2024 NFC Wildcard Preview: No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Los Angeles Rams

2024 NFC Wildcard Preview: Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams

The NFC Wildcard was thrilling on Sunday with two exciting finishes, with ultimately the No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles and No. 6 Washington Commanders in their respective games. We are capping off the slate Monday night between the No. 5 Minnesota Vikings and the No. 4 Los Angeles Rams, which will be played in Arizona due to the tragic fires in Los Angeles. Let’s dive into our full preview and predictions, shall we?

• When: Monday, Jan. 13
• Where: State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, Ari.
• Time: 8:15 p.m. EST
• TV: ESPN
• Spread: Vikings -2.5
• Over/Under: 47.5

Why the Vikings will win:

1. Vikings are one of the best first quarter teams in the NFL … and the Rams are not

Getting out to quick starts has been very key to the Minnesota Vikings’ success this season. Once they’re out to an early lead, they’re able to pin their ears back defensively while relying on workhorse Aaron Jones, shortening the game while taking pressure off Sam Darnold. The Vikings scored a league-high 12 touchdowns in the opening quarter this season, while the Rams scored just three, tied for the second fewest. Games aren’t won in lost in the first quarter, but the Rams getting behind big early could be a recipe for disaster as the game wears on.

2. More variety of pass-catchers against a middling Rams secondary

Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are two of the best receivers in the NFL. While Tutu Atwell and Demarcus Robinson are certainly more than capable of generating big plays, the three-headed horse of Justin Jefferson–arguably the best WR in the NFL–Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson against a below-average Rams secondary could be the difference maker. Darnold had one of his more efficient games of the season against Los Angeles in Week 8 without Hockenson, so I’m keeping an eye on how that trio performs Monday night.

3. Will the Rams be able to shut down Minnesota’s blitz-heavy defense again?

Matthew Stafford was excellent in their Week 8 meeting, completing 25-of-34 for 279 yards, four touchdowns to just one interception. Minnesota’s defensive front didn’t get home once–the only time this season that was the case. Stafford is excellent at the line of scrimmage and can get the ball out of his hands quicker than almost anyone. But are we sure Brian Flores won’t have a few more tricks up his sleeve for the soon-to-be 37-year-old signal caller? We’ll see!

Ryan Fitzpatrick slams Brian Flores’ head coaching tenure with Dolphins

Why the Rams will win:

1. Postseason experience behind center

The Rams are more battle-tested in January than Minnesota is–especially behind center. Stafford led the Rams to a Super Bowl in 2021 and has eight postseason starts under his belt, completing 67.2 percent of his passes for 2,463 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. Sam Darnold, well, doesn’t have any postseason starts behind center. Head coach Kevin O’Connell also has just one postseason game as a head coach under his belt. Those are not indicators that bode well for Minnesota, who had a historically great regular season.

2. Rams will rely on Kyren Williams against a reeling run defense

Williams is a true workhorse, logging at least 20 carries in eight of his 16 games, including 23 carries for 97 yards in their previous meeting on Oct. 24. Minnesota has been one of the best run defenses for much of the season, but they’ve sunk to No. 16 in EPA/play and No. 18 in success rate against the rush over the last five weeks. Additionally, over that span, they’ve allowed D’Andre Swift to rush for 79 yards, Josh Jacobs 69 yards and Jahmyr Gibbs 139 yards. How you neutralize an aggressive pass rush is running between the tackles, which is what I think the Rams will rely on Monday night.

3. Rams’ starters have rest advantage

We can have the debate about rest versus rust. Minnesota’s coming off a grueling Week 18 game over the Detroit Lions while the Rams’ starters have been well-rested for two weeks. I think that’s an advantage for the Rams–especially for Stafford and Kupp, two aging veterans who don’t need any more wear and tear accumulated onto their bodies than what’s required.

Verdict: Rams 24, Vikings 23

***

Subscribe to Vendetta’s Twitch

Subscribe to Vendetta’s YouTube

Check out the Vendetta Shop

Click here for more NFL content

Check out Vendetta Fantasy Contests