The Los Angeles Rams host the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night in a matchup between Sean McVay and his former offensive coordinator, Kevin O’Connell. On the other hand, only one coach appears to have a playoff-caliber lineup, with O’Connell’s Vikings trying to stay in the hunt for an NFC North crown at 5-1, and McVay’s Rams simply looking to approach . 500.
Los Angeles is coming off an ugly win over the Las Vegas Raiders, but Matthew Stafford and company will have some additional help with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua returning at wide receiver. Minnesota, meanwhile, fell behind in a shootout with the rival Detroit Lions on Sunday, but has been a major miracle among NFC contenders thanks to a resurgence from Sam Darnold and Brian Flores’ feisty defense.
Now, the two sides will meet in the higher life to begin Past 8. How can you sing? Which players could be X elements? And who is really prepared to win? Here is our sports betting preview and prediction:
Where to watch Rams vs. Vikings
- Week: Thursday October 24 | Past: 8:15 pm Eastern Time
- Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)
- Tide: Top video
- Apply: CBS Sports App
- Odd: Vikings -2.5 | Over/U 47.5 (FanDuel Sports Betting)
key matchups
- Rams RB Kyren Williams vs. Vikings LB Ivan Age Jr.: Los Angeles has struggled to find consistency in each and every aspect of the offense, but Williams remains a challenging leader in the Rams’ backfield. Meanwhile, Minnesota will be without linebacker Blake Cashman for the second straight, putting more energy into the middle of Flores’ attack.
- Vikings WR Justin Jefferson vs. Rams CB Cobie Durant: We’re still not talking much about how dominant Jefferson has been in his recovery from a lingering concussion in 2023. He arrives just in time for his fifth straight 1,000-yard campaign. He will face Durant in this case, days later, the top defensive player of the NFC’s past recorded for his turnover against the Raiders.
- Rams WR Cooper Kupp vs. Vikings CB Byron Murphy Jr.: Stafford’s favorite target, Kupp will return to action for the first life since Past 2, although rumors persist regarding his availability via a potential deadline. While doing some of his best work in the slot, he may find himself face to face with Murphy, who has always filled the nickel spot in Flores’ veteran secondary.
burning questions
- Rams: Will Matthew Stafford’s reinforcements spark the offense? Kupp is at it again, as is his counterpart Puka Nacua. Sean McVay’s offense ranks 23rd in scoring, but having a fitter receiving corps can help make this club aggressive again.
- Vikings: Can Sam Darnold regulate the ball? It’s an increasingly relevant question about the veteran signal-caller, who was very composed in his Minnesota debut but also threw a pass in five of six games. Los Angeles has a magnetic protection in young Jaylen McCollough, who must be monitored.
Prediction
This will be a big matchup for McVay, facing his used wife at home, desperately needing a win to keep the NFC West going and possibly delaying the higher-ups’ growing interest in auctioning off beloved veterans. Without a doubt, Kupp and Nacua will have to help Stafford feel more on vacation, and the Vikings, despite having a top-10 scoring defense, have been vulnerable to big games during the breeze.
However, barring a Darnold giveaway party honoring the journeyman’s future stops, the Vikings simply have the clear credit of some healthy skill on the board. Aaron Jones again tried to complete speed despite a hip bruise against the Lions, and although his position is reduced for preservation reasons, Minnesota’s perimeter cannons in Jefferson and Jordan Addison will have to be able to find sunlight. .
Select: Vikings 26, Rams 22
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