Vikings vs. Rams prediction: NFL Week 8 Thursday Night Football odds, picks, bets
The Vikings head west to face the Rams on Thursday night in an NFC battle that should provide plenty of intrigue. Two key offensive players are expected to return, with the Vikings getting T.J.Hockenson (knee) back on the field for the first time this season and the Rams seeing Cooper Kupp (ankle) in the lineup for the first time since Week 2. Let’s dive into the matchup and see where the value lies in this prime-time matchup. Sam Darnold has been far better than most expected for the Vikings and he’s been a seamless fit in Kevin O’Connell’s masterful offensive system.
Darnold ranks fifth in the NFL with 8.3 yards per pass attempt, and he’s been highly accurate, ranking third in completion percentage over expectation. Headlined by Justin Jefferson, the Vikings are loaded with receiving weapons that look poised to overwhelm the Rams secondary. Los Angeles ranks 26th in defensive EPA against the pass this season, and while the return of cornerback Darious Williams helps, the team’s safeties haven’t held up in coverage.The Rams rank 27th in DVOA against the deep ball this season, and Darnold has been the league’s third-most efficient deep ball passer by YPA. Minnesota should also be able to get its run game going against a Rams defensive front that ranks 27th in adjusted line yards.Aaron Jones’ ability to find success on early downs should help keep Darnold out of obvious passing situations against the Rams’ pressure unit, which is the best part of their defense. Kupp’s expected return should provide a tremendous boost to what has been one of the league’s worst receiving corps over the last few weeks.
However, my biggest concern for this matchup is Matthew Stafford’s ability to navigate pressure against Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy defense.L.A.
could get WR Puka Nacua (questionable) back too. The Vikings rank second in blitz rate and first in pressure rate this season, and pass protection has been a significant problem for the Rams....