Rams WR Davante Adams injured his hamstring in the fourth quarter of L.A.'s Week 15 game against the Lions. Adams stayed down on the field before eventually walking off the field under his own power, and shortly after was ruled out for the game.
The former Packer and Raider missed the Rams' Week 16 Thursday Night Football rumble against the Seahawks. There was some hope that with extended rest, he would be able to finish out the regular season — but it's not looking great.
This game is still meaningful for the Rams in terms of whether they'll land at the fifth or sixth seed. However, the Rams can no longer win the NFC West or the No. 1 seed in the NFC, potentially decreasing the chance that Adams suits up on Monday.
Let's get a Davante Adams injury update and break down if Adams playing against the Falcons on MNF, and how it could impact the Rams' fantasy options.
Let’s take a look at the latest Davante Adams injury updates for the Week 17 Monday Night Football game vs. the Falcons and get the latest news on if Adams is playing.
We’ll also break down key stats and PrizePicks picks for Rams WR Puka Nacua, who would be forced to step up if Adams is unable to go on Monday.
Davante Adams Injury Update: Is Adams Playing This Week vs. Falcons?
Rams star WR Davante Adams is officially listed as doubtful after re-aggravating a previous left hamstring injury in Week 15 vs. the Lions. Adams did not practice all week, leaving his Week 17 status in serious jeopardy.
Adams is having a fantastic first season with the Rams, accumulating 789 yards on 114 targets to go along with a remarkable 14 receiving TDs, the most in the NFL, leading second-place pass catchers Eagles TE Dallas Goedert, Cardinals TD Trey McBride, and Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Since Week 7, Adams has accounted for 36% of all of Rams QB Matthew Stafford’s TD passes, highlighting his integral role in the Rams offense and the Rams QB’s MVP campaign.
Adams' potential absence would leave a massive void in the Rams' passing game, specifically in the red zone. his main goal-line route tree consists of either a quick slant or a goal-line fade, which has often looked unstoppable this year.
To this point, 8 Adams’ first 12 TD's were from within five yards of the end zone. If he is out, those yards, targets, and TDs could funnel elsewhere — TE Colby Parkinson and speedy rookie Konata Mumpfield might see some extra work — but target monster Puka Nacua could be busier than ever.
What Rams Receiver to Target If Davante Adams is Out?
Adams missed his Week 16 matchup vs. the Seahawks. All Rams WR Puka Nacua did in that game was catch 12 of 16 targets for 225 yards and two TDs. Not only was this by far the most yardage a receiver has had in a single game this season, but it came against a Seahawks defense that ranks in the top-10 in completion percentage allowed and expected points added (EPA) vs the pass.
Now Nacua gets an incredibly favorable matchup vs a Falcons team that keeps three defenders deep on 65% of their snaps. Stafford has ripped apart this defensive scheme for the sixth-best QB rating in the NFL.
The Falcons blitz at the seconnd-highest rate in the NFL. Against the blitz, Nacua is targeted on 35.83% of his routes, the highest rate amongst wide receivers.
Nacua also has 8 receiving TDs this year, good for sixth amongst WRs. He’ll now be up against a Falcons defense that ranks 29th in receiving TDs allowed to WRs this year.
Despite missing one game this season, Nacua is still tied for fourth in the NFL in targets (145) and is second in the league in yards (1592). Adams' potential absence could create even more opportunities for one of the league’s true alpha WRs.
Puka Nacua Stats, Projections vs. Falcons for MNF
Here are the most popular Puka Nacua picks for Rams vs. Falcons on Monday Night Football, via PrizePicks, where you can pick More or Less on player stats to win real money in every NFL game.
- 10.5 Targets
- 8 Receptions
- 108.5 Receiving Yards
- 29.5 Yards Longest Reception
- 0.5 Rush + Rec TD (Goblin)
- 22 Points Fantasy Score
Make NFL Week 17 Picks on PrizePicks
The Rams may be without Davante Adams for Monday’s Week 17 game against the Falcons due to a hamstring injury. If the NFL’s touchdown receptions leader misses this game, the most likely beneficiary is Puka Nacua.
Without Adams, there are still plenty of Rams vs. Falcons picks for Monday Night Football on PrizePicks to win real money if you’re right. Just pick at least two NFL player stat projections, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you’re right!
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