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Rams drub Vikings in wild card game, tie NFL playoff sack record: Highlights

Ayrton Ostly ,  Joe Rivera   Paste BN
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The Los Angeles Rams were playing hundreds of miles from home but made a statement with a 27-9 rout of the Minnesota Vikings in the final game of the NFL wild card round of the playoffs.

Due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, Monday night's game was held in State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, home of the Arizona Cardinals.

Minnesota entered the night as the first 14-win wild card team in NFL history but Los Angeles jumped out to an early lead powered by its defense.

The Rams went 70 yards in just seven plays to score a touchdown on the opening drive on a Matthew Stafford pass to running back Kyren Williams. From there, Los Angeles' defense took over.

The Rams sacked Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold six times in the first half, including a strip sack that resulted in a 57-yard touchdown by rookie linebacker Jared Verse. That score made it 17-3 late in the first half before the Rams found the end zone again on a Stafford pass to Davis Allen.

Los Angeles held a 24-3 lead at halftime despite the Vikings leading time of possession 17:52 to 12:08.

Minnesota finally got in the end zone late in the third quarter as Darnold found tight end T.J. Hockenson for a 26-yard touchdown. That was Hockenson's first score of the season and cut the deficit to 27-9 after a failed two-point conversion attempt.

But the Vikings couldn't muster anything over the remaining 20 minutes of game time as the Rams' defense kept control to earn the team's their first playoff win since Super Bowl 56.

Darnold finished the night 25-of-40 passing for 245 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Vikings finished the night with 269 total yards on offense, their third-lowest mark of the season.

Los Angeles' offense didn't fare much better but built a big enough lead to cruise in the second half. Stafford completed 19 of 27 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns, one each to Williams and tight end Davis Allen.

With the win, the Rams move on to the divisional round and will head on the road next weekend to face the NFC's No. 2 seed Philadelphia Eagles.

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Paste BN Sports provided live updates, highlights and more from the NFL playoff matchup below.

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Vikings get one more chance on offense

Minnesota gave up just eight yards to the Rams' offense and Los Angeles kicked another punt after taking more than minute off the clock. The Vikings offense takes over at its own 8-yard line with 2:33 to go in the game.

Vikings turn over on downs after Darnold overthrows Jefferson

Facing fourth-and-11 near midfield, Sam Darnold dropped back and launched a deep shot to wide receiver Justin Jefferson down the right side. Jefferson was in double coverage and the pass sailed past him.

Los Angeles takes over on offense with 3:35 to go in regulation at their own 46-yard line.

Vikings force punt but Rams take time off the clock

Consecutive penalties backed the Rams' offense up as far as first-and-31 and Los Angeles couldn't get past the sticks for a new set of downs. The Rams still took 4:36 off the game clock before punting away the ball back to Minnesota.

The Vikings offense takes over again from their own 20-yard line with 7:25 to go in the fourth quarter.

Rams get seventh sack on Darnold to force a Vikings punt

After notching six sacks in the first half, the Rams took more than a quarter to get to him once again but made it count. Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht and defensive end Braden Fiske combined for the sack on 3rd-and-8 from the Rams' 37-yard line to force another Vikings punt.

Los Angeles' offense takes over at its own 20-yard line with 12:01 left in the game.

Vikings, Rams starters injured after Darnold scramble

Sam Darnold scrambled for 17 yards on 2nd-and-10 from his own 15 and was hit late after sliding. A penalty brings the Vikings up to their own 47-yard line but there's cause for concern.

Right tackle Brian O'Neill was down after the play and needed attention from the Vikings' medical staff. For Los Angeles, linebacker Byron Young was seen walking to the sideline with his helmet off as well.

After a few minutes, O'Neill was able to walk off the field under his own power.

Vikings offense facing 2nd-and-10 to open fourth quarter

Minnesota's offense is trying to build another scoring drive as the third quarter comes to a close. After the break, they'll face 2nd-and-10 from their own 15-yard line.

Vikings defense forces punt but Rams pin them deep

Minnesota held Rams wideout Puka Nacua to just one yard on a 3rd-and-10 screen pass and forced Los Angeles' first punt of the second half. Punter Ethan Evans pinned the Vikings' offense down to their own 4-yard line with the kick and Minnesota takes over with 2:07 left in the third quarter.

Rams 27, Vikings 9: Sam Darnold hits T.J. Hockenson for first TD

The Vikings scored their first touchdown of the night on a 26-yard catch and run by tight end T.J. Hockenson. That's Hockenson's first score of the season. Minnesota attempted a two-point conversion but could not get it.

The Vikings got a key conversion on 3rd-and-5 with a Darnold pass to Jalen Nailor for 14 yards. Darnold hit Nailor again two plays later for a 12-yard gain to set up Hockenson's touchdown.

Rams 27, Vikings 3: Joshua Karty hits 44-yard FG

The Rams took more than six minutes off the clock with an 11-play, 51-yard drive capped off by the Karty's second field goal of the night, this one from 44 yards out.

Minnesota's pass rush finally got to Matthew Stafford on the drive as linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel sacked him on 3rd-and-5 from the Minnesota 19-yard line to force the field goal.

The Vikings will get the ball back for the second time in the half with 7:19 to go in the third quarter.

Vikings can't get past midfield in opening drive of second half

Minnesota's offense gained 20 yards in two plays but could go no further. Sam Darnold's pass on 3rd-and-5 from midfield was behind wide receiver Jalen Nailor and the Vikings had to punt for the second time in tonight's game.

Los Angeles' offense takes over at its own 23-yard line with 13:32 to go in the third quarter.

Rams sack Sam Darnold to force turnover on downs

Shortly after the two-minute warning, Darnold and the Vikings' offense went for it on 4th-and-2 from midfield. Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner got to Darnold before he could throw it away to notch Los Angeles' sixth sack of the half.

The Rams take over on offense with less than 90 seconds to go until halftime.

Rams 17, Vikings 3: Jared Verse recovers Darnold fumble for TD

Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon forced a fumble on a delayed blitz and edge rusher Jared Verse grabbed the ball, returning the ball 57 yards for a touchdown. Joshua Karty's extra point is good and the Rams take a two-score lead once again without their offense on the field.

The Vikings were driving in Rams territory when Darnold fumbled. They'll get the ball back again with 4:35 to go in the first half.

Rams' TE Tyler Higbee out of the lineup with a chest injury

Los Angeles' tight end has left the field and is doubtful to return with a chest injury. He had five catches for 58 yards prior to leaving the game.

Sam Darnold throws first INT of the game

Facing 3rd-and-7 from the Rams' 47-yard line, Darnold looked right and threw for wide receiver Jordan Addison but Rams cornerback Cobie Durant had the right angle to corral the pass for an interception.

Los Angeles takes over on offense from its own 42-yard line with 10:14 to go in the first half.

Rams penalty gifts Vikings first down

After forcing the Vikings offense to punt, Rams linebacker Jacob Hummel was called for roughing the kicker after rolling into Minnesota punter Ryan Wright. The Vikings offense gets another shot with 1st-and-10 from midfield.

Vikings hold Rams to first three-and-out and punt

Minnesota's defense held the Rams to a three-and-out for the first time tonight, starting with what initially appeared to be a fumble recovery touchdown on 1st-and-10. Officials later ruled that Matthew Stafford's fumble was an incomplete pass. Stafford threw two more incomplete passes, the latter with Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore timing a pass breakup at the right time against Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua.

After a punt, Minnesota's offense takes over at its own 27-yard line with 13:58 to go in the second quarter.

Rams 10, Vikings 3: Will Reichard makes 34-yard FG

Minnesota finally has points on the board thanks to a 34-yard field goal by rookie kicker Will Reichard to cap off an eight-play drive taking nearly five minutes.

After driving down to the Rams' 24-yard line by the end of the first quarter, Sam Darnold evaded pressure from the Rams on 3rd-and-10 to find wideout Justin Jefferson. Cornerback Quentin Lake made a key stop to force a fourth down and Minnesota opted for the points to make it a one-score game with 14:17 to go in the first half.

Vikings face 3rd-and-10 to open second quarter

Minnesota's offense is playing better in its second drive of the night. Quarterback Sam Darnold has completed all five pass attempts for 50 yards but took a sack on 1st-and-10 from the Rams' 24-yard line. He found tight end T.J. Hockenson on the final play of the first quarter to gain back the yards lost on the sack to set up 3rd-and-10 to open the second quarter of the game.

Rams 10, Vikings 0: Joshua Karty hits 34-yard FG

The Rams made it past midfield in four plays but their latest drive stalled out from there. An unnecessary roughness penalty on center Beaux Limmer's late hit on Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel pushed Los Angeles back after the Rams gained 57 yards in four plays.

The Rams couldn't convert 3rd-and-16 from the Minnesota 27 and settled for a field goal. Joshua Karty drilled it from 34 yards out to give Los Angeles a two-score lead with 4:01 to go in the first quarter.

Who sang the national anthem at the Vikings-Rams game?

Award-winning pop musician Rachel Platten sang the national anthem before kickoff of the Vikings-Rams playoff game. Prior to that, she also performed her single "Fight Song" at midfield at State Farm Stadium.

Rams defense forces quick three-and-out

Minnesota's offense struggled with its first possession. Running back Aaron Jones couldn't find room on the right side and lost a yard on first down before Rams edge rusher Byron Young sacked quarterback Sam Darnold for an 11-yard loss. The Vikings couldn't get a first down facing 3rd-and-21 and punted the ball back to Los Angeles.

The Rams will take over on offense at their own 22-yard line with 8:10 remaining in the first quarter.

Rams 7, Vikings 0: Matthew Stafford finds Kyren Williams for TD

Matthew Stafford faked a handoff to Kyren Williams on play-action and the Rams' running back slipped past the line of scrimmage for a five-yard touchdown catch. Joshua Karty's extra point is good and the Rams take an early lead.

Minnesota committed an offsides one play earlier on fourth-and-1 to setup the scoring play. Stafford completed all six passes on the drive for 64 yards and the touchdown.

Rams in the red zone early

Los Angeles went 51 yards in its first three plays on offense to reach the Vikings' 19-yard line. Quarterback Matthew Stafford found wideout Puka Nacua for a 27-yard gain before throwing to tight end Tyler Higbee for 23 yards two plays later.

Andrew Whitworth rallies crowd ahead of Rams-Vikings

The longtime Rams offensive tackle spoke to the crowd ahead of Monday night's game, vowing to rebuild Los Angeles "hand in hand together."

Rams vs. Vikings start time

  • Start time: 8 p.m. ET (6 p.m. MT)

The Rams and Vikings both travel for their playoff matchup, as the squads will square off in State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The Rams would have hosted the playoff game in SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California) if the game wasn't moved.

What channel is Rams vs. Vikings?

  • TV channel: ABC and ESPN | ESPN2

ESPN is the broadcast home of the Rams vs. Vikings playoff game. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will be on the call with Lisa Salters patrolling the sidelines.

There will be a "Manningcast" on ESPN2 for tonight's game, the last of the 2024 NFL season.

Rams vs. Vikings predictions, picks

Here's how the Paste BN Sports staff feels the Rams vs. Vikings matchup will play out:

  • Lorenzo Reyes: Vikings 27, Rams 20
  • Tyler Dragon: Vikings 28, Rams 25
  • Jordan Mendoza: Vikings 26, Rams 23

Rams vs. Vikings live stream 

  • Live stream: Fubo | ESPN+ 

For cord cutters looking for a live stream for the matchup, you can turn to Fubo. Fubo carries NBC, as well as CBS, FOX, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you can catch NFL action through the remainder of the season. 

Fans who prefer to stream Rams vs. Vikings can also do so with a subscription to ESPN's streaming service, ESPN+.  

Stream the "Monday Night Football" game on Fubo

Rams vs. Vikings odds, moneyline, over/under 

The Vikings are favorites to defeat the Rams, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every NFL game this week. 

  • Spread: Vikings (-1.5) 
  • Moneyline: Vikings (-125); Rams (+105) 
  • Over/under: 47 

Rams vs. Vikings best bets 

Looking to make the Rams-Vikings wild-card matchup a bit more interesting? Here are some of the best bets for the game: 

Vikings inactives vs. Rams

  • QB Daniel Jones
  • DL Levi Drake Rodriguez
  • C Dan Feeney
  • OT Walter Rouse
  • LB Pat Jones II

➤ Daniel Jones is QB3 in first game on active roster

Rams inactives vs. Vikings

  • QB Stetson Bennett
  • WR Tyler Johnson
  • CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
  • LB Brennan Jackson
  • OL Justin Dedich
  • OL Joe Noteboom

Who will winner of Rams vs. Vikings play next? 

The winner of tonight’s wild-card matchup between the Rams and Vikings will advance to the divisional round and play the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 3 p.m. ET. 

Updated NFL playoff bracket 

AFC 

NFC

Monday night's game between the Rams and Vikings will determine the final spot in the NFC's divisional round. 

➤ NFL playoff bracket: See the divisional matchups, schedule 

NFL divisional round schedule 

AFC 

NFC 

Upcoming NFL playoff schedule 

  • Divisional round: Jan. 18-19 
  • Conference championships: Jan. 26 
  • Super Bowl 59: Feb. 9 

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Where is Rams vs. Vikings? 

The game was initially slated to take place at SoFi Stadium, home to the Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, but was moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

➤ Has NFL ever moved a playoff game before? LA wildfires puts Rams-Vikings on exclusive list

➤ Ranking NFL's stadiums from 1 to 30: Where does State Farm Stadium rate?

Why is Rams vs. Vikings being played in Arizona? 

The Rams vs. Vikings game is being played in Arizona because of the ongoing deadly wildfires in Los Angeles County.  

The fires began Tuesday, and the Palisades Fire has already become the most destructive in Los Angeles' history, scorching over 23,000 acres of land, according to reporting from Paste BN's Susan Miller, Josh Peter, Adrianna Rodriguez and Thao Nguyen. The Palisades Fire was 14% contained as of Monday. A total of 24 people have died because of the fires with the death toll likely to increase, per California governor Gavin Newsom. 

The ongoing blazes led the NFL to announce Thursday it was relocating the game to Arizona "in the interest of public safety." 

Rams vs. Vikings stats, history 

Minnesota and Los Angeles have faced each other 48 times in total, and the Vikings hold an edge in their head-to-head record: 27 wins for them, 19 for the Rams and two ties. 

The Rams and Vikings also have a storied history of playoff matchups with seven of them in total. Minnesota holds a 5-2 edge in those meetings. The first postseason clashes between the two teams date back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, when both teams were consistently duking it out as the top two teams in the NFC. It's been a while since their last playoff meeting, when the Rams won, 49-37, in the 1999 divisional round. 

Which NFL team has the most Super Bowl wins? 

The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are tied for the most Super Bowl wins with six. 

The Vikings have made four Super Bowl appearances, but have yet to win a Lombardi Trophy. Minnesota's last Super Bowl appearance came in Super Bowl XI during the 1976 season.

The Rams have played in five Super Bowls — winning two, most recently Super Bowl 56 against the Cincinnati Bengals. 

NFL franchises with most Super Bowl wins:

➤ Super Bowl winners: All-time scores, results for NFL title game

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