The 2024 season will start with a little déjà vu for the Rams because they will be in Detroit to face the Lions in a rematch of the Wild Card game that ended the 2023 season.
Their chances of a different result will be increased if wide receiver Puka Nacua’s performance also evokes memories of last season. Nacua set rookie records for receptions and yards in 2023 while proving to be a perfect fit in coach Sean McVay’s offense, so there will be high expectations for what he does this time around.
During an appearance on NFL Network this week, Nacua said he feels challenged to meet those expectations, rather than pressured.
“No, not really,” Nacua said. “Each week presented a different challenge and who we were playing against and also just trying to make sure I could prepare the best I could so I could be there on Sunday and give my best. definitely presents a challenge of just trying to reset the default. Last year, from what I recorded and tried to improve in the ways I know I’m capable of and then be there for my team in every way, Coach McVay asks a lot of us on the offensive side of the ball. I’m super excited about the challenges that will arise this year.”
The first week’s result will not determine the fate of the Rams or Lions for the 2024 season, but it will provide an early snapshot of where two NFC contenders stand as they begin their quest for another successful year.
