Why Davante Adams could be the best wide receiver in Week 3 with Puka Nacua out

When the Los Angeles Rams face the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football, they will likely be without Puka Nacua for the second week in a row. Nacua hasn't practiced all week with a hip/groin injury, and Sean McVay has said he's "more unlikely than likely to play," as the Rams are aiming for a Week 4 return against the Eagles.

Davante Adams becomes the clear WR1 in this matchup, even in a tough draw against Broncos CB Patrick Surtain, but Dimers' NFL predictions model offers some clarity on who will step up in the passing game beyond just Adams.

Davante Adams dominates without Puka Nacua

If last week is any guide, the Rams will be fine. Adams torched the Giants for 8 catches on 10 targets, with 195 yards and two touchdowns in a 28-6 rout, tallying over 110 yards before three minutes passed in the second quarter.

In the only game Nacua missed last season, Week 7 vs. Jacksonville, Adams caught 5 of 8 targets for 35 yards and three touchdowns. That's 13 catches, 230 yards and five scores in his two games as the Rams' No. 1 receiver.

How Davante Adams compares to other top WR projections this week.

Dimers' NFL Player Projections have Adams leading Los Angeles with 5.1 catches and 78.4 receiving yards, 28 more yards than any teammate, and he projects as a Top 5 WR of the entire week.

His 40.3% anytime touchdown probability trails only RB Kyren Williams (47.9%).

Which Rams will produce behind Adams?

Second-year tight end Terrance Ferguson is now the Rams' No. 2 option.

He's second on the team in targets behind Adams, and his six catches are more than any other Rams tight end has targets (Colby Parkinson 5, Tyler Higbee 2). He's also the only Ram besides Adams and Williams to score this season.

Dimers' model projects Ferguson for 3.4 catches and 50.4 yards, both second on the team, with a 27.6% touchdown probability, while Parkinson (2.3 catches, 23.5 yards, 20.6%) trails well behind.

If the Broncos pass defense manages to contain Adams and the Rams are forced to lean more on the run, Kyren Williams projects to lead the ground game, projected for 60.1 rushing yards plus 16.8 receiving, but Blake Corum isn't far behind with a projection of 52.4 yards, though his TD probability is much lower at 28.1%.

Who will win Rams vs. Broncos?

Even without Nacua, Dimers gives the Rams a 61.3% chance to win in Denver. The -120 moneyline odds imply 54.5%, which makes Los Angeles the value side, and our projected 23-20 final score also has the Rams covering as 1.5-point favorites with a 58.3% probability.

At the best odds available, both the ML and Spread for the Rams fall into Dimers' best NFL bets, each carrying an edge of at least 5%.

Bet on NFL Week 3 with Dimers Pro

Get full player projections, touchdown probabilities and best bets for every Week 3 game, including Adams, Ferguson and Williams props, with Dimers Pro.