Kick-off on the night of Thursday to Friday at 2:15 a.m.
Los Angeles Rams (2-4) – Minnesota Vikings (5-1)
Return to familiar territory for Kevin O'Connell. Offensive coordinator of the Rams for two seasons, the Vikings coach returns for the first time to SoFi Stadium. There he will find Sean McVay, coach of the Rams who brought him in after his departure from Washington. A duel between two of the most talented coaches in the NFL. But a duel which loses a little of its interest given the situation of the Rams.
While the Vikings are aiming for the playoffs and the Rams seem to be giving up on their season, the 48th confrontation between these two teams could indeed prove unbalanced. Minnesota also leads the series with 27 victories, including 5 in the last 8 confrontations, but the Californians have recovered. They have indeed won the last two meetings under a deluge of points (38-31 in 2018 then 30-23 in 2021). So why not against all odds justify the eternal “never two without three”?
The Rams don't know which foot to dance on
Will play? Will not play? If Cooper Kupp finally seems free of his ankle problems, his future in California is now uncertain. While the Rams season is off to a very bad start, the front office indeed judges that obtaining a second round would be more interesting than having Kupp on the field. In a decimated attack, the receiver would not be too much. The Rams are only 23rd among NFL offenses with 19 points per game, points mainly scored by Kyren Williams. And even if Matthew Stafford holds the house brilliantly, he could really use a target of choice (while waiting for the return of Nacua later in the season). What's more, against a defense that has allowed an average of 260 yards per game through the air, the combination of the two veterans could spark.
Not much more success on the defensive side. Allowing an average of 25.7 points per game (26th total in the league), they also give up 5.8 yards per play (28th) and 2.8 touchdowns per game (26th). A worrying situation which nevertheless tends to improve. California has allowed just 4.8 yards per play over the last three games, and the defense ranks third in the league in EPA allowed per play over that span (after being 31st over the first 4 games ). The emergence of Jared Verse seems particularly important, and the rookie's contribution will be expected against the formidable Vikings in the air.
The Vikings must get back on course
In a hotly contested game on Sunday, the Vikings proved that they should be taken seriously. The record is certainly no longer perfect (5-1), but the Minnesotans still have every chance of reaching the playoffs. So, in order to carry out this quest, Kevin O'Connell will be able to rely on an attack that is full of talent. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jailen Nailor form a dynamic receiver trio, and with the possible return of TJ Hockenson, the aerial game would become terrifying. Facing the Rams who have allowed 9 yards per pass since the start of the season (worst NFL total), Jefferson and his friends will probably have the opportunity to dance the griddy. But the Vikes' ground game is no slouch, with veteran Aaron Jones building on his best season. Opposed to a shaky defense against the run, he will be able to offer a solid alternative solution.
Defensively, the Vikings are less flashy but still effective. Allowing only 17.8 points per game (6th in the NFL), the defense performs mainly against the running game. They are in fact the second team against which we run the least (20 races per game) and the second which allows the fewest yards on the ground (80 yards per game). The other side of the coin is that if the teams abandon the race against them, they naturally go through the air. And this is where the problem lies. Despite his 24 sacks (3rd in the NFL) and a completion rate for opposing quarterbacks of only 63%, the Vikings concede 260 yards per game in the air (3rd worst NFL total).
Players to watch: Kyren Williams & Aaron Jones
In the absence of the two aerial stars, Kyren Williams (HB) became the focal point of the Rams attack. A situation that is working for him, as he has already accumulated 507 yards and scored in every game this season. He already has 9 touchdowns, 8 on the ground and 1 receiving. Opposed to a defense which allows only 67 yards per game on the ground, he must also hope for the return of Cooper Kupp. This would relieve him of some of the attention and could help him find flaws.
On the other side of the field and still on the ground, Aaron Jones (HB) has made his place in the North. With 633 yards and 3 cumulative touchdowns, he seems to be the solution that the Vikings have been looking for for a long time. And against a defense that struggles against the run, he will have the opportunity to shine again. The Rams have in fact conceded 124 yards per game to opposing running backs, all while conceding six touchdowns. While four rushers have had 90+ yards against them, Jones has the makings to be the fifth.
The prediction: Minnesota Vikings
Advantage to the Minnesota Vikings who have more quality (and healthy) offensive weapons in their squad. In addition, the Rams defense faces a dangerous armada in all sectors, while Brian Flores' squad seems better prepared against an attack reduced by injuries.
