WR Puka Nacua had an incredible NFL debut

Rams fifth-round rookie WR Puka Nacua had an incredible, record-setting NFL debut

Puka Nacua was not a widely known prospect in the 2023 NFL draft. A big wideout from BYU, Nacua didn’t have a lot of buzz outside of a strong showing during Senior Bowl week.

The Los Angeles Rams selected Nacua with the last pick (No. 177 overall) in the fifth round of the draft. He didn’t light up the preseason, catching three passes for 32 yards and a touchdown, so expectations entering Week 1 were pretty modest.

Thrust into a prominent role with Pro Bowler Cooper Kupp sidelined, Nacua went out and had one of the best debuts of any NFL wide receiver in a very long time. Nacua caught 10 passes for 119 yards in the Rams’ 30-13 romp over the division rival Seattle Seahawks.

The 10 receptions and 15 targets both set Rams records for a rookie debut game.

 

It also set the NFL record for the most passing targets in a debut game, breaking the record held by Anquan Boldin and Antonio Bryant, among others.

Only three other wideouts across the NFL topped Nacua’s receiving yardage in Week 1. One of those, Miami’s Tyreek Hill, was the only player with more receptions (11).

That’s quite an impressive debut for a player who was a relatively anonymous Day 3 pick.

Draft reaction: Los Angeles Rams select DL Kobie Turner No. 89 overall

Draft reaction: Los Angeles Rams select DL Kobie Turner No. 89 overall

The Los Angeles Rams select their second straight defensive lineman in a bid to retool their defensive line that suffered heavy losses moving into the offseason with the selection of Wake Forest defensive lineman Kobie Turner.

A fifth year senior for the Demon Deacons, Turner made the most of his transfer from Richmond after being a contributor for the Spiders for the four previous seasons. In his final year of college football Turner made an immediate impact for his new team, putting together 25 tackles, 28 quarterback pressures, and two sacks on the season. Turner’s quick twitch style of play makes him a perfect rotation piece for future hall of famer Aaron Donald should he need a breather or miss time similar to last season.

Turner will not be a starter right away, and will be a rotational lineman behind the likes of Aaron Donald and Marquise Copeland. Learning from Donald can only benefit the rookie, and if Turner can absorb everything from his teammates, he could find himself opposite of Donald in the following season.

Rookie state projections: Los Angeles Rams

Projecting the rookie stats for the first few 2023 picks by the Los Angeles Rams

With the NFL draft over and rookie camps underway, it is a good time to evaluate the draft picks and see what kind of impacts the projected contributors will make.

Let’s take a look at the Rams draft picks and project some stats for the team’s early draftees:

Look at everything the Rams traded to the Lions for Matthew Stafford

The Rams earned a Super Bowl title from the trade but Detroit has made out pretty well too

Now that the 2023 NFL draft has wrapped up, all the pieces that were traded in the 2021 trade for Super Bowl champion quarterback Matthew Stafford have come to light. Looking back on the trade, the L.A. Rams gave up quite the haul in order to secure the services of the franchise signal caller, though it’s unlikely they would take anything back given the Lombardi in their trophy case.

The Detroit Lions likely see it as fair game as well. They were not on the cusp of a championship, and potentially have put together the pieces to compete for the next decade thanks in part to the trade. Though they may not have found a franchise quarterback, Jared Goff has been serviceable, and the talent surrounding him could lift them into a deep playoff run.

Let’s take a look at everything the Lions landed from the draft picks involved in the trade of their former franchise quarterback:

-Wide receiver Jameson Williams

-Defensive lineman Josh Pascal

-Defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu

-Running back Jahmy Gibbs

-Tight end Sam LaPorta

-Defensive lineman Brodric Martin

Looking back on the trade, it’s hard to argue either team really lost here. The Super Bowl ring on Sean McVay’s finger automatically seals the A+ grade for the Rams, and there is zero doubt it was a success.

Detroit has a bright future on both sides of the ball, with explosive playmakers that will mold the offense for years to come, and a stacked group of defensive linemen will make the lives of quarterbacks very hard in the near future.

It’s a rare win-win trade for both of these storied franchises, and the Lions hope to achieve similar success as their departed signal caller by bringing the first Lombardi trophy to Detroit.

NFL Scoreboard, Predictions, Lines, How To Watch: Week 14

NFL predictions, schedule, game previews, lines, how to watch, and TV listings for Week 14 of the 2022 season

NFL predictions, schedule, lines, how to watch, and TV listings for Week 14 of the 2022 season highlighted by Dolphins at Chargers, Eagles at Giants, Vikings at Lions, Jets at Bills


NFL Schedule, Predictions, Lines, How To Watch: Week 14

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Results So Far
SU: 65-36-1, ATS: 53-46-3, Point Total: 63-38-1

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams

Prediction: Los Angeles 24, Las Vegas 23
Line: Raiders -6.5, o/u: 42.5
Final Score: Los Angeles Rams 17, Las Vegas 16

Expert Picks Week 14 NFL | Bowls 16-19

Saturday, December 11, 2022

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills

Prediction: Buffalo 24, New York Jets 17
Line: Buffalo -10, o/u: 43.5
Final Score: Buffalo 20, New York Jets 12

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals

Prediction: Cincinnati 26, Cleveland 20
Line: Cincinnati -5.5, o/u: 46.5
Final Score: Cincinnati 23, Cleveland 10

Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys

Prediction: Dallas 30, Houston 16
Line: Dallas -17, o/u: 44
Final Score: Dallas 27, Houston 23

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions

Prediction: Minnesota 27, Detroit 24
Line: Detroit -2, o/u: 51.5
Final Score: Detroit 43, Minnesota 23

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans

Prediction: Tennessee 24, Jacksonville 17
Line: Tennessee -3.5, o/u: 41
Final Score: Jacksonville 36, Tennessee 22

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants

Prediction: Philadelphia 26, New York Giants 20
Line: Philadelphia -7, o/u: 45
Final Score: Philadelphia 48, New York Giants 22

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers

Prediction: Baltimore 16, Pittsburgh 13
Line: Pittsburgh -1.5, o/u: 36.5
Final Score: Baltimore 16, Pittsburgh 14

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos

Prediction: Kansas City 27, Denver 16
Line: Kansas City -9.5, o/u: 43.5
Final Score: Kansas City 34, Denver 28

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers

Prediction: San Francisco 23, Tampa Bay 16
Line: San Francisco -3.5, o/u: 37
Final Score: San Francisco 35, Tampa Bay 7

Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks

Prediction: Seattle 26, Carolina 20
Line: Seattle -3.5, o/u: 44.5
Final Score: Carolina 30, Seattle 24

Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers

Prediction: Miami 30, Los Angeles 27
Line: Miami -3.5, o/u: 53.5
Final Score: Los Angeles Chargers 23, Miami 17

Monday, December 12, 2022

New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals

8:15 ESPN
Line: New England -1.5, o/u: 43.5
Final Score: COMING

NFL Teams on Bye: Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Washington

Expert Picks Week 14 NFL | Bowls 16-19

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Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams Prediction Game Preview

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the game on Thursday, December 8

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams prediction, game preview, odds, how to watch, Thursday, December 8


Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams Prediction Game Preview

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Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Rams How To Watch

Date: Thursday, December 8
Game Time: 8:15 ET
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
How To Watch: CBS
Record: Las Vegas Raiders (5-7), Los Angeles Rams (3-9)
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Why Las Vegas Raiders Will Win

Call it a hangover effect, call it bad luck, or just call it a hot mess, but the Rams are in a total free fall with no real hope of getting out of it.

The stars are hurt, the offense is a shadow of its Super Bowl self, and the defense is giving it a go but can’t do much of anything meaningful against anyone who can throw.

On the flip side, the Raiders have won three straight with two thrilling overtime victories and a strong performance to get by the Chargers. Basically, they’re the trending-up opposite of the Rams.

Davante Adams has gone off, there’s a terrific balance to the attacks and the defense has ben a rock against the run. The Raiders are now 4-1 when allowing fewer than 100 rushing yards this season and 1-6 when they give up more.

However …

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Why Los Angeles Rams Will Win

The Rams are running well.

They’re losing, but Cam Akers has revived his season, the O is getting a little production on the ground from the quarterback, and overall the attack has hit 116 yards or more in each of the last three games.

The bigger key is the Thursday night aspect. Las Vegas is playing well, but it’s a dinged up team that’s gutting it out in certain spots. It’s nothing like the problems the Rams are having, but the legs are a bit fresher – at least in the backfield.

The run defense has been strong – this is the spot where Josh Jacobs might finally cool down a tad – it’s possible to throw on the Raider secondary, and …

What’s Going To Happen

No, Baker Mayfield isn’t expected to swoop in and save the day quite yet for the Rams.

Again, even with the wins, it’s been a bit of a grind for the Raiders with the two road overtime wins and tough battle after tough battle. This will be the fifth road game in seven dates, and the short week matters here.

The Rams might be sputtering, but they’re keeping games close. The running game and a prideful day from the defense allow them to slip out with a tight, low-scoring win to end the skid.

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams Prediction, Line

Los Angeles 24, Raiders 23
Line: Raiders -6.5, o/u: 42.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams Must See Rating: 3

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NFL Schedule, Predictions, Lines, How To Watch: Week 10

NFL predictions, schedule, game previews, lines, how to watch, and TV listings for Week 10 of the 2022 season

NFL predictions, schedule, lines, how to watch, and TV listings for Week 10 of the 2022 season highlighted by Seattle at Tampa Bay, Dallas at Green Bay, Washington at Philadelphia


NFL Schedule, Predictions, Lines, How To Watch: Week 10

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Results So Far
SU: 64-36-1, ATS: 52-46-3, Point Total: 62-38-1

Week 10 NFL Expert Picks

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers

8:15 Prime Video
Prediction: COMING
Line: Atlanta -3, o/u: 42.5

Sunday, November 13, 2022

Seattle Seahawks vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

9:30 NFL Network
Prediction: COMING
Line: Tampa Bay -3, o/u: 44.5

Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills

1:00 FOX
Prediction: COMING
Line: Buffalo -3.5, o/u: 43.5

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears

1:00 FOX
Prediction: COMING
Line: Chicago -3, o/u: 48.5

Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans

1:00 CBS
Prediction: COMING
Line: Tennessee -2.5, o/u: 38

Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs

1:00 CBS
Prediction: COMING
Line: Kansas City -9.5, o/u: 50.5

Cleveland Browns at Miami Dolphins

1:00 CBS
Prediction: COMING
Line: Miami -3.5, o/u: 48.5

Houston Texans at New York Giants

1:00 CBS
Prediction: COMING
Line: New York Giants -5, o/u: 40.5

New Orleans at Pittsburgh Steelers

1:00 FOX
Prediction: COMING
Line: New Orleans -2.5, o/u: 40

Indianapolis Colts at Las Vegas Raiders

4:05 CBS
Prediction: COMING
Line: Las Vegas -6, o/u: 42.5

Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers

4:25 FOX
Prediction: COMING
Line: Dallas -4.5, o/u: 43

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams

4:25 FOX
Prediction: COMING
Line: Los Angeles Rams -3, o/u: 43.5

Los Angeles Chargers at San Francisco 49ers

8:20 NBC
Prediction: COMING
Line: San Francisco -7, o/u: 45.5

Monday, November 14, 2022

Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles

8:15 ESPN
Prediction: COMING
Line: Philadelphia -11, o/u: 44

Bye Week: Baltimore, Cincinnati, New England, New York Jets

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NFL Schedule, Predictions, Lines, How To Watch: Week 9

NFL predictions, schedule, game previews, lines, how to watch, and TV listings for Week 9 of the 2022 season

NFL predictions, schedule, lines, how to watch, and TV listings for Week 9 of the 2022 season highlighted by Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay, Tennessee at Kansas City, Buffalo at New York Jets


NFL Schedule, Predictions, Lines, How To Watch: Week 9

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Results So Far
SU: 63-36-1, ATS: 51-46-3, Point Total: 61-38-1

Week 9 NFL Expert Picks

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Philadelphia at Houston

8:15 Prime Video
Line: Philadelphia -13, o/u: 44

Sunday, October 30, 2022

Los Angeles Chargers at Atlanta

1:00 FOX
Line: Los Angeles -3, o/u: 49

Miami at Chicago

1:00 CBS
Line: Miami -4.5, o/u: 44

Green Bay at Detroit

1:00 FOX
Line: Green Bay -3, o/u: 49

Indianapolis at New England

1:00 CBS
Line: New England -5.5, o/u: 39.5

Buffalo at New York Jets

1:00 CBS
Line: Buffalo -13, o/u: 47.5

Minnesota at Washington

1:00 FOX
Line: Minnesota -3.5, o/u: 43.5

Las Vegas at Jacksonville

1:00 CBS
Line: Las Vegas -1, o/u: 48

Seattle at Arizona

4:05 FOX
Line: Arizona -1.5, o/u: 50

Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay

4:25 CBS
Line: Tampa Bay -3, o/u: 42.5

Tennessee at Kansas City

8:20 NBC
Line: Kansas City -12.5, o/u: 46.5

Monday, November 7, 2022

Baltimore at New Orleans

8:15 ESPN
Line: Baltimore -3, o/u: 48

NFL Teams on Bye: Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, New York Giants, Pittsburgh, San Francisco

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NFL Schedule, Predictions, Lines, How To Watch: Week 8

NFL predictions, schedule, game previews, lines, how to watch, and TV listings for Week 8 of the 2022 season

NFL predictions, schedule, lines, how to watch, and TV listings for Week 8 of the 2022 season highlighted by Green Bay at Buffalo, New York Giants at Seattle, New England at New York Jets


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Results So Far
SU: 54-30-1, ATS: 43-39-3, Point Total: 53-31-1

Week 8 NFL Expert Picks

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Baltimore Ravens at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

8:15 Prime Video
Prediction: Baltimore 23, Tampa Bay 20
Line: Baltimore -1, o/u: 43.5
Final Score: Baltimore 27, Tampa Bay 22

Sunday, October 30, 2022

Denver Broncos vs Jacksonville Jaguars

9:30 am ESPN+
Prediction: Jacksonville 19, Denver 17
Line: Jacksonville -4, o/u: 40
Final Score: COMING

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons

1:00 FOX
Prediction: Atlanta 26, Carolina 20
Line: Atlanta -6.5, o/u: 41
Final Score: COMING

Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys

1:00 FOX
Prediction: Dallas 24, Chicago 13
Line: Dallas -10, o/u: 43
Final Score: COMING

Miami Dolphins at Detroit Lions

1:00 CBS
Prediction: Miami 24, Detroit 20
Line: Miami -3.5, o/u: 50
Final Score: COMING

Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings

1:00 FOX
Prediction: Minnesota 27, Arizona 24
Line: Minnesota -4, o/u: 48
Final Score: COMING

Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints

1:00 CBS
Prediction: Las Vegas 30, New Orleans 27
Line: Las Vegas -2, o/u: 47.5
Final Score: COMING

New England Patriots at New York Jets

1:00 CBS
Prediction: New York Jets 24, New England 20
Line: New England -1.5, o/u: 41
Final Score: COMING

Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles

1:00 CBS
Prediction: Philadelphia 27, Pittsburgh 13
Line: Philadelphia -10.5, o/u: 44
Final Score: COMING

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans

4:05 CBS
Prediction: Tennessee 23, Houston 17
Line: Tennessee -4, o/u: 41
Final Score: COMING

Washington Commanders at Indianapolis Colts

4:25 CBS
Prediction: Washington 20, Indianapolis 17
Line: Indianapolis -4, o/u: 41.5
Final Score: COMING

San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams

4:25 FOX
Prediction: Los Angeles Rams 24, San Francisco 20
Line: San Francisco -2, o/u: 41
Final Score: COMING

New York Giants at Seattle Seahawks

4:25 FOX
Prediction: New York Giants 27, Seattle 24
Line: Seattle -2.5, o/u: 46.5
Final Score: COMING

Green Bay Packers at Buffalo Bills

8:20 NBC
Prediction: Buffalo 31, Green Bay 20
Line: Buffalo -10.5, o/u: 47.5
Final Score: COMING

Monday, October 31, 2022

Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns

8:15 ESPN
Prediction: Cincinnati 26, Cleveland 20
Line: Cincinnati -3, o/u: 47
Final Score: COMING

NFL Teams on Bye:
Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers

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