Are the Vikings gonna get payback against the Rams in their Wild Card contest?
The Minnesota Vikings are preparing for one of their critical Wild Card clash against the Los Angeles Rams. The pressure is immense for a team that has consistently shown potential but is still striving to get over the hump and translate that promise into playoff success. With star players ready to step up on the big stage and a passionate fanbase craving a deep postseason run, the Vikings are determined to prove themselves as genuine Super Bowl contenders. Here are bold predictions for this high-stakes matchup as Minnesota fights to extend their season.
Road to Redemption
Sunday’s Week 18 matchup at Ford Field resulted in the Minnesota Vikings finishing 14-3 and the Detroit Lions 15-2. Together, they became only the third pair of teams from the same conference in NFL history to each enter the playoffs with at least 14 regular-season wins.
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
This Wild Card Weekend features a rematch from earlier in the season. The Vikings return to SoFi Stadium for Monday Night Football to face a Los Angeles Rams squad that defeated them 30-20 back in October. The Rams executed a solid game plan in that victory. They heavily relied on Kyren Williams to control the clock and Matthew Stafford to carve up Minnesota’s secondary. Receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were instrumental in the Rams’ offensive success.
However, this time around, the Vikings will have Pro Bowl tight end TJ Hockenson available, which could be a game-changer. The Rams struggled against tight ends during the regular season. They allowed the fourth-most receiving yards to the position. Both teams feature strong pass rushes and talented receiving corps, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown. The spotlight will be on how quickly and accurately quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Sam Darnold can distribute the ball to their playmakers.
*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*
Here are our bold predictions for the Minnesota Vikings as they face the Los Angeles Rams in a Wild Card contest game of the 2024 NFL season.
Dynamic Darnold
Sam Darnold had a rough outing in Sunday’s 31-9 loss to the Lions. He completed just 18 of 41 pass attempts for 166 yards without any touchdowns or turnovers. Unfortunately for the Vikings, Darnold’s performance resembled his struggles from his New York Jets days. It also came at the worst possible moment in a high-stakes game for the NFC North crown and the conference’s No. 1 seed. To be fair, Darnold’s offensive line struggled to protect him, and even star receiver Justin Jefferson had uncharacteristic drops.
Related Minnesota Vikings NewsArticle continues below
Adding to the drama, Darnold appeared to tweak his ankle late in the game after a teammate inadvertently rolled onto it, though he stayed in the contest. As the Vikings head to Los Angeles for their Wild Card matchup, Darnold will need to quickly regain his form. Optimistically, he is poised to rebound, with a prediction of surpassing a 100 passer rating against the Rams.
Rebound for Jefferson
Justin Jefferson is primed for a major bounce-back performance. The All-Pro receiver was limited to three catches on nine targets for 54 yards in Sunday’s loss to Detroit. It was an uncharacteristically off day for Jefferson. His 33 percent catch rate was his lowest of the season. Jefferson still closed out the regular season with 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns, numbers bolstered by Darnold’s strong play throughout most of 2024. As the Vikings’ offensive centerpiece, Jefferson is expected to shine against the Rams. He can potentially deliver at least six receptions and exceed 100 receiving yards.
Hail Hockenson
Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
TJ Hockenson will be a key player to watch in the Wild Card contest. This is especially true since he missed the earlier meeting between the Vikings and the Rams this season. Remember, however, that the entire Vikings receiving corps struggled with efficiency in Week 17. Hockenson, Jefferson, and Jordan Addison combined for a dismal six receptions on 23 targets. Despite an injury-shortened season, Hockenson finished with 41 receptions for 455 yards but was held without a touchdown. The veteran tight end’s ability to exploit the Rams’ vulnerability against tight ends could prove pivotal. Expect him to post at least four receptions for over 40 yards and find the end zone for the first time this season, offering a critical spark for Minnesota’s offense.
Looking Ahead
The Minnesota Vikings’ Wild Card showdown against the Los Angeles Rams offers an opportunity for redemption. It is also a chance to set the tone for a deep postseason run. With Sam Darnold seeking a bounce-back performance, Justin Jefferson ready to reestablish his dominance, and TJ Hockenson poised to play a key role, the Vikings have the pieces to secure a crucial victory. As they take the field, the team’s ability to execute their game plan and capitalize on key matchups will be the deciding factor. A win in Los Angeles could propel Minnesota one step closer to a Super Bowl berth and a championship to reward their promising season.