The Minnesota Vikings kick off Week 8 in Southern California, heading to L.A. to face the Los Angeles Rams. The Vikings finally dropped a game after the Detroit Lions went into U.S. Bank Stadium and took down the Vikings, and while it wasn’t the result Minnesota was hoping for, the game was a thriller and went all the way until the end.
The Rams on the other hand are coming off of a win at home against the Las Vegas Raiders even when the offense didn’t look great at all, but the offense should get a big boost with the return of Cooper Kupp on Thursday, although Minnesota might also have a boost on offense with TJ Hockenson set to make his season debut. Let’s take a look at thoughts and predictions for Thursday’s matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams
Minnesota Vikings Face Off Against The Los Angeles Rams On TNF Who Wins?
This Rams team is far too banged up to compete against a team like the Vikings, who will be especially tough to face after their close loss to the Lions. However, things are moving in the right direction for the Rams as Cooper Kupp is expected to return, and the team just opened up the 21-day practice window for their other star receiver, Puka Nacua. While things are looking up for the Rams the Vikings are far better and hungry after their first loss.
And Minnesota is still a great football team despite their loss last week, and L.A. will look more complete and maybe less sloppy getting Cooper Kupp back, but the Ram’s defense has not been good at all. The Ram’s defense allows almost six yards per play which is seventh most in the NFL and they allow just about 25 points per game, so expect the Minnesota Vikings to get back into the win column after this game.
Can The Vikings Defense Continue To Be Elite And Carry Its Weight
The Vikings’ defense has established itself as one of the most elite units in the NFL, ranking sixth in opponent yards per play, first in opponent EPA per play, and second in opponent success rate. They also lead the league in pressure rate which is bad news for a Rams team that allows the fourth-highest pressure rate. The Vikings’ defense should continue doing what they’ve been doing which is dominating.
However, this offense is a little shaky ranking in the middle of the pack in most of their stats, and seems to be regressing game by game as the season goes on. The passing game should be fine this game with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jailen Nailor being a dynamic receiving trio, and TJ Hockenson possibly returning. Minnesota’s run game should also be able to run against a Rams team that’s been struggling against the run all season long.
Sean McVay will come with a good game plan facing off against his former OC, but the Vikings will be looking to bounce back after their first loss, and they have more healthy weapons. It will be too hard for this Rams defense to keep up with the Vikings offense and the Vikings defense led by Brian Flores will be able to keep this sluggish Rams offense in check.
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