The Vikings (5-1) and Rams (2-4) are set to kick off Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season with a battle on Thursday Night Football. Coming off their first loss of the season, the Vikings are 3-point favorites for this game at SoFi Stadium, which will be televised nationally on Amazon Prime Video.
The short week gives Minnesota a chance to bounce back right away from a frustrating two-point defeat against the Lions on Sunday in Minneapolis. Kevin O'Connell's team felt like it had numerous self-inflicted wounds and missed opportunities in that game, in which they led 10-0 and 29-28 before ultimately falling short.
The Rams won their second game of the season on Sunday against the Raiders and can creep closer to .500 with a win tonight. They're getting star wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puca Nacua back, which should help revitalize an offense that hasn't played at the standard we're used to seeing from Sean McVay-led teams. LA's patchwork offensive line, however, remains a question mark heading into a matchup with the Vikings' top-ranked defense.
Offensively, the Vikings are still without T.J. Hockenson, whose season debut is expected to come in Week 9. But with Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Addison, Sam Darnold has plenty of firepower at his disposal in this primetime test. The Rams' defense forced four Raiders turnovers last week but remains near the bottom of the league in several metrics, including DVOA.
Despite faltering a bit against the Lions, Brian Flores' Vikings defense is still No. 1 in the NFL in DVOA, opponent EPA per play, and interceptions. They'll look to pressure Stafford and limit the effectiveness of Matthew Stafford, Kupp, Nacua, and Kyren Williams.
Here are the inactive lists for the game, five key matchups to watch, and our staff score predictions.
Follow along below for live updates throughout the night.
Read the recap here.
0:00 — The game ended on a brutal missed facemask penalty as a Rams defender brought Sam Darnold down in the end zone for a safety.
Rams 28, Vikings 20
6:17 — The Vikings' defense, which came into this game leading the league in DVOA, has been absolutely carved up tonight. Stafford's fourth touchdown pass makes it an eight-point game.
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Rams 21, Vikings 20
12:47 — After the Vikings stall in the red zone again, they pull within one on another field goal.
Rams 21, Vikings 17
2:36 — The Rams take their first lead of the night on Matthew Stafford's third touchdown pass, this one to Demarcus Robinson. Not a great showing from the Vikings' defense.
Vikings 17, Rams 14
6:22 — After an absolutely wild catch by Justin Jefferson, the Vikings stall out in the red zone and settle for a chip shot field goal to go up by three.
12:08 — The Vikings get a much-needed interception from Byron Murphy Jr. on an overthrow from Stafford. The Rams were driving, so that's a big play.
0:00 — It's still tied at halftime, but more concerning is that Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw left late in the second quarter with what appears to be a potentially serious injury.
4:46 — Finally, a couple stops. Each team has punted after beginning the game with consecutive touchdown drives.
Vikings 14, Rams 14
10:05 — This is a shootout. The Rams just scored another touchdown, as Matthew Stafford got away from two defenders and hit Cooper Kupp in the end zone. The drive was extended by penalties on Byron Murphy Jr. and Stephon Gilmore.
Vikings 14, Rams 7
0:53 — Three drives in this game, three touchdowns. Trent Sherfield just caught his first with the Vikings. Sam Darnold is 8 for 8 for 97 yards and 2 TDs.
Vikings 7, Rams 7
6:38 — The Rams punch right back with an easy-looking opening drive of their own, tying the score on a Kyren Williams receiving touchdown. It's the tenth TD of the season already for Williams.
Vikings 7, Rams 0
10:43 — That was quite the start for the Vikings on offense. They just drove down and scored with ease on a Sam Darnold touchdown pass to Josh Oliver. Justin Jefferson had three catches on the possession.
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