The Minnesota Vikings (5-1) travel to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Rams (2-4) this week in a sneaky big Thursday Night Football game for both sides.
Coming off their first loss of the season, the Vikings are looking to avoid a sudden losing streak after their down-to-the-wire loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 7. This will be a big test for Minnesota mentally, as it travels on a short week to face a team most will expect them to beat handily.
The Rams have been trying to hold the rope while some of their injured stars get healthy. Top wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) looks on track to return this week after practicing in full on Monday. Puka Nacua, the Rams’ other star receiver, was not listed on Monday’s practice report and remains on injured reserve, so he’ll likely miss Thursday night’s game.
Can Minnesota take care of business and reclaim their standing atop the NFC North standings? NFL analysts and experts weighed in on this week’s Vikings-Rams matchup with score predictions:
NFL picks, predictions Week 8: Vikings at Rams
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Vikings 24, Rams 20
Iyer: “The Vikings' defense did its best to recover from having its toughest game of the season with a big play, but they need to be wary of the blitz again given how well Matthew Stafford does against it. He also has Cooper Kupp (ankle) ready to return to help. Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson, however, can have more success together for former Sean McVay assistant Kevin O'Connell, and Brian Flores' unit will still force a key takeaway or two late.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Vikings 28, Rams 18
Bender: “The Vikings allowed a season-high 144 rushing yards in Week 7 against Detroit, and the Rams will try to run the ball with Kyren Williams. Minnesota should be able to force a few turnovers, and Sam Darnold has a 119.3 passer rating in two road starts. Look for the California native to throw multiple TDs in a bounce-back win for Minnesota.”
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Vikings 27, Rams 19
Cluff: “How will the Vikings respond to their first loss of the season? We think Sam Darnold and company will bounce back, led by a strong defensive effort."
Matt Johnson, Sportsnaut: Vikings 31, Rams 20
Johnson: “Coming off the first loss of the season, the Minnesota Vikings have an excellent rebound opportunity. Aaron Jones should be a focal point against a bottom-5 run defense and the Los Angeles Rams don’t have the secondary to contain Justin Jefferson. Even with Cooper Kupp returning in Week 8, this team just lacks the firepower and offensive line right now to keep pace with the Vikings’ offense.”
Ben Rolfe, Pro Football Network: Vikings 27, Rams 17
Rolfe: “On the surface, Thursday Night Football in Week 8 looks like it could be a one-sided affair, but there is some nuance to consider. Firstly, these two teams are very intertwined in terms of their coaching staffs. Kevin O’Connell worked with Sean McVay as his offensive coordinator for two years prior to taking the role in Minnesota. That complicates things in how this game could shape out. The other unknown is the potential return of both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Kupp appeared to be close to returning last week, while Nacua needed at least one more week. Kupp should be good to go in Week 8, but with the short week, Nacua might need more time. I’m still backing the Vikings this week, as they are superior in all three phases of the game. Both teams have played the hardest schedules to this point, and Minnesota has been vastly superior statistically. However, this might not be as easy as it looks on paper if the Rams get key weapons back on offense.”
Consensus: Vikings 27, Rams 18
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NFL power rankings Week 8: Vikings fall, but how much after last-second loss to Lions?
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