Through the majority of the NFL season, CJ Stroud dominated the media. He instantly became the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. He was balling in Texas, and had them fighting for a playoff spot. The Texans signal caller has unfortunately missed time due to injury. Still, Stroud is -2500 at DraftKings to win OROY, the overwhelming favorite. Yet, there has been rumblings amongst football media that Rams WR Puka Nacua could steal the award from Stroud at the last second.
From: Ronald Martinez (Getty Images)
The only way Puka takes the award is if he can break Ja'Marr Chase's Super Bowl era rookie receiving record. Chase's record sits at 1455 yards. With two games remaining, Nacua has to average 64 yards per game to tie the record. Looking at his game logs, Puka has been on a heater. His past five games have all been over the 64 yard benchmark, with three 100+ yard games. Zooming out to the full season, Puka has six 100+ yard games and only five games below 64 yards. He has been the savior of the Rams' passing attack with Cooper Kupp on the shelf for most of the year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHziTSDE-a0
From: Certain Call Replays via Youtube (TNF on Amazon Prime)
Furthermore, team success is a key aspect that voters frequently factor into their decision making for awards. As the Texans miss Stroud, Puka Nacua and the Rams are peaking at the right time. Since Stafford has returned from injury, LA has won five out of their last six, with their only loss coming in overtime at Baltimore. Stafford has been phenomenal when on the field this year, and his connection with Nacua has been an instant hit. Two of Puka's 'dud games' have been when Brett Rypien is the starter.
From: Yannick Peterhans (USA TODAY Sports)
Luckily for Puka, the Rams are in do-or-die mode for their last two games. They are currently the six seed in the NFC, trying to hold off Seattle and Minnesota for a playoff spot. Even better for Puka, they get to play the Giants on New Year's Eve. Nacua will have to go off against NYG, as they finish out the season in San Francisco Week 18. There is a likely outcome that the Niners have already clinched the 1-seed at that point, and rest their starters. If LA needs a win, Puka could be in line for another massive game.
Look, CJ Stroud is the overwhelming favorite for a reason. But, Puka Nacua has a real chance to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. His stats and team success may be able to trump Stroud. Buckle up, because award season could get crazy this year.