The Minnesota Vikings will face the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the NFL playoffs on Monday night. Due to the ongoing fires in Los Angeles, the game has been moved to State Farm Stadium in Arizona. The last time these two teams met, the Rams beat the Vikings with a 30-20 win.
After an embarrassing loss to the Lions last week the Vikings look to bounce back. Only scoring nine points against the Lions, the Vikings offense will need to step up if they want to compete with the talented Rams offense.
The Vikings offense, led by QB Sam Darnold, is averaging 25.4 points per game and 237.8 passing yards per game. However, after a lackluster performance last week, Darnold and his receiving corps will need to rebound in a big way. Minnesota’s ground game, powered by Running Backs Aaron Jones and Cam Akers, ranks 19th in the NFL with an average of 109.1 rushing yards per game.
The Rams offense, led by QB Matthew Stafford, is averaging 21.6 points per game and 227.5 pass yards with help from star wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. On the ground, Los Angeles relies on RB Kyren Williams, whose contributions have helped the team average 103.8 rushing yards per game, ranking 24th in the league.
The Vikings’ defense has been strong overall, allowing just 19.5 points per game. However, their pass defense ranks among the worst in the league, giving up 242 passing yards per game, placing them 28th in the NFL. In contrast, their run defense is one of the best in the league, ranking second and giving up only 93.4 rushing yards per game. The Vikings’ defense has also been consistent in creating turnovers, recording at least one takeaway in every game this season.
The Rams’ defense has allowed 22.7 points per game, along with 222.8 passing yards and 130 rushing yards per game. They’ve averaged 1.2 takeaways and have recorded 38 sacks this season, ranked 21st in the NFL.
The Vikings will be without Linebacker Patrick Jones II (knee), while RB Cam Akers (illness) and Defensive Lineman Taki Taimani (ankle) are listed as questionable.
The Rams will enter the Monday night game without any injury designations.
The Vikings will need to win this game in the trenches. Their offensive line must hold up to provide QB Sam Darnold with enough time in the pocket to make accurate throws. On top of that, they need to create running lanes for the ground game, allowing Minnesota to control the clock and keep the ball out of Matthew Stafford’s hands.
Defensively, the Vikings’ front line must generate consistent pressure on Stafford. By forcing him to release the ball quickly, they can help their struggling secondary avoid giving up big plays and prevent deep passing attempts from Stafford and his elite receiving corps.
After last week’s embarrassment, the Vikings are in a must-win situation against the Rams. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and quarterback Sam Darnold have a lot to prove, as both need to demonstrate they can rise to the occasion and deliver in high-pressure, big-game moments.
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