Vikings at Rams TNF Picks, Prediction for Week 8

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When: Thursday, October 24, 2024, 8:15 pm ET

Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA

TV: Amazon Prime Video

Radio: Westwood One

Live Stream: Amazon Prime Video

Opening NFL Game Odds Subject to Change: Minnesota -3 / O/U 48

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Minnesota Vikings TNF Line -153

Minnesota’s defense absolutely shut down the Houston Texans when C.J. Stroud brought their high-flying attack up from Texas, but they didn’t have similar success against Detroit. During the middle third of the game, the Lions had figured out how to cut through the Minnesota attack, scoring touchdowns on four straight possessions and then mounting that late drive to get the game-winning field goal.

The Rams present a similar challenge, at least on the ground, with Kyren Williams serving as a bruising tailback. However, the Rams’ passing game is not nearly as intimidating as the Lions’ is. As great as Matthew Stafford is, his mobility is limited, and frankly he doesn’t have the targets out there right now that Jared Goff has. The Vikings still have the sixth-best scoring defense in the league, permitting 17.8 points per game.

The Offensive

Perhaps the most impressive statistic about the Vikings has to do with their offensive balance. They are sixth in the NFL in scoring offense (28 points per game), but they are just 14th in passing (213.8 yards per game) and 18th in rushing (119.3). Sam Darnold has thrown 12 touchdowns against five interceptions – including one against Detroit, but that pick wasn’t the fatal dagger in the loss.

Aaron Jones has 85 carries for 443 yards on the season with a pair of touchdowns; he had to play through injury on Sunday and doesn’t have much time to get treatment before hitting the field again on Thursday night.

Justin Jefferson is the top receiver with 33 catches for 531 yards and five touchdowns, although Jalen Nailor (12 catches, 213 yards, 3 TD), Jones (20 catches, 190 yards, 1 TD), Jordan Addison (12 catches, 209 yards, 1 TD and tight end Johnny Mundt (13 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD) have all contributed.

The Rams struggle in the third quarter defensively, ranking last in the league. They also start games slowly, only averaging one point in the first quarter through seven weeks. The Minnesota defense leads the NFL with 11 interceptions, and they’re the only team in the league in the top five for both picks and sacks.

The #Vikings have signed OLB Bo Richter to the active roster and released TE Robert Tonyan. pic.twitter.com/xWlhKGsG0w

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 22, 2024

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Los Angeles Rams TNF Line +124

Rams defense led the way in the victory over Raiders with three interceptions and a defensive touchdown. Offense struggled with 54-yard longest drive. Special teams missed extra-point attempt. The defense played a crucial role in the Rams’ win.

Matthew Stafford didn’t throw for more than 100 yards until the fourth quarter, and the interception that he threw could easily have gone to the house. The Rams lost the time of possession, total yardage and first down statistical battles, so winning the turnover margin was the key to victory.

Cooper Kupp could return at receiver for the Rams this week, but without Puka Nacua to draw attention on the other side of the field, the Vikings should be able to put their shutdown guys on Kupp.

The Offensive

On the season, the Rams’ passing offense has been serviceable, ranking 15th in the NFL with 212.8 yards per game, although Stafford has just three touchdown passes against four interceptions. Their rushing game has been struggling, averaging just 100.3 yards, good for 26th. Kyren Williams has rushed for 436 yards, but it’s taken him 116 carries to get there.

Williams has found the end zone eight times and has had the lion’s share of the carries. The top receiver has been Tutu Atwell, with 23 catches for 332 yards. The passing touchdowns have gone to Demarcus Robinson, Cooper Kupp and Williams, and the hope is that Kupp will return on Thursday night.

Matthew Stafford has performed well on Thursday nights, with consistent completions and passing yards. He excels against NFC North teams and has a history of throwing multiple touchdown passes. Kyren Williams also has a streak of scoring touchdowns against NFC opponents. Rams and Williams fans can enjoy their performances.

Tied for most rushing touchdowns in the league, the Vikings face a nine-game road losing streak in NFC West stadiums. They have struggled to cover against subpar teams, while the Rams have a strong record as home underdogs.

LA Rams Roster Moves:
• Signed to Active Roster CB Ahkello Witherspoon
• Signed to Practice Squad ILB Elias Neal
• Practice Squad; Injured OLB Zach VanValkenburg pic.twitter.com/9VhMIVYtKd

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 23, 2024

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Vikings at Rams TNF Final Score and Prediction

Minnesota Injuries

The Vikings only had one player held out of practice on Monday, linebacker Blake Cashman (toe). Tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee), linebacker Patrick Jones II (shoulder), cornerback Akayleb Evans (hip) and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (shoulder) were all limited in practice, and given the short week, you’ll want to look at injury reports again tomorrow before locking in your wagers.

Los Angeles Injuries

For the Rams, linebacker Troy Reeder (hamstring), defensive tackle Neville Gallimore (shoulder), and defensive end Braden Fiske (back) were held out of practice Monday. Cooper Kupp (ankle) was a full participant in practice, while tackle Joe Noteboom (ankle) was limited.

The Vikings may struggle after a tough loss to Detroit, given their short turnaround and travel. However, they have shown resilience this season. They are expected to bounce back and capitalize on Matthew Stafford’s turnover issues.

I predict a final score of Minnesota 23, Los Angeles 13.

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Ja’Marr at the top 👀 @FedEx pic.twitter.com/7AxRZppCj5

— NFL (@NFL) October 22, 2024

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