NFL Week 18 Bold Predictions: NFC West

Considering the season Jaxon Smith-Njigba has had, how bold is this? Despite rough weather, Smith-Njigba still had nine catches for 72 yards last week. In a game that’s going to matter, and against a San Francisco team ranked 24th with 229.3 passing yards allowed per game, JSN will produce. I’m looking for 150 yards out of Smith-Njigba with a touchdown.

Also check out our Week 17 grades for the NFC West!

Three Straight for Barner

As we said above, the San Francisco 49ers struggle to defend the pass. It has also been a pleasantly surprising and successful season for AJ Barner. After three catches for 43 yards in Week 17, Barner is up to 50 catches for 505 yards. Included in that are six touchdowns, including one in back-to-back weeks. I’m looking for Barner to make it three straight weeks in Week 18.

Arizona Cardinals

Higgins Goes Nuts

We know that the Arizona Cardinals aren’t playing for anything in Week 18. After Trey McBride broke the record for most catches for a tight end in a season in Week 17, what does he have to prove this week? Is it really worth the risk of injury against a Los Angeles Rams team with something to play for? I’m betting the answer is no, and that means Elijah Higgins has a strong game. There aren’t many options for Jacoby Brissett to target, and Higgins excelled two weeks ago with seven catches for 91 yards. I’ll take something similar to close out the season.

Wilson Gets 15 Targets

What did we say again about the lack of options in the passing game? The Arizona Cardinals also haven’t really shown the ability to run the ball successfully. Plus, I’d expect them to be trailing the Los Angeles Rams, so that means Jacoby Brissett will have to take to the air. Last week, Michael Wilson caught five of 10 targets for 89 yards and a touchdown. With 907 yards on the season, Wilson will become one of the most unlikely and surprising 1,000-yard receivers, and I’m expecting him to be targeted 15 times. It would actually be his third time hitting that mark this season.

San Francisco 49ers

Purdy Gets 300

The one thing we know for sure is that there will be plenty of offense on display as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks. Yes, the Seahawks are ranked 12th with just 199 passing yards allowed per game, but that’s what makes this bold. Purdy has been rolling, and after two straight games of 295 passing yards each, he made it 303 yards in Week 17.

CMC Gets 150 Yards

For as stingy as the Seahawks are against the pass, they are even tougher against the run. Seattle ranks third with just 94 rushing yards allowed per game, so the assumption is that it will be tough for Christian McCaffrey to find room to run. However, this is a big game, and big stars show up for them. McCaffrey is rolling and has had real success as a receiver as well this year. Let’s give him 150 combined yards, as San Francisco will heavily rely on him.

Los Angeles Rams

Nacua Bounces Back

To say that the Arizona Cardinals have been brutal on defense, especially as of late, would be an understatement. This is a hard game to figure out, as the Cardinals have been out of it for weeks. However, the Rams are looking to enter the postseason on a high note as they fight for seeding. After catching just five passes for 47 yards last week, I’m looking for Nacua to break the century mark and grab a touchdown before spending the rest of the afternoon on the bench.

Corum Picks Up 100 Yards

The Rams haven’t been shy in working Blake Corum into the fold to rest Kyren Williams. With the outcome of the game likely settled by halftime, I’m looking for Corum to capitalize on the situation. Give him 100 yards as the Rams win going away.