NFL Rookie of the Year Predictions: Puka Nacua Has the Upper Hand Over Texans’ CJ Stroud

Move over, CJ Stroud. Weeks ago, it wasn’t clear who would win the “Offensive Rookie of the Year Award”. But towards the fag-end of the regular season, do we have a clear winner? Without beating about the bush too much, let’s reveal the winner. Stats say that there’s a high chance that Puka Nacua could bag the award.

The Los Angeles Rams as a team are doing well this season. Going into Week 18, they have a 9-7 record. And a lot of the credit goes to Nacua. But he has done even better for himself. Don’t believe us, the numbers say so.

Numbers tilt in favor of Puka Nacua

In whose favor are the odds currently? “Stroud -850. Puka +420” These numbers were reported by Dov Kleinman, a senior NFL Insider, on X. Right now, he’s fourth in terms of receiving yards at 1,445. And he’s tied for number 8 for total number of receptions at 101. And it’s an amazing feat because it’s not just among rookies. These are his numbers when compared to veteran and All-Pro players of the league. The only other two rookies in the top 30 are Sam LaPorta and Rashee Rice. But they are down at 18th and 29th respectively, in terms of yards.

Still not convinced? Nacua successfully laps up the ball 65% of the time. And his QB Matthew Stafford owes 36% of his passing yards to the young rookie. It seems the 22-year-old has a chip on his shoulder. He is a BYU product, who was picked late in the Draft. It may seem difficult to believe, but it’s true.

Read More: “Definitely Not”: Nick Sirianni Shatters Opinions of Benching Jalen Hurts Amid Eagles’ QB’s Health Rumors

He was the Rams’ fourth player in the fifth round. When it comes to wideouts, he was the 19th one to be picked! So, how does CJ Stroud compare to the Rams player?

Can CJ Stroud beat Nacua?

Stroud is not one to be trifled, either. But while he is breaking team records, Nacua is playing big. Stroud has missed a few games here and there. Nacua is like the perfect student with 100% attendance. His completion rate is a tad below Nacua’s at 63.2%. Since he is a quarterback, his passing yards would be factored in. And those yards tend to be more than receiving, with Stroud’s at 3,844.

He has raked in a cumulative 24 touchdowns while throwing 5 interceptions. And he already had a ton of believers behind him. He was the 2nd overall pick and had an outstanding college record. He has led the Houston Texans team to a 9-7 record going into Week 18. But of course, in the world of the NFL nothing is over till the final second is up.

So, can Stroud manage to defy odds and win that covetable title?

Watch this story: Tom Brady Successor Finds an 8-Worded Reality Check As Bucs QB Baker Mayfield Finally Set To Prove if He Is Worth Legends Shoes