MINNESOTA VIKINGS (5-1) at RAMS (2-4)
When: 5:15 p.m. Thursday
Where: SoFi Stadium
TV/Radio: Amazon Prime/710 AM; 93.1 FM; 1330 AM (Spanish); Sirius 226, 225
Line: Vikings by 3.5
Notable injury designations
Vikings: OUT: LB Blake Cashman (toe); QUESTIONABLE: G Dalton Risner (back), TE T.J. Hockenson (knee), CB Akayleb Evans (hip)
Rams: OUT: LB Troy Reeder (hamstring), OL Joe Noteboom (ankle), WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder); QUESTIONABLE: WR Puka Nacua (knee), DE Braden Fiske (back), DT Neville Gallimore (shoulder)
What’s at stake? For the Rams, the Nov. 5 trade deadline is around the corner. Receiver Cooper Kupp’s name has already popped up in rumors. If the Rams can get a win, they put themselves back into the playoff picture, especially in a disjointed NFC West. With a loss, the Rams will have to seriously consider selling ahead of that deadline. That might not mean a full breakdown or even moving Kupp necessarily, but it could lead to some changes as the team looks ahead to 2025.
Who’s better? The Vikings. They were one of two undefeated teams left in the NFL prior to a last-minute loss to the Lions last week. The defense is among the best in the league no matter which statistic you prefer. The offense is loaded with playmakers, from wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to running back Aaron Jones. And former USC standout quarterback Sam Darnold is playing the best football of his career.
Matchup to watch: The Vikings vs. the Lions. Yes, the Vikings played the Lions last week. But stick with me. Remember how the Rams played the Lions to overtime in Week 1, then lost by 31 to the Cardinals the following week? They’re not the only teams to experience a “Lions hangover”, as former player Chris Long calls it. Teams who have played the Lions this year and then played a game the following week are 0-4 in their next matchup, losing by an average of 21.2 points. Now the Vikings will try to follow up a gritty game against the Lions with a short week that involves a cross-country flight.
Rams win if: They get out to a fast start and score a first-quarter touchdown, which would be their first of the season. … They keep up their ball-thieving ways from last weekend and force two turnovers. … Kupp gains at least 80 yards through the air and opens up the passing game.
Fantasy sleeper: Rams WR Tutu Atwell. With Kupp available to open up the offense and Whittington ruled out, the speedy Atwell could prove to be a factor.
Prediction: Rams 24, Vikings 20. Beat reporter’s record: 4-2 for the season; 2-4 against the spread.
