In a recent NFL promotion that saw several superstars “pass the phone” to fellow players they admired, Rams wide receiver Davante Adams singled out Burrow. “I’m passing the phone to somebody I wish I had a chance to play with,” Adams said. Joe Burrow was one of the most admired quarterbacks in the NFL.

While he had been troubled by multiple injuries throughout his six-year career in the NFL, he demonstrated all the attributes needed to be one of the game’s top quarterbacks when healthy. His performances consistently showed his ability to lead and deliver under pressure.

Why Adams wanted to play with Burrow

Burrow earned Pro Bowl status three times in his career, and he was a two time winner of the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year Award. His Pro Bowl selections came in 2022, 2024 and 2025, and the last one was earned even though he played in just eight games that season.

Burrow’s biggest achievement came in 2021 when he led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance. While Cincinnati lost that game to the Los Angeles Rams, they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in the AFC Championship game.

The Bengals defeated Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs 27-24 in overtime in that game, and they remained the only AFC team to defeat Mahomes and the Chiefs in a postseason game.

That performance reinforced Burrow’s reputation across the league, as his leadership and composure in key moments made him one of the most respected quarterbacks in the NFL.

The Rams featured two elite wide receivers in Nacua and Adams. The pairing proved nearly unstoppable during the 2025–26 campaign, giving Los Angeles one of the most productive passing attacks in the league. Once the season ended, Nacua opened up about what it meant to share the field with the veteran.

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Nacua described Adams’ skill set in almost mythical terms. The 24-year-old said his first practices with the 12-year veteran forced him to realize how much higher the standard truly was. Watching Adams work, he understood improvement was mandatory.

“We were in April, and I’m standing on the 40 yard line,” Nacua said. “I’m right behind No. 17. He is running a stop route. The ground is shaking as he stops. He is 20 yards away from me. Then boom, boom, boom, transition, out of the break, three steps, technique, sound, crisp. And it is April, and I am like, I gotta be better. I got so much to work on.”

The fantastic duo of Nacua and Adams

The Rams’ receiver tandem was arguably the best in the league, and they helped quarterback Matthew Stafford capture his first MVP award. Nacua finished the regular season with 129 receptions, a league high 1,715 yards, and 10 touchdowns. Adams, at 33, added 60 catches for 789 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdowns.

Los Angeles was positioned to bring both wideouts back again. Nacua became eligible for a contract extension, and many around the league expected a significant deal to come together. Adams, meanwhile, is prepared to enter the second season of his two-year, $44 million agreement with the Rams.

Beyond that, the Rams also received clarity about Stafford’s future. During the ceremony in which he was officially recognized as the 2025 NFL MVP, the veteran confirmed he would return for an 18th season. His announcement quieted any retirement speculation and kept Los Angeles’ championship window firmly open.

Sean McVay just signed a multi-year contract extension. However, that might not include Matthew Stafford. For the head coach, “I’m keeping my fingers crossed like you guys that he [Stafford] still wants to go play,” McVay said to the Associated Press. Stafford is an MVP frontrunner, but he is also getting old and it wouldn’t be the first time rumors about Stafford’s retirement rise.

As for Davante Adams, he is under contract for 2026, but he is a veteran who might think twice on if he wants to keep playing. However, McVay told multiple reporters that he is “absolutely” expecting Adams to be back next season. The wideout is 33 years old.

Adams and Stafford built a special chemistry

Stafford threw a league-leading 46 touchdowns this season. Out of those, 14 were directed to Adams, who led the NFL in receiving scores. They built quite a duo, especially in the red zone.

Stafford also threw an NFL-leading 4,707 yards and 789 of them came courtesy of Davante Adams. While Adams might not be the best wideout in the NFL anymore, he is still a menacing figure in the league. Under McVay, he became the Rams most lethal weapon.

The Rams want to come back with a vengeance

The Rams must feel like this season slipped through their hands. They were arguably the best team for about 11-to-12 weeks and yet, they weren’t able to go to the Super Bowl since they lost to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.

Hence, next season they will be an aggressive team looking to go back to where the team thinks it should be. However, if Matthew Stafford or Davante Adams leave, that would be a huge blow to the franchise’s expectations.

Wins like this often come when a team has a quarterback experienced in high-stakes games. Stafford, before the final stretch where his Rams ultimately turned the game around, told his offensive teammates, “Let’s go snatch these guys’ hearts.”

After the game wrapped up, Davante Adams spoke with the media and shared an interesting reflection on his QB’s words during a critical moment of the matchup, when the tide ultimately turned in its favor.

“That was pretty cold, just to hear that,” Adams said, via the team’s website. “And I actually literally smiled in the moment, because I thought that was like one of the most gangster things you could say in that moment, honestly. And to hear him say that, and the look on his on his face, and then throw the touchdown, and then the look on his face after that, was just MVP stuff.”

Stafford’s MVP-worthy performance against the Panthers

In a performance that solidified his case for the league’s highest individual honor, Matthew Stafford delivered an absolute masterclass in the clutch to lead the Los Angeles Rams past the Carolina Panthers.

After a mid-game slump, the ageless veteran turned into a fourth-quarter assassin, completing 12-of-15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns in the final frame alone. His surgical precision was most evident during the game-winning 71-yard march, which he capped off with a perfectly placed 19-yard strike to Colby Parkinson with just 38 seconds remaining.

This MVP-type display not only secured a 34-31 victory but also broke Kurt Warner’s franchise record for postseason passing touchdowns, proving once again that Stafford remains one of the most dangerous late-game quarterbacks in NFL history.

What’s next for the Rams?

Following their thrilling Wild Card victory, the Los Angeles Rams’ next destination depends entirely on the outcome of the 49ers-Eagles matchup. If the Eagles win, the Rams will travel to Seattle to face the top-seeded Seahawks in a division rivalry showdown. However, if the 49ers pull off the upset, Los Angeles will instead head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears.

Davante Adams is uncertain to play today for the Los Angeles Rams and the Arizona Cardinals in NFL Week 18. According to the latest injury report, Adams is listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury.

Adams has been a standout player for the Rams this season, making a significant impact with a league-leading 14 touchdowns in 14 games. His performance has been instrumental to the team’s success.

The Rams are gearing up for the playoffs and need Adams, along with the rest of the roster, to be at the top of their game to tackle the upcoming challenges. The team is determined to advance beyond where they did in 2024, when they were eliminated in the Wild Card round.

Rams’ injury report for this game

The Rams will be without three players for their game against the Cardinals: Kevin Dotson, Quentin Lake, and Josh Wallace. Additionally, several players, including Adams, are listed as questionable.

Here is the complete injury report for the Rams:

• Davante Adams, WR, Hamstring – Questionable
• Blake Corum, RB, Ankle – Questionable
• Kevin Dotson, G, Ankle – Out
• Tyler Higbee, TE, Ankle – Questionable
• Alaric Jackson, T, Knee – Questionable
• Quentin Lake, S, Elbow – Out
• Omar Speights, LB, Ankle – Questionable
• Josh Wallace, CB – Out
• Kyren Williams, RB – Questionable

Cardinals’ injury report for this game

Conversely, the Cardinals are focused on their draft position for the 2026 NFL Draft, with a loss potentially benefiting them. While they aim to avoid ending the season with a loss, Arizona has reported just one player out for this game, with another listed as questionable.

Here are the two players on the Cardinals’ injury report:

• Evan Brown, G – Out
• Josh Sweat, LB, Ankle – Questionable

In college football, records often fall quietly. Touchdown records rarely do. When a single receiver turns the red zone into familiar territory, the season stops being ordinary and starts drifting into historical territory.

The NCAA has produced countless elite pass-catchers, but only a handful have delivered seasons so productive they forced defenses to adjust weekly. Scheme, chemistry and opportunity all played a role, but execution made the difference.

One campaign still stands apart, not just for its numbers, but for how relentlessly they came. Every score added pressure, every game raised stakes and by season’s end, the standard for receiving dominance had been permanently altered.

Troy Edwards – 27 receiving touchdowns (1998)

In 1998, Troy Edwards didn’t just lead college football receivers—he overwhelmed the record books. Playing for Louisiana Tech, he turned every game into an aerial exhibition, finishing the season with 27 receiving touchdowns, the highest total ever recorded in a single FBS season.

His production wasn’t built on gimmicks, but on sharp route-running, durability, and relentless usage. Week after week, defenses knew where the ball was going and still couldn’t stop it, a testament to a season that remains unmatched in NCAA history.

Randy Moss – 25 receiving touchdowns (1997)

Before Sundays made him famous, Saturdays belonged to Randy Moss. In 1997 at Marshall, he was a mismatch that bordered on unfair, combining elite speed with rare ball skills to score 25 times through the air.

His touchdowns came in bunches and often from distance, turning routine snaps into instant highlights. That season didn’t just elevate Marshall—it reshaped how scouts and fans viewed the ceiling of a college wide receiver. Moss wasn’t merely productive; he was transformational.

Stedman Bailey – 25 receiving touchdowns (2012)

Stedman Bailey’s 2012 campaign at West Virginia was defined by precision and persistence. Sharing the spotlight in a pass-heavy offense, he consistently emerged as the most reliable red-zone option, finishing with 25 receiving touchdowns.

His success came from timing, clean routes, and an instinctive feel for coverage gaps. While flashier names grabbed headlines, he quietly delivered one of the most efficient scoring seasons a receiver has ever produced in modern college football.

Davante Adams – 24 receiving touchdowns (2013)

Davante Adams’ breakout season at Fresno State in 2013 announced the arrival of a receiver built for scoring situations. With 24 touchdown receptions, he became the centerpiece of an offense that leaned heavily on his physicality and body control near the goal line.

His chemistry with quarterback Derek Carr turned the Bulldogs into one of the nation’s most dangerous passing teams. The numbers told the story, but the film revealed something more: a receiver already operating with pro-level instincts.

DeVonta Smith – 23 receiving touchdowns (2020)

In a season filled with elite talent, DeVonta Smith still managed to separate himself. Alabama’s 2020 offense revolved around his ability to create space instantly, and he responded with 23 receiving touchdowns against the toughest competition in college football.

His scoring wasn’t limited to broken plays or blown coverages—it was the result of technical mastery and consistency. His season became a benchmark for modern receivers operating at the highest level.

Michael Crabtree – 22 receiving touchdowns (2007)

Michael Crabtree’s 2007 season at Texas Tech announced a new star almost overnight. As a redshirt freshman, he dominated defenses with strength, awareness, and exceptional hands, finishing with 22 receiving touchdowns.

He thrived in high-pressure moments, routinely delivering scores when defenses tightened. That season didn’t just earn him national recognition—it laid the foundation for one of the most memorable starts to a collegiate receiving career.

Larry Fitzgerald – 22 receiving touchdowns (2003)

Larry Fitzgerald’s 2003 season at Pittsburgh remains one of the most decorated campaigns in college football lore. Amid a torrent of chains-moving yardage, he hauled in 22 receiving touchdowns, ranking among the best single-season scoring marks ever recorded in NCAA history.

His blend of size, hands, and route precision earned him unanimous All-America honors, the Biletnikoff Award, and a near-Heisman finish, cementing a season where defenses had few answers for his résumé-building performances.

His 18 consecutive games with a touchdown reception that year not only showcased consistency but set an NCAA benchmark that still reverberates through the record books.

Manny Hazard – 22 receiving touchdowns (1989)

Long before modern spread offenses dominated statistical conversations, Manny Hazard torched defenses in 1989 with the Houston Cougars. Operating within the vaunted “Run and Shoot” attack, he turned every target into a threat, finishing the season with 22 touchdown catches that put him at the forefront of NCAA scoring.

Paired with Heisman-winning quarterback Andre Ware, his relentless efficiency and separation ability made Houston’s aerial attack one of the most feared in the country — a unit that also produced a 4,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher, and a 1,000-yard receiver in the same season. His production helped redefine how prolific passing offenses could be at the collegiate level.

Jarett Dillard – 21 receiving touchdowns (2006)

Jarett Dillard’s 2006 campaign at Rice was more than a statistical outlier — it was a testament to elite timing, rhythm, and reliability. With 21 touchdown receptions, he led the nation while simultaneously breaking school and Conference USA single-season touchdown records.

His knack for finding the end zone was not sporadic but sustained: he routinely put up multiple touchdown games and became a pivotal reason Rice reached its first bowl in 45 years.

His season embodied the art of precision route running married to opportunistic finishing, creating a body of work that few receivers at smaller programs have matched on the national stage.

Ja’Marr Chase – 20 receiving touchdowns (2019)

Ja’Marr Chase exploded onto the national scene in 2019 as LSU’s go-to scoring threat, weaving past defenders with explosive athleticism and a nose for the end zone. His 20 receiving touchdowns that season not only led his team but also set a then-SEC standard for scoring prowess.

In a championship-caliber offense engineered by Joe Burrow’s precision passing, he turned contested catches into momentum swing plays and helped LSU navigate a memorable undefeated campaign.

His 2019 output was a blend of elite route mastery and sheer athletic domination, traits that carried him into the NFL as one of the most coveted prospects of his class.

Corey Coleman – 20 receiving touchdowns (2015)

Corey Coleman’s 2015 season at Baylor unfolded at breakneck speed. As the focal point of one of college football’s fastest offenses, he piled up 20 receiving touchdowns while routinely stretching defenses beyond their limits.

His ability to score from anywhere on the field — whether through vertical routes or quick strikes — made him nearly impossible to game-plan against. By season’s end, he had not only claimed the Biletnikoff Award but also solidified his place among the most lethal scoring receivers of the modern era.

Patrick Edwards – 20 receiving touchdowns (2011)

Patrick Edwards’ 2011 campaign with Western Michigan was built on reliability and volume. In an offense that leaned heavily on timing and repetition, he emerged as the preferred target in scoring situations, finishing with 20 touchdown receptions.

His season stood out not because of flash, but because of consistency — week after week, he converted opportunities into points. His production remains one of the most prolific single-season scoring performances ever recorded outside the Power Five, underscoring how elite efficiency can transcend program size.

Justin Blackmon – 20 receiving touchdowns (2010)

Justin Blackmon’s dominance at Oklahoma State in 2010 went beyond raw numbers, though the 20 receiving touchdowns spoke loudly on their own. He combined physical strength with refined route running, making him a nightmare matchup in both open field and tight coverage.

His scoring output helped propel the Cowboys into national relevance and earned him the Biletnikoff Award. That season marked the beginning of his reputation as one of the most complete wide receivers college football had seen in years.

Jarett Dillard – 20 receiving touchdowns (2008)

Two years after leading the nation, Jarett Dillard returned to the top tier of scoring receivers in 2008, once again showcasing his uncanny feel for the end zone. With 20 touchdown catches, he reaffirmed that his earlier success was no anomaly.

His chemistry with Rice’s quarterback and his sharp instincts near the goal line allowed him to remain a national scoring force, rare longevity in a category often defined by single-season spikes. Few receivers have managed multiple elite touchdown seasons at the collegiate level — He remains a notable exception.

However, an interesting setback emerges for Sean McVay heading into the final stretch of the season, as one of his key offensive players might sit out to be 100% ready for the playoffs.

The Underdog NFL account, via X, reported that insider Jeremy Fowler shared details about Davante Adams’ health situation, who could be “shut down” for the final two regular-season games in an effort to be fully healthy for the playoffs.

This significant absence would give much more prominence to Puka Nacua, who, following Adams’ injury, has been one of Matthew Stafford’s primary targets in recent games. The Rams might lose an important player for the final stretch of the season.

What injury is Adams dealing with?

Davante Adams is currently battling a persistent hamstring injury that has placed his availability for the final two games of the regular season in serious doubt.

With the Rams already having clinched a postseason berth, the coaching staff is taking a cautious approach, making him a major question mark for the upcoming matchups against the Falcons and Cardinals.

Davante Adams’ stats this season with the Rams

Davante Adams has been a touchdown machine in his first season with the Rams, leading the league in that category despite his recent injury. Over 14 games, he has hauled in 60 receptions for 789 yards, averaging a reliable 13.1 yards per catch.

His most remarkable contribution has been his scoring efficiency, racking up 14 touchdowns and serving as the primary red-zone threat for the Los Angeles offense.

According to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic, Adams has been labeled as doubtful for tonight’s game vs. the Seahawks. He hasn’t practiced all week due to a hamstring injury that has lingered Adams throughout the season.

The Seahawks would love it if Adams indeed doesn’t play. After all, Adams leads the NFL in touchdowns with 14. Not having to stop him is as good as a relief as it gets for Seattle. In fact, the Seahawks already suffered the Adams effect as he already scored against them.

Tutu Atwell is the next man up

Atwell is in his fifth year as an NFL pro. His relevance in this team has been going downhill since Adams arrived. The 2024 season was his best with 562 yards and 42 receptions. This season, the 26-year-old has only played seven games and has only five catches for 173 yards. However, with Adams doubtful, if he doesn’t play, Atwell will have the chance to shine once again.

Atwell is actually a very decent wideout. Of course, he is not Davante Adams, but he is a really good weapon, too. To be fair with Atwell, while he has only five receptions, he is averaging a career-high 34.6 yards per catch, including a league-leading longest reception with 88 yards.

Stafford also has other weapons

Matthew Stafford‘s primary weapon is of course, Puka Nacua. However, the Rams have a plethora of different weapons to exploit. The QB will also have Atwell, yes, but it doesn’t stop there.

The running game with Kyren Williams and Blake Corum is becoming more and more effective. Also, the Rams have Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and Terrance Ferguson as tight ends and they all are very talented.

“Source on Davante Adams’ hamstring flare-up: ‘Week to week. He has been nursing it for a while.’ He’s been limited in practices with a hamstring issue for multiple weeks, re-aggravated it Sunday. He’ll rest with hopes of returning soon,” Fowler reported on X.

Adams is currently the second-best receiver the Rams have, so losing him entirely before the game against the Eagles is not an option. His 789 receiving yards demonstrate how valuable he has been to the offense, and he also leads the team in touchdowns, surpassing Nacua and Parkinson, who have 12 touchdowns combined.

Who could replace Adams against the Eagles?

The options are not few; the Rams have several receivers ready for the game against the Eagles to potentially replace Adams. One of them is Jordan Whittington, who has contributed 152 yards on 17 receptions this season.

Xavier Smith is another name that could be added to the list to help the team in the game, with 11 receptions for 173 yards this season. Tutu Atwell will likely see more minutes on the field, as he has one touchdown, 5 receptions, and 173 yards this season, making him a potential key contributor for the Rams.

As the report indicates, Adams has played through limitations for part of the season, but as a veteran, he has managed to stand out among his younger teammates and will likely be able to play at least one of the final games of the regular season.

According to Nate Atkins, Adams re-aggravated a previous hamstring injury during the win. McVay did little to ease concerns when speaking to reporters, saying, “It didn’t look good,” while adding that Adams’ availability for Thursday’s game in Seattle remained in doubt.

Adams suffered a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter of the Rams game against the Detroit Lions. The Rams announced that his return was questionable after the injury occurred while Adams attempted to track a deep pass from Matthew Stafford on third-and-3 with 12:42 remaining in the final quarter. Adams remained on the turf briefly before the Rams’ medical staff helped him off the field.

At the time of the injury, Adams had recorded four receptions for 71 yards. The veteran wide receiver entered the week leading the NFL with 14 receiving touchdowns, continuing to be one of the league’s most productive red-zone threats and a central figure in the Rams’ passing attack.

Good news for the Rams

While Adams’ health remains a major storyline heading into the short week, the Rams avoided a similar scare involving Puka Nacua, whose brief issue during the game raised concern among fans. Nacua went down on a pass play shortly after Adams exited the contest, creating immediate uncertainty on the sideline.

Fortunately for Los Angeles, Nacua was dealing with cramps rather than a structural injury. He returned to the game and finished with an outstanding stat line of nine catches for 181 yards and one touchdown. Even so, Adams remains Stafford’s preferred target near the goal line and the NFL’s leader in receiving touchdowns, making his status far more consequential.

Key matchup against the Seahawks

The Rams visit the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night in a game that could go a long way toward determining the NFC West race. It represents one of the most important matchups of the season for Los Angeles, with little margin for error.

If Adams is unable to play, the Rams would need increased contributions from Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, and Tutu Atwell as they look to maintain offensive balance in a pivotal divisional showdown.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Adams is expected to play against the Lions despite dealing with a hamstring injury during the week. Hence, the Lions will have to prepare to deal with a nightmare.

Detroit has one of the most injured secondaries in the NFL. Adams leads the NFL with 14 touchdowns. That matchup is something Matthew Stafford will surely look to exploit once the Rams step into the red zone.

The Rams have a very well-known, yet unstoppable tactic. Let others guide the drive, and then let Adams finish it. The Lions are not a healthy team right now, so all signs point to the Lions not being able to win that battle this week.

Adams scores, but Puka drives the offense

While Adams has been used as the deadliest weapon in the NFL, the fact is that the other wideout, Puka Nacua, is the one behind this team’s success. Nacua is frequently targeted and he always delivers.

Nacua leads the NFL in receptions despite missing two games. He has 1,186 yards and six touchdowns this year. Stafford looks for him constanty to move the chains. Not only does Nacua has great routes, but also safe hands and the ability to rack up yards after catch.

Rams can’t relax

If the Rams want that first seed, they can’t slip up. They are tied at 10-3 with the Seahawks but hold the tiebreaker for now. Both teams face again next week in Seattle. Hence, a loss here could make them go into that game second in the NFC West.

The Packers are also in the mix of getting the first seed and the Niners are one game below. Even if the Rams have been excellent, the NFC is so tight, a loss could cost them a lot.