Cooper Kupp unable to break either record in Week 18 loss to 49ers in OT

Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp enters the final week of the 2021 regular season with multiple shots at history. Kupp is 12 receptions shy of the NFL’s all-time mark, set by Saints WR Michael Thomas (149) back in 2019. The other record Kupp can break is for single-season receiving yards, a record held by former Lions wideout Calvin Johnson, who had 1,964 yards back in 2012. Kupp needs 136 receiving yards vs. the 49ers to set the mark. Below we’ll be keeping an eye on Kupp’s progress and whether or not he’s hit one or both records.

Cooper Kupp record chasing update

Overtime — Welp, Stafford throws a pick and the 49ers win and clinch a playoff spot. Kupp unable to get to either record. It’s OK Rams fans, you won the NFC West division. Bad news is you got the 4-seed since the Buccaneers won. The Rams will face the rival Cardinals in the first round of the playoffs next week.

Kupp finishes the season with 145 receptions, 5 short of Thomas’ record. His receiving total is at 1,947 or 18 yards short of breaking Calvin Johnson’s record (1,964) from back in 2012.

Overtime — The Niners are up 27-24 and the Rams will have one last drive to either tie it up or win the game. This is Kupp’s time.

Fourth quarter — NINERS TIE IT UP!!! It’s 24-24 and looks like we’ll get OT to decide some playoff spots in the NFC. Kupp also has a legit shot at the receiving yards record if the Rams get the ball.

Fourth quarter — The Niners have the ball and are driving late in the fourth quarter. It’s going to be close. San Fran will at least have a few shots at the end zone. If the 49ers can score and force OT, Kupp record back in play.

Fourth quarter — Kupp has found the end zone! That makes 7 catches for 118 and a TD in the regular-season finale to help the Rams jump out to a 24-17 lead late in the fourth quarter. The Rams could end up getting the ball back or the Niners could force OT, which would both help Kupp in his pursuit.

Yards to record: 18
Receptions to record: 5

Fourth quarter — Things are getting saucy. Kupp is up to 6 catches for 114 yards and is 22 short of the receiving record.

Third quarter — Kupp didn’t catch a pass in the third quarter, so one quarter left for him to get the records. The receptions record seems out of reach. The yards is in play.

Halftime — Kupp has 5 receptions for 84 yards at halftime. So if my math is correct he needs 52 yards in the second half and 7 reception in order to break both records.

Second quarter — Kupp is up to 4 catches for 76 yards early in the second quarter. He’s on pace to smash the yards record but we’ll see if he can get up to 12 catches to break Thomas’ record.

First quarter — Kupp already has a long reception for 46 yards from Matt Stafford early in the game. That bodes well for him going for 136 yards. Still a ton of time left.

The Rams enter Week 18 with something to play for, plus the potential at denying the 49ers a playoff spot. Los Angeles can clinch the NFC West title with a win or a Arizona Cardinals loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Rams can also clinch the No. 2 seed in the NFC with a win.