Daniel Mader
When the Rams’ star receivers are healthy, they’re among the toughest teams to beat in the NFL.
As Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua both returned to the field on “Thursday Night Football,” Los Angeles used a four-touchdown day from Matthew Stafford to take down a Vikings team that’s been among the NFC’s best to begin 2024. While Thursday’s matchup started as a back-and-forth shootout, it settled in as a contest that the home team slowly pulled away in.
Stafford and Sam Darnold traded blows over the first two quarters, consistently leaning on their star receivers, Justin Jefferson for Minnesota and Nacua for Los Angeles. After the two sides went to halftime knotted at 14, the Rams allowed just six points in the second half while using two touchdowns from Stafford to Demarcus Robinson, plus a controversial late safety, to claim the win.
MORE: Stafford quiets trade rumors, shows Rams potential | Why Rams 'facemask' couldn't be reviewed
As they usually do when they’re on the field, Nacua and Kupp shined bright against the Vikings. On just seven catches, Nacua posted 106 yards. Kupp finished with a lower total of five catches for 51 yards, but he also he had a touchdown and came through with a key first-down conversion late.
It was a significant win for Los Angeles, as the team’s season was starting to unravel due to injuries. Trade talks around Kupp had increased in recent weeks, and the likelihood of the Rams settling for a transition year seemed to be growing. Instead, Los Angeles took down a good Vikings team in a prime-time matchup to improve to 3-4. The Seahawks currently lead the NFC West with just a 4-3 record heading into Week 8, so that division could be up for grabs for the Rams if they can stay hot like they did when they went 7-1 in the second half last year.
MORE: Week 8 NFL Power Rankings | Week 8 NFL picks | Week 8 NFL picks against the spread
As for Minnesota, it was coming off of its first loss of the season to the Lions. The Vikings’ defense simply couldn’t slow down Stafford in the air, and while Darnold had a solid performance (240 passing yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions), it wasn’t enough for a win. A late no-call on what was a clear face mask on the Rams didn’t help the Vikings, but they were down eight with under two minutes left at that point.
Moving forward, the Vikings, now 5-2, will be looking to rekindle their early-season momentum, while the Rams will be looking for a midseason push into the NFC playoff picture.
The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights from “Thursday Night Football” between the Vikings and Rams. Here’s what you may have missed.
NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule
(All times ET)
11:10 p.m. — Stafford takes a few knees to end the game. The Rams’ offense was steady with Kupp and Nacua healthy once again, and they pick up a huge win at home to improve to 3-4. The no-call on the face mask at the end is surely one of the game’s biggest storylines, but Minnesota leaves LA with a loss either way.
11:05 p.m. SAFETY — A safety to seal it! Byron Young takes down Sam Darnold in the end zone to put the Rams up 10, virtually ending Minnesota’s chances at a win. However, there was a questionable no-call on the play. Young clearly grabbed Darnold’s face mask as he was taking him down, but there’s no flag.
11:02 p.m. — Stafford goes to Kupp on third down, but he only gets nine of the 12 yards needed for a first down. Kupp also stopped the clock by accident, barely going out of bounds. The Vikings are getting the ball back with a chance to tie if they can get a touchdown and two-point conversion.
10:58 p.m. — Los Angeles faces another third-and-long at the two minute warning. Minnesota is out of timeouts, so it’d have to work quickly even if it does get the ball back.
10:55 p.m. — Facing a 3rd & 9 that would have likely decided if the Vikings got another chance to tie it with a few minutes on the clock, Stafford comes through with a huge 28-yard completion to Kupp. The Rams will keep forcing the Vikings to burn timeouts.
Move the chains ⛓️ Kupp with a big first down late in the 4th! #MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/jRvi6PZUMX
10:49 p.m. — Jared Verse comes through with pressure for the Rams once again, resulting in a sack and a 13-yard loss for the Vikings they can’t overcome. Minnesota punts with just over four minutes remaining.
This sack celly is made for @Dodgers fans 😂⚾️@RamsNFL 🤝 @MLB pic.twitter.com/zleLosNkxW
10:44 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Make it four passing touchdowns tonight for Matthew Stafford, who finds Robinson in the end zone once again. In a game the Rams simply need to win if they want to have a fighting chance at a playoff spot, their offense has performed well.
Demarcus Robinson x2! Another TD for the veteran WR#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/WnqsIzGuxF
10:43 p.m. — Continuing to chip away on a long drive, Williams runs for seven yards on 2nd & 11.
10:36 p.m. — The Rams go for it on 4th & 1 in Vikings territory and convert with a run from Kyren Williams. They’ve already had seven plays on this drive, threatening to extend their slim lead.
10:31 p.m. FIELD GOAL— Minnesota’s offensive momentum slowed, forcing it to attempt a field goal. Reichard’s 35-yard attempt is good though, and we have a one-point game in the fourth quarter. Jones has just 3.1 yards per carry on the ground for the Vikings.
10:28 p.m. — Aaron Jones shows off his receiving skills with a 25-yard grab after running a route down the right sideline. That pushes the Vikings inside Los Angeles’ 25-yard line.
10:25 p.m. — Darnold picked up a first down to begin Minnesota’s next drive, but he and the Vikings will face a 3rd & 3 to begin the fourth quarter.
10:17 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Stafford goes deep to Demarcus Robinson, who turns around and makes a nice play on the ball to haul in a 25-yard score. The Rams take the lead.
Demarcus Robinson tuddy 🔥 @RamsNFL take the lead! #MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/szA7hx8ikY
10:13 p.m. — Tutu Atwell gets his first reception of the game on an 18-yard pass from Stafford. Los Angeles is into Vikings territory.
10:08 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Minnesota takes the lead on a 23-yard field goal from Will Reichard.
10:04 p.m. — Justin. Jefferson. What a snag from the superstar receiver, juggling the ball as he went out of bounds to set up Minnesota for a potential score. He’s up to eight catches for 115 yards tonight.
GREATNESS @JJettas2
📺: @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/fR1ObO3dfo
9:58 p.m. — Stafford is picked off by Byron Murphy Jr. on a deep pass, a big swing in momentum for Minnesota to begin the second half. Sam Darnold and the Vikings offense will take over.
.@Vikings INT! @byronmurphy with the pick #MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/tHonVIOWlW
9:54 p.m. — The Rams have the ball to begin the second half, and they’re approaching Vikings territory already. Nacua converts a 3rd & 9 with a 19-yard reception on the sideline.
.@AsapPuka is in midseason form ⚡️#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/qWJXrGIq4n
9:38 p.m. — Darnold takes a knee to send the game to the break. Both offenses slowed down in the second quarter after strong starts, but the Rams and Vikings are tied at half.
9:35 p.m. — The Rams can’t take advantage of the chance to score before halftime, punting with around 30 seconds remaining in the quarter.
9:30 p.m. — Los Angeles has a 3rd & 6 at midfield with under a minute remaining in the first half.
9:25 p.m. — Once again, Minnesota punts, this time after a three-and-out. The Rams will have a chance to score before getting the ball back to start the second half.
9:23 p.m. — Jared Verse sacks Darnold on the first play of the Vikings’ drive.
.@JaredVerse1 with the sack (and the celebratory SKOL) 👀🐏#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Q2T3EiDEgc
9:19 p.m. — Los Angeles punts. Flags hurt the Rams on that series more than they helped them, and Minnesota will get another opportunity.
9:16 p.m. — Penalties are once again giving the Rams extra chances on third down. They’re still deep in their own territory to begin the drive.
9:09 p.m. — It took until the second quarter, but one of these two teams has finally punted. Minnesota ends the streak of four straight touchdown drives, giving the ball back to the Rams.
9:02 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Neither offense can be stopped right now. We could be headed for a shootout in Los Angeles, as Stafford makes an impressive move to escape a sack then finds Cooper Kupp for a seven-yard touchdown.
COOPER KUPP TD!!! 🙌#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/CsD4OicMUT
8:59 p.m. — The Rams are inside the Vikings’ 10-yard line, looking to tie it at 14 with Nacua continuing to dominate Stafford’s targets.
8:56 p.m. — A holding call on the Vikings kept Los Angeles’ drive alive, and Stafford uses the opportunity to hit Nacua once again for a 14-yard play.
8:51 p.m. — Nacua picks up his third catch already, and he’s up to 50 receiving yards. A high-scoring first quarter comes to a close with the Rams set for a 3rd & 7.
8:45 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Another drive, another touchdown to begin this game. Darnold connects with Trent Sherfield for a 10-yard score, and Minnesota reclaims the lead. Darnold is 8-for-8 with 97 passing yards and two touchdowns so far.
Sam Darnold’s 2nd TD toss of the night goes to @Channel__10
📺: @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/J9Vc9I0wT7
8:42 p.m. — Minnesota is moving the ball well once again. Jones has had a few decent pickups, and Darnold has found Jefferson and Jordan Addison for a pair of 14+ yard plays.
8:35 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Matt Stafford finds Kyren Williams for a five-yard touchdown grab on 3rd & Goal. The Rams tied things up pretty quickly, and both offenses are clicking in the first quarter.
Stafford finds Kyren Williams in the end zone! #RamsHouse#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/psUbkoyPrn
8:32 p.m. — Nacua doesn’t look limited in any fashion so far. He gets another 21 yards to put Los Angeles in the red zone on its first drive.
8:29 p.m. — Puka Nacua is on the board with his first catch in weeks. He picks up 13 yards, then Kyren Williams gets another 13 on the ground.
8:26 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Darnold makes it look easy, throwing to tight end Josh Oliver for a score. Minnesota coasted through its first drive, with the Darnold-Jefferson connection already on fire.
Sam Darnold and @JoshO_3 getting us started with a score!
📺: @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/3fQePPVvnc
8:24 p.m. — Jefferson sets up 1st & Goal with another catch, his third already.
8:21 p.m. — Sam Darnold has the Vikings’ offense moving well to begin. Aaron Jones had a pair of nice gains, and Justin Jefferson makes his second catch of the drive for a 17-yard pickup.
Darnold with a 🎯 to @JJettas2 #MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Cq6PWEV8u6
8:17 p.m. — They’re under way at SoFi Stadium. The Vikings will get the ball first.
7:48 p.m. — One of the game’s best wide receivers will be on the field tonight. Justin Jefferson’s numbers through six games for the Vikings so far: 33 receptions, 531 receiving yards, five touchdowns.
Primetime @JJettas2 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/4g7hWOWyf0
7:44 p.m. — Here’s a look at the Vikings’ inactive list against the Rams. Tight end TJ Hockenson, who’s been nearing his return from a long-term injury, is out.
Tonight’s #Vikings inactives pic.twitter.com/18E6AcLCjY
7:41 p.m. — Around 30 minutes from game time on “Thursday Night Football.” Good news for the Rams: Both of their star receivers, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, are available tonight.
Rams WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua both are active tonight vs. Vikings. pic.twitter.com/T3SPQDdedz
The Vikings and Rams will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday. The game will be at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Thursday’s game between the Vikings and Rams won’t be broadcast nationally in the U.S., with the only viewing options accessible through streaming on Amazon Prime and NFL+.
Canadian viewers can watch live on TSN or CTV2, or livestream the game through DAZN NFL.
Here’s a look at Minnesota’s upcoming schedule after its matchup against the Rams.
Here’s how the next few weeks of action look for the Rams following Thursday’s game.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >
Daniel Mader joined Sporting News as an editorial intern in 2024 following his graduation from Penn State University. Previously, he covered Penn State, high school and local sports beats for NBC Sports, the Centre Daily Times, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Daily Collegian and LancasterOnline. He grew up in Lancaster, Penn., with a love for baseball that’ll never fade, but could also talk basketball or football for days.
