Vikes Views: Who Ya Got? Vikings at Rams

Head-to-Head Record – 27-18-2

Vikings Road Record v Rams – 14-11-0

Streak – L2

Most Points Scored – 45, Nov 19, 1972

Widest Margin of Victory – 28, 3 Times, Most Recent Sep 7, 2014

Most Recent Matchup – Rams 30 – Vikings 23, Dec 26, 2021

My 2024 Prediction Record: 4-2

2024 Vikes Views Poll Record: 5-1, First L of the Season

The last time they played: The Rams beat the 7-7 Vikings in Week 16. The Rams were on their way to winning the Super Bowl, and the Vikings were on their way to an 8-9 record in the final year of Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman’s tenures. Let’s hope that this year, the Vikings will go into LA for a win on their way to the Super Bowl.

Interesting Tidbits from the Vikings Weekly Release:

• Despite the loss, the Vikings have still only trailed for 36:30 this year. That’s 5:25 less than the next team (Chargers). The Chargers and the Vikings are the only two teams under an hour trailing.
• Kevin O’Connell has the highest win percentage in Vikings history (62.5%). Bud Grant is second (60.7%).
• The Vikings have scored 159 points in six games, the most for the team since 2009 (189 points). They are sixth in the NFL in points scored this year.
• The Vikings’ point differential is +61 through 6 games, the third-most in team history behind 2003 (75) and 2009 (68).
• The Vikings’ point differential in the first quarters this year is +55. That’s the second-best in NFL history through six games, behind the 2015 Packers (57).
• The defense ranks first in the NFL in interceptions (11), interceptions/attempts (4.3%), and passes defensed. They are second in the NFL in defensive points scored (12), rushing yards/game allowed (80), takeaways (14), and quarterback pressures (109).
• O’Connell is now 22-1 when the team ties or wins the turnover battle.
• Matt Stafford will pass Dan Marino (4,967) for the ninth-most completions in NFL history if he has more than two completions. (bonus from the Rams release)

How I See it Playing Out

The LA Rams have struggled to start this season. They’re coming in with a 2-4 record and 0-3 against the NFCN this season. The Vikings are the final matchup in the division and can’t have the only loss.

The Rams offense is still potent. Puka Nacua is a stud (when healthy), and Cooper Kupp is returning to action. Kyren Williams has a touchdown in nine straight games heading into Thursday Night. Brian Flores and company will have their hands full. However, this team is 2-4 for a reason. They’ve struggled since winning that Super Bowl in 2021.

The Rams’ defense hasn’t been horrible outside of their game against the Cardinals, where they allowed 41 points. They held the Lions to 26 and the Packers to 24 points. The Vikings need to clean up some mistakes, and it should be a win. I’m not 100% confident going on the road on a Thursday, but this matchup is good for the team.

Vikings 27 – Rams 20