Minnesota Vikings vs
Los Angeles RamsPredictions & Preview

Minnesota Vikings to Face Los Angeles Rams in NFL Wild Card Round Matchup in Valley of the Sun

In this NFL wild card round matchup, the Minnesota Vikings will face off against the Los Angeles Rams in a game relocated to the Valley of the Sun. Both teams are vying to extend their season, with the winner advancing to the divisional round and the loser being eliminated. Minnesota finished their regular season with a loss to the Lions, while Los Angeles was defeated by Seattle in a meaningless game. The Vikings hold the historical advantage in the regular season series, but the Rams have won the last three meetings. However, Minnesota has won five of the seven playoff matchups between the teams. The Vikings open as the betting favorite at -2.5, with the line remaining unchanged.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Vikings -145 | Rams +124
• Spread: Vikings -2.5 (-110) | Rams +2.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 47.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Minnesota will win straight-up is 59%.

Minnesota vs Los Angeles Stats

Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings recently suffered a defeat against the Detroit Lions, failing to secure the NFC North title and finishing the regular season with a record of 14-3. Despite their strong passing offense, the Vikings struggled offensively in the game, ultimately losing with a score of 10-30. The team's defense has shown improvement throughout the season, ranking third in scoring defense. Key players include quarterback Sam Darnold, running back Aaron Jones, and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The team will face challenges as they move forward, with some players dealing with injuries. Minnesota is ranked 9th in offense and 4th in defense in the power rankings, with a strong record of 14-3 for the season. Sportsbook bonuses may help maximize profits for bettors.

Los Angeles Rams Analysis

Los Angeles Rams finished the regular season with a record of 10-7 and hope to advance to the divisional round with a win. Despite a loss to Seattle in week 18, the Rams put up a strong performance, leading in total offense and first downs. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has had a solid season, with 3,762 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. Running back Kyren Williams leads the ground game with 1,299 yards and 14 scores. The Rams have a quiet injury report heading into the weekend, with tackle Rob Havenstein being the only player limited in practice. Los Angeles has a power ranking of 15 and ranks 20th in offense and 15th in defense. To maximize profits, consider choosing the Best Pro Football Handicappers.

Minnesota Vikings Fall Short Against Detroit Lions, Playoff Doubts Loom for Future Success

The Minnesota Vikings exceeded expectations this season, displaying a strong performance overall. However, their disappointing week 18 showing against the Detroit Lions raises concerns for their future performance. The team heavily relies on their aggressive defense, while also hoping for a flawless offensive execution. With an experienced quarterback like Stafford, who has a Super Bowl ring and multiple playoff games under his belt, the Vikings face a tough challenge. On the other hand, Darnold has shown significant improvement this season but lacks playoff experience, as this marks his first career playoff start. After his underwhelming performance against the Lions, there are legitimate concerns about Darnold's ability to handle the pressures of postseason play. In this matchup, it's advisable to place more trust in Stafford over Darnold, making the Rams a favorable pick for victory even without home field advantage.

Sources: [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 6 ]