The Los Angeles Rams enter Week 7 with an uncertain wide receiver picture after star Puka Nacua suffered an ankle injury in Week 6. Nacua was helped off the field midway through the second quarter during a deep pass attempt against the Baltimore Ravens and returned only in a limited capacity. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Nacua will likely miss some time, while head coach Sean McVay described him as day-to-day.
“If he doesn’t play in London against the Jaguars, it will be devastating for fantasy football owners,” Rapoport noted, emphasizing Nacua’s status as the NFL’s top fantasy-scoring wideout, averaging 23.1 points per game.
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Next Man Up: Tutu Atwell or Jordan Whittington?
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With Nacua potentially sidelined, fantasy owners are searching for alternatives. Davante Adams, averaging 13.9 fantasy points per game, remains the go-to target. However, Tutu Atwell may be the player to watch. Atwell, who has 99 receptions for 1,343 yards and four touchdowns over the last three seasons, started slowly in 2025 but has seen an uptick recently, recording three catches for 160 yards and a touchdown over his last two games.
The 26-year-old missed Week 6 with a hamstring injury but could slot in as the Rams’ second wide receiver if healthy. If not, Jordan Whittington emerges as the top candidate for fantasy football relevance.
Whittington Steps Into a Larger Role
Whittington, who has caught 10 passes for 112 yards through six games, saw a season-high 92% of offensive snaps against Baltimore due to Nacua’s absence. He also secured three of four targets for 33 yards, setting season highs in catches and targets. His playing style matches well against zone-heavy defenses like the Jaguars, who run zone concepts on 78% of snaps.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford praised Whittington’s offseason growth:
“I think he put in a great off-season. I saw him working with Puka [Nacua] and some of those guys. He’s a physical dude, can run, great special teams player…The more opportunities these guys get to play NFL football, the better they’re going to be.”
Fantasy analyst Josh Norris of the Underdog Fantasy Football Show added:
“Whittington’s somebody that has flashed. He can do a lighter version of Puka…So, Jordan Whittington, I think, will be in my top 36…If you want to pick him up just for a week, there’s some value.”
Fantasy Outlook
If Nacua misses time in London, Whittington could see a significant boost in targets, potentially alongside a healthy Tutu Atwell and Davante Adams. While his long-term fantasy value remains limited, Whittington is a plug-and-play option for Week 7, offering an intriguing opportunity for owners seeking immediate production amid the Rams’ current wide receiver injuries.
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