The Minnesota Vikings are going on the road to take on the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the NFL Playoffs! The Rams are coming off a loss to the Seattle Seahawks, 30-25. Conversely, the Vikings are coming off their worst loss of the season. They lost to the Detroit Lions 31-9. We saw these teams play each other in the regular season and the Rams came out on top, 30-20. Will the Vikings avenge their loss in the regular season or will the Rams pull off the “upset”? Let’s dive into this game and cook up a winning slip!
Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Minnesota Vikings | -2.5 (-120) | Over 47.5 (-105) | -146 |
| Los Angeles Rams | +2.5 (-102) | Under 47.5 (-115) | +124 |
| **Odds Subject to Change** | |||
Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams Match Details
- Fixture: Minnesota Vikings @ Los Angeles Rams
- Date and Time: January 13th, 2025 @ 8 PM EST
Key Stats
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are coming off their worst loss of the season against the Detroit Lions, 31-9. Sam Darnold also had his worst game of the season. He only completed 18 of his 41 passes for 166 yards. Aaron Jones had a solid game with 75 yards from scrimmage, 45 rushing, and 30 receiving. Jordan Addison had a terrible game as well. He finished the game with 1 catch for 0 yards on 6 targets. Justin Jefferson had 54 yards on 3 catches in this game. For a Vikings offense that has been lighting up the scoreboard, they will look to bounce back on a very touchable defense.
The Vikings’ defense has been one of the best all season long. They are ranked 5th in points allowed per game, 28th in passing yards allowed per game, 2nd in rushing yards allowed per game, 5th in offensive touchdowns allowed, 4th in sacks, and 1st in takeaways per game. In terms of injuries, they are one of the healthier teams in the NFL. They do not have anyone who is a starter who is listed as questionable for this game. Going on the road can be tough for a team that was one win away from the number one seed in the NFC. How will Sam Darnold perform in his first playoff game?
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are coming off a loss at home to the Seattle Seahawks, 30-25. The Rams rested most of their starters in the loss: Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Kyren Williams, and many others. LA is a veteran-led team that isn’t that far removed from the Super Bowl and was one play away last season from upsetting the Lions last year.
This team is hot right now, winners of five straight not counting their last loss in which their starters rested. If Minnesota’s defensive front doesn’t get home, Stafford has the weapons to take over this game. This Rams’ defense has been up and down all season. However, overall for the season, they have been below average. They rank 17th in points allowed per game, 20th in passing yards allowed per game, 22nd in rushing yards allowed per game, 17th in offensive touchdowns allowed, 21st in sacks, and 14th in takeaways per game.
With regards to injuries, they are a relatively healthy team. The only player who is questionable in this game is offensive tackle Rob Havenstein. If he can’t play in this game, that is a big loss for an older quarterback who isn’t mobile anymore. We have seen this team come back after having their backs against the wall before. Can they do it again?
Prediction
The Minnesota Vikings are going to win this game and cover the spread against the Los Angeles Rams. This game has been moved to Arizona in the wake of the fires in LA. That hurts what home-field advantage the Rams were going to have. However, in this spot, they are outmatched. The Rams have not looked like the team that was picking the Buffalo Bills apart over the past month.
I know that the Vikings and Darnold suffered their worst defeat all season long and were embarrassed. This is a great bounceback spot for the Vikings to pummel the Rams’ poor defense. Minnesota advances and gets a rematch with the Detroit Lions.
