Darnell Sallins
Week 8 of the NFL season kicks off in the city of Angels tonight.
Minnesota Vikings (5-1) at Los Angeles Rams (2-4); Vikings (-2.5), O/U 47.5
The Vikings are coming off their first loss of the season to NCF North rival Detroit Lions at home and are looking to bounce back quickly. Losing on a late-second field goal, 31-29, the Vikings now sit behind the Lions in the NFC North race. Sam Darnold 22 of 27 passing for 259 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Aaron Jones had a productive running game with 14 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown. Justin Jefferson led the receiving cord with seven catches for 81 yards and the lone touchdown pass from Darnold.
The Vikings defense didn't have much success against the Lions' offense, but who really has had success stopping this offense? Jared Goff was 22 of 25 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs led the rushing attack with 15 carries for 116 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown had eight catches for 112 receiving yards and one touchdown.
The Rams had their best defensive performance of the season against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Rams' defense forced three interceptions of Gardner Minshew, who had replaced starting QB Aidan O'Connell after getting injured early the game. The Rams also had a scoop n' score off a Minshew fumble. With all the dominance by the defense, the Rams were only able to put up 20 points in the win, 20-15. That's concerning on the offensive end with Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford.
Stafford was 14 of 23 passing for 154 yards, and one interception. The Rams' offense could not gain any traction on their own until the defense started turning the Raiders over. Their first four drives were a combined 20 plays for 77 yards had end results of punt, punt, downs, and punt. The only times the Rams scored were off the Raiders' turnovers. The first Minshew interception led to a Rams touchdown, Rams lead 7-3. Then you the scoop n' score by the Rams defense, Rams lead 14-3. Then the second interception of Minshew leads to a Rams touchdown, Rams lead 20-6. That's all the points for the Rams.
Kyren Williams had another decent game and probably has been the Rams most consistent offensive player this season. Williams carried the ball 21 times for 76 yards and two touchdowns. Despite struggling, the Rams offense remained balanced in this game with 23 passes and 28 runs.
As for tonight's matchup, the Vikings come with the better team based what has happened thus far this season. The Vikings have been fairly healthy this season and are expected to get TE T.J. Hockenson back tonight. The Vikings have the third best defense in sacks with 24 and will look to feast on Stafford. Stafford has been sacked 17 times so far this season which is just below three times per game. Expect the Vikings to blitz and blitz often if you're Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford. Also, the Vikings lead the NFL in interceptions with 11, however they were unable to turn Jared Goff over last week and Stafford has four interceptions on the season.
The Vikings defense gives Minnesota the edge over the Rams because both offenses are pretty much similar in statistics. Vikings are 20th in passing, Rams are 21st. Vikings are 21st in rushing, Rams are 29th. Vikings are 19th in receiving, Rams are 20th.
Now, the Rams are looking to get a boost or two on the offensive end as WR Cooper Kupp will suit up for the first time since Week 2 and fellow WR Puka Nacua is a game-time decision going into tonight's game. If one or both WRs return tonight, that will boost the Rams' offense and what will that do to the Vikings' defense who had a hard time get to Jared Goff just a week ago?
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