An NFC wild-card playoff sport towards the highly effective Minnesota Vikings could be a problem for the Rams even in the most effective of circumstances.
With a change of venue from SoFi Stadium to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., and potential anxiousness relating to the wildfires in Southern California that necessitated the swap, the Rams face an excellent better take a look at.
“All the things that we’ve been through this year, this group is built for this,” coach Sean McVay mentioned.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford, receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua and working again Kyren Williams had been held out of the season finale towards the Seattle Seahawks so they might be rested and prepared for the playoffs.
The Rams defeated the Vikings 30-20 on Oct. 24 at SoFi Stadium in a Thursday evening sport that proved pivotal within the Rams’ turnaround from a 1-4 begin.
The Rams completed 10-7 and earned the chance to play a wild-card sport at dwelling. Now they have to make Arizona their dwelling away from dwelling.
How the Rams can win: Stafford, a Sixteenth-year professional who handed for 4 touchdowns within the Week 8 victory over the Vikings, should once more be sharp and keep away from turnovers. Williams can arrange the passing assault with efficient runs on early downs. Professional Bowl edge rusher Jared Verse and the remainder of the protection should neutralize Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold and receiver Justin Jefferson.
How the Vikings can win: Darnold and his teammates should neglect about their embarrassing 31-9 defeat to Detroit, a loss that gave the Lions the No. 1 seed and a bye and dropped the Vikings to No. 5. Darnold, Jefferson, receiver Jordan Addison and working backs Aaron Jones Sr. and Cam Akers should put on down the Rams protection. And defensive coordinator Brian Flores should determine a approach to stress Stafford.
