Los Angeles Rams DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

The Los Angeles Rams activated wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) from Injured Reserve earlier on Thursday, and now he is officially active for the Thursday night game against the Minnesota Vikings. Nacua suffered a right PCL sprain in the season opener and was listed as questionable for Week 8. The Vikings defense has allowed the most half-PPR fantasy points to opposing receivers this year, including 102 receptions, 1.218 yards and seven touchdowns. Nacua is normally a must-start pass-catcher for fantasy purposes, but he could disappoint in his first game back while potentially being on a snap count. Fellow wideout Cooper Kupp (ankle) is also making his return after getting hurt in Week 2. Of the two, Kupp has the safer fantasy floor in a great matchup on Thursday night.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) will play on Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Nacua has been sidelined since the opening week of the season with a PCL sprain. He was able to log two limited practice sessions this week. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable putting Nacua into their starting lineups in all formats, although his bust factor will be a lot higher with potential limited snaps. Last season as a rookie, Nacua enjoyed an incredible debut season, as he caught 105 passes for 1,486 yards and six scores. The Rams will also be welcoming back Cooper Kupp (ankle) on Thursday after he was sidelined since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2. Nacua should be viewed as a solid WR1 facing a weak Minnesota secondary that has allowed the most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Los Angeles Rams are "optimistic" that wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) will suit up against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football. The second-year wideout was able to log two limited sessions earlier this week after having his 21-day practice window activated. It'd be fantastic news for LA and fantasy managers if he can play, as Nacua has been shelved since way back in Week 1 when he reaggravated a preseason knee injury. Minnesota presents as one of the more difficult matchups to return to, but the former fifth-round pick should immediately slot back into his role as a top-two option in LA's passing attack. It's worth noting that he may be on a snap count -- though that has neither been confirmed nor denied. Stay tuned.

Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty's only field goal attempt in Week 7 caromed off the right upright for a miss, his second of 2024. Karty also missed an extra point attempt for the second time in as many contests, having missed a chance in the Rams' Week 5 contest against the Green Bay Packers before going on bye. Los Angeles has had little going on offensively and as such Karty has had scant opportunities to score, having 11 attempts of both field goals and extra points through six games. Karty and the Rams next face the Minnesota Vikings who are allowing just 17.8 points per game. Cooper Kupp's return in Week 8 should help open up the Rams' offense but Karty is still a dicey play. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere rather than pin their hopes to the rookie kicker in the first game of the week.

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson went from a high of 13 targets to matching a season-low of two on either side of the team's Week 6 bye. Even with the multi-week absences of Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee), Parkinson never made real headway in establishing himself as a bankable option in the Rams' offense, averaging 3.5 receptions and 33 yards per game. With Kupp set to return to action when Los Angeles takes the field against the Vikings on Thursday night, Parkinson's productivity will be capped. Only two tight ends have logged fantasy scores in the double digits against Minnesota and the defense has given up just two touchdowns to the position so far. Tight end streamers should set their sights on more forgiving matchups coming up on Sunday rather than gamble on Parkinson in the first game of Week 8.