**Wildcard MNF - Vikings at Rams** (+1.5, 47) 8:15 on ABC (3 Viewers)

[Hot Sauce Guy]

In terms of impact to the Rams it's not ideal but I think the game preparation issues are a bigger issue then playing in Arizona.

Just a PIA dealing with your own homes/family, practice schedules likely altered with some practices taking place in Arizona and just the whole impact of practice in unfamiliar terrain-and I know a football field is a football field but getting used to new layout, training and rehab setup, whole process the support staff has to take to make a mid week change from staying home to preparing for travel. Really a massive PIA.

The Vikings simply have their support staff book a different hotel/flight.

Well, no two fields are alike, including turf. Maybe especially turf.

I definitely think it’s an advantage to MIN to get LAR off their home field, out of their comfy facility, make them travel, etc.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I can also say this. As someone who has been to Eagles games in Philadelphia, there’s no way I’d go to a playoff game and root for someone other than the eagles. But that’s just me

Like the old comedy sketch with the stuntman who gets all suited up, & goes into a bad part of town and yells the N word.

Actually wearing GB gear to an Iggles game might produce a worse result. More alcohol involved.

 

[Snotbubbles]

I said it up thread. But a lot of snowbirds from Minnesota spend their winters in Arizona. Previous cardinals games even have been pretty purple.

Seeing as LA fans have a hard enough time at their own stadium… I wouldn’t be surprised to see this be a very Viking filled fan stadium.

It's a home game for the Rams. They have 70,000+ season ticket holders. They get first dibs on tickets for the rescheduled game. State Farm Stadium has a capacity of about 63,000. Tickets will be available only to Rams season ticket holders for 2 hours, after which, any remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public. Unless there are Rams fans that don't want to make the trek to the game and want to extort Vikings fans for an arm and a leg, I don't see there being many Minnesota fans getting access to tickets. You have to be a legit fan to buy season tickets . . . I don't see many people just saying OH WELL and declining to grab them. Even if they don't go, I am sure there are no shortage of people they could resell them to (as Rams fans).

I couldn't venture to guess what the crowd composition will look like. How many Rams fans give a crap about a football game when their neighborhood is on fire.

Probably more reason to get out of town. They can't stay where they are if it's not safe.

I had a hell of a time getting rid of my Eagles/Packers tickets. Kind of disappointed in Packer fans TBH.

Wouldn’t it be alot easier for local eagles fans to buy your tickets and go to the game?

Doesn't necessarily work like that. Certain teams/games draw higher prices and have higher demand. Teams that have larger fanbases and travel well, like Pittsburgh or Dallas, I get top dollar and the ticket sells fast. If this game were in Green Bay, the tickets would be high demand because Eagles fans would be buying them up.

 

[Snotbubbles]

I said it up thread. But a lot of snowbirds from Minnesota spend their winters in Arizona. Previous cardinals games even have been pretty purple.

Seeing as LA fans have a hard enough time at their own stadium… I wouldn’t be surprised to see this be a very Viking filled fan stadium.

It's a home game for the Rams. They have 70,000+ season ticket holders. They get first dibs on tickets for the rescheduled game. State Farm Stadium has a capacity of about 63,000. Tickets will be available only to Rams season ticket holders for 2 hours, after which, any remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public. Unless there are Rams fans that don't want to make the trek to the game and want to extort Vikings fans for an arm and a leg, I don't see there being many Minnesota fans getting access to tickets. You have to be a legit fan to buy season tickets . . . I don't see many people just saying OH WELL and declining to grab them. Even if they don't go, I am sure there are no shortage of people they could resell them to (as Rams fans).

I couldn't venture to guess what the crowd composition will look like. How many Rams fans give a crap about a football game when their neighborhood is on fire.

Probably more reason to get out of town. They can't stay where they are if it's not safe.

I had a hell of a time getting rid of my Eagles/Packers tickets. Kind of disappointed in Packer fans TBH.

Wouldn’t it be alot easier for local eagles fans to buy your tickets and go to the game?

I can see the post now: “local Eagles fans, looking for a good time? Call (xxx) xxx-xxxx - feathers & cheese play mandatory. No kink shaming.”

I can also say this. As someone who has been to Eagles games in Philadelphia, there’s no way I’d go to a playoff game and root for someone other than the eagles. But that’s just me

My buddy from New Orleans came to a playoff game a few years ago when the Saints were playing us. He had a blast. No problems at all.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

In terms of impact to the Rams it's not ideal but I think the game preparation issues are a bigger issue then playing in Arizona.

Just a PIA dealing with your own homes/family, practice schedules likely altered with some practices taking place in Arizona and just the whole impact of practice in unfamiliar terrain-and I know a football field is a football field but getting used to new layout, training and rehab setup, whole process the support staff has to take to make a mid week change from staying home to preparing for travel. Really a massive PIA.

The Vikings simply have their support staff book a different hotel/flight.

As long as Philly does what I think they will, half of those winnings will be applied to the Vikings on MNF

 

[travdogg]

I think the Vikings are a better team than the Rams, but the Rams match up really well with the Vikings.

I think this could be a bit of a turnover heavy game, as both teams play like its a shootout. I think Puka and Jefferson both eat, but Puka makes the bigger impact. Rams OL has been much better since they got healthy (shocker right?) and I think the Lions may have given a bit of a blueprint to the Vikings D.

I think this is a close game that is decided by a Darnold INT, leading to a very interesting discussion about the QB situation in Minnesota this offseason.

Rams-24
Vikings-21

 

[Zow]

Got tickets.

 

[Zow]

In terms of impact to the Rams it's not ideal but I think the game preparation issues are a bigger issue then playing in Arizona.

Just a PIA dealing with your own homes/family, practice schedules likely altered with some practices taking place in Arizona and just the whole impact of practice in unfamiliar terrain-and I know a football field is a football field but getting used to new layout, training and rehab setup, whole process the support staff has to take to make a mid week change from staying home to preparing for travel. Really a massive PIA.

The Vikings simply have their support staff book a different hotel/flight.

I'd also suggest that there's a real possibility that the players have homes or loved ones being affected by the fires.

 

[fatness]

In terms of impact to the Rams it's not ideal but I think the game preparation issues are a bigger issue then playing in Arizona.

Just a PIA dealing with your own homes/family, practice schedules likely altered with some practices taking place in Arizona and just the whole impact of practice in unfamiliar terrain-and I know a football field is a football field but getting used to new layout, training and rehab setup, whole process the support staff has to take to make a mid week change from staying home to preparing for travel. Really a massive PIA.

The Vikings simply have their support staff book a different hotel/flight.

I'd also suggest that there's a real possibility that the players have homes or loved ones being affected by the fires.

Sean McVay does.

Rams coach Sean McVay and family evacuated their home due to wildfires

 

[rockaction]

I don't see anyway they play this game in LA.. It would absolutely crazy if they did with people houses being destroyed and them being evacuated just miles from the stadium. I think the Hollywood Hills fire is now only like 20 minutes from SoFi

Hollywood hills is never 20 minutes from Sofi unless you take a helicopter. Everything happening in LA is north of Sofi by at least 20 miles so the major concern is air quality which likely wont be better by Monday. Wish they could keep the game in LA but given the air quality they likely need to move it.

Somebody gave you a laughing guy and I can’t see why on earth they would have. Everything you said was spot on.

I'd also suggest that there's a real possibility that the players have homes or loved ones being affected by the fires.

My opinion is that unless it galvanizes them, both L.A. teams are just . . . well, their minds will be somewhere else. Homes and lives where they live are being destroyed, and there must be a bunch among them. It’s really one of the worst natural disasters in our country’s history and the worst since Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, which was close to the worst in our history.

It’s tragic and I’m not sure where the players’ heads will be at. Usually I put a perfunctory “I don’t blame him/her” for feeling that way when something extraordinary is going on with an athlete because I tend to give grace in those situations, but this is truly one of those times I don’t blame them one iota for their heads being somewhere else but on the game. Even if their heads are in the game, their routine is broken. The distractions just to deal with life are there in full force. They have families, wives, children, and even pets. It’s a mess in SoCal.

I hope both LA teams win tomorrow and Monday, but I have serious doubts and reservations about it.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

I said it up thread. But a lot of snowbirds from Minnesota spend their winters in Arizona. Previous cardinals games even have been pretty purple.

Seeing as LA fans have a hard enough time at their own stadium… I wouldn’t be surprised to see this be a very Viking filled fan stadium.

It's a home game for the Rams. They have 70,000+ season ticket holders. They get first dibs on tickets for the rescheduled game. State Farm Stadium has a capacity of about 63,000. Tickets will be available only to Rams season ticket holders for 2 hours, after which, any remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public. Unless there are Rams fans that don't want to make the trek to the game and want to extort Vikings fans for an arm and a leg, I don't see there being many Minnesota fans getting access to tickets. You have to be a legit fan to buy season tickets . . . I don't see many people just saying OH WELL and declining to grab them. Even if they don't go, I am sure there are no shortage of people they could resell them to (as Rams fans).

I couldn't venture to guess what the crowd composition will look like. How many Rams fans give a crap about a football game when their neighborhood is on fire.

Probably more reason to get out of town. They can't stay where they are if it's not safe.

I had a hell of a time getting rid of my Eagles/Packers tickets. Kind of disappointed in Packer fans TBH.

Wouldn’t it be alot easier for local eagles fans to buy your tickets and go to the game?

I can see the post now: “local Eagles fans, looking for a good time? Call (xxx) xxx-xxxx - feathers & cheese play mandatory. No kink shaming.”

I can also say this. As someone who has been to Eagles games in Philadelphia, there’s no way I’d go to a playoff game and root for someone other than the eagles. But that’s just me

My buddy from New Orleans came to a playoff game a few years ago when the Saints were playing us. He had a blast. No problems at all.

I’m glad he had a different experience than the guys in Cowboys gear getting beer thrown on them when I was there

 

[ProstheticRGK]

I said it up thread. But a lot of snowbirds from Minnesota spend their winters in Arizona. Previous cardinals games even have been pretty purple.

Seeing as LA fans have a hard enough time at their own stadium… I wouldn’t be surprised to see this be a very Viking filled fan stadium.

It's a home game for the Rams. They have 70,000+ season ticket holders. They get first dibs on tickets for the rescheduled game. State Farm Stadium has a capacity of about 63,000. Tickets will be available only to Rams season ticket holders for 2 hours, after which, any remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public. Unless there are Rams fans that don't want to make the trek to the game and want to extort Vikings fans for an arm and a leg, I don't see there being many Minnesota fans getting access to tickets. You have to be a legit fan to buy season tickets . . . I don't see many people just saying OH WELL and declining to grab them. Even if they don't go, I am sure there are no shortage of people they could resell them to (as Rams fans).

I couldn't venture to guess what the crowd composition will look like. How many Rams fans give a crap about a football game when their neighborhood is on fire.

Probably more reason to get out of town. They can't stay where they are if it's not safe.

I had a hell of a time getting rid of my Eagles/Packers tickets. Kind of disappointed in Packer fans TBH.

Wouldn’t it be alot easier for local eagles fans to buy your tickets and go to the game?

I can see the post now: “local Eagles fans, looking for a good time? Call (xxx) xxx-xxxx - feathers & cheese play mandatory. No kink shaming.”

I can also say this. As someone who has been to Eagles games in Philadelphia, there’s no way I’d go to a playoff game and root for someone other than the eagles. But that’s just me

My buddy from New Orleans came to a playoff game a few years ago when the Saints were playing us. He had a blast. No problems at all.

I’m glad he had a different experience than the guys in Cowboys gear getting beer thrown on them when I was there

Dude, bad apples everywhere. I went to a MNF game in Oakland when the Broncos came to town. My buddy is a diehard Broncos fan. We both wore black, just because.

Was about to have to step in and mix it up with some dbags who were aggressively in the face of a pregnant girl in Broncos gear after the game. One dude actually spit in her face. Luckily, security swooped in quickly and saved my old *** from a slew of pulled muscles- best case scenario. Worst case scenario, I’d have been a 2-week headline on sports news on a ventilator in some Oakland hospital.

That said, I wouldn’t go to the linc during a playoff game wearing opposing colors. But, if you handle the situation right, most Philly fans are cool. There are plenty of dirtbags, but most of the rep is overblown.

 

[-OZ-]

Seems like its got a roof that isn't attached to the walls so some air comes in

I’m no architect but how does this work? Is the roof like an umbrella?

 

[-OZ-]

their routine is broken

That’s the big thing. Most of these guys will be fine during the game. But practices surely have been disrupted a bit.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Seems like its got a roof that isn't attached to the walls so some air comes in

I’m no architect but how does this work? Is the roof like an umbrella?

Seven Surprising Things about SoFi Stadium’s Design

A look at some surprising facts and figures about SoFi Stadium, the Super Bowl LVI host.

www.hksinc.com

 

[Snotbubbles]

their routine is broken

That’s the big thing. Most of these guys will be fine during the game. But practices surely have been disrupted a bit.

This is the type of thing that can be a rallying call for the Rams.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I don't see anyway they play this game in LA.. It would absolutely crazy if they did with people houses being destroyed and them being evacuated just miles from the stadium. I think the Hollywood Hills fire is now only like 20 minutes from SoFi

Hollywood hills is never 20 minutes from Sofi unless you take a helicopter. Everything happening in LA is north of Sofi by at least 20 miles so the major concern is air quality which likely wont be better by Monday. Wish they could keep the game in LA but given the air quality they likely need to move it.

Somebody gave you a laughing guy and I can’t see why on earth they would have. Everything you said was spot on.

I'd also suggest that there's a real possibility that the players have homes or loved ones being affected by the fires.

My opinion is that unless it galvanizes them, both L.A. teams are just . . . well, their minds will be somewhere else. Homes and lives where they live are being destroyed, and there must be a bunch among them. It’s really one of the worst natural disasters in our country’s history and the worst since Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, which was close to the worst in our history.

It’s tragic and I’m not sure where the players’ heads will be at. Usually I put a perfunctory “I don’t blame him/her” for feeling that way when something extraordinary is going on with an athlete because I tend to give grace in those situations, but this is truly one of those times I don’t blame them one iota for their heads being somewhere else but on the game. Even if their heads are in the game, their routine is broken. The distractions just to deal with life are there in full force. They have families, wives, children, and even pets. It’s a mess in SoCal.

I hope both LA teams win tomorrow and Monday, but I have serious doubts and reservations about it.

Great take, openly betting against BOTH LA teams this weekend

 

[Bankerguy]

Rams get washed.

I think Minnesota will move the ball easily.
34-17.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I said it up thread. But a lot of snowbirds from Minnesota spend their winters in Arizona. Previous cardinals games even have been pretty purple.

Seeing as LA fans have a hard enough time at their own stadium… I wouldn’t be surprised to see this be a very Viking filled fan stadium.

It's a home game for the Rams. They have 70,000+ season ticket holders. They get first dibs on tickets for the rescheduled game. State Farm Stadium has a capacity of about 63,000. Tickets will be available only to Rams season ticket holders for 2 hours, after which, any remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public. Unless there are Rams fans that don't want to make the trek to the game and want to extort Vikings fans for an arm and a leg, I don't see there being many Minnesota fans getting access to tickets. You have to be a legit fan to buy season tickets . . . I don't see many people just saying OH WELL and declining to grab them. Even if they don't go, I am sure there are no shortage of people they could resell them to (as Rams fans).

I couldn't venture to guess what the crowd composition will look like. How many Rams fans give a crap about a football game when their neighborhood is on fire.

Probably more reason to get out of town. They can't stay where they are if it's not safe.

I had a hell of a time getting rid of my Eagles/Packers tickets. Kind of disappointed in Packer fans TBH.

Wouldn’t it be alot easier for local eagles fans to buy your tickets and go to the game?

I can see the post now: “local Eagles fans, looking for a good time? Call (xxx) xxx-xxxx - feathers & cheese play mandatory. No kink shaming.”

I can also say this. As someone who has been to Eagles games in Philadelphia, there’s no way I’d go to a playoff game and root for someone other than the eagles. But that’s just me

My buddy from New Orleans came to a playoff game a few years ago when the Saints were playing us. He had a blast. No problems at all.

I’m glad he had a different experience than the guys in Cowboys gear getting beer thrown on them when I was there

Dude, bad apples everywhere. I went to a MNF game in Oakland when the Broncos came to town. My buddy is a diehard Broncos fan. We both wore black, just because.

Was about to have to step in and mix it up with some dbags who were aggressively in the face of a pregnant girl in Broncos gear after the game. One dude actually spit in her face. Luckily, security swooped in quickly and saved my old *** from a slew of pulled muscles- best case scenario. Worst case scenario, I’d have been a 2-week headline on sports news on a ventilator in some Oakland hospital.

That said, I wouldn’t go to the linc during a playoff game wearing opposing colors. But, if you handle the situation right, most Philly fans are cool. There are plenty of dirtbags, but most of the rep is overblown.

It’s cute you think you’d end up in a hospital, and not like, have your body disappeared into a sketchy neighborhood near the coliseum.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Great take, openly betting against BOTH LA teams this weekend

I have the rams losing & the chargers winning.

We’ll see what’s what, but that’s how I wagered.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

That said, I wouldn’t go to the linc during a playoff game wearing opposing colors.

That’s about exactly what I wrote upthread. I guess you agree with me then

 

[ProstheticRGK]

That said, I wouldn’t go to the linc during a playoff game wearing opposing colors.

That’s about exactly what I wrote upthread. I guess you agree with me then

Yup. On just about everything. Ever.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

That said, I wouldn’t go to the linc during a playoff game wearing opposing colors.

That’s about exactly what I wrote upthread. I guess you agree with me then

Yup. On just about everything. Ever.

meow

 

[-OZ-]

Seems like its got a roof that isn't attached to the walls so some air comes in

I’m no architect but how does this work? Is the roof like an umbrella?

Seven Surprising Things about SoFi Stadium’s Design

A look at some surprising facts and figures about SoFi Stadium, the Super Bowl LVI host.

www.hksinc.com

thanks for the reminder of how badly Nissan stadium needed to be replaced.

 

[-OZ-]

their routine is broken

That’s the big thing. Most of these guys will be fine during the game. But practices surely have been disrupted a bit.

This is the type of thing that can be a rallying call for the Rams.

If a team needs a rallying call for a playoff game, they have issues. I don’t think the rams have those issues.

 

[Snotbubbles]

their routine is broken

That’s the big thing. Most of these guys will be fine during the game. But practices surely have been disrupted a bit.

This is the type of thing that can be a rallying call for the Rams.

If a team needs a rallying call for a playoff game, they have issues. I don’t think the rams have those issues.

Eagles used the "underdog" rallying cry all the way to the Superbowl.

 

[-OZ-]

their routine is broken

That’s the big thing. Most of these guys will be fine during the game. But practices surely have been disrupted a bit.

This is the type of thing that can be a rallying call for the Rams.

If a team needs a rallying call for a playoff game, they have issues. I don’t think the rams have those issues.

Eagles used the "underdog" rallying cry all the way to the Superbowl.

Whatever works I guess.

 

[Rubi]

When is the home team not a home team
A playoff game in the home of a division rival
Who do you think the Cardinal fans who show up will be cheering for?
Would a Cowboy cheer for an Eagle?
Would a Brown cheer for a Bengal?
Would a Bear cheer for a Packer?
Interesting dynamic

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Winner has a date in Philadelphia the following week

 

[BeTheMatch]

I was reminded again this weekend just how much everything ramps up in the playoffs. The speed, the hitting, the intensity, everything is magnified.

And that doesn't seem to suit Sam Darnold, and therefore the Vikings, very well. We saw that in the playoff-type game at Detroit last week. And Darnold folded. And I don't think KOC recognized that fast enough and did enough to try to make it easier on Darnold.

Stafford and McVay and Co., conversely, have been through the wars. They'll be fine, even if a lot of the younger players don't have as much playoff experience.

So I think the game likely comes down to a few things:

1) Where are the Rams at emotionally with the fire situation? I can see it being either a huge distraction where they just play really flat, or it could be a thing to rally around and play inspired football. We'll see.

2) Can KOC and Darnold learn from last week's disaster? Can KOC do anything to help settle Darnold into the game? Can Darnold get rid of the ball and not take costly sacks? Can he make the throws under pressure that he failed to make last week? Can he avoid turnovers?

3) Aaron Jones needs to have a big game in all three facets: running, receiving and pass protection. If he doesn't, the Vikings are screwed.

4) They have to get Jefferson involved on the first series, whatever it takes. Quick slant, jet sweep, whatever.

The Minnesota sports fan in me can never predict a win for the home team. But objectively as I can be, I think the Rams win this fairly comfortably, something like 24-10.

I just don't think the Vikings defense can hold the Rams' offense down, and I have no faith in Darnold.

I would love to be wrong.

 

[Zow]

I was reminded again this weekend just how much everything ramps up in the playoffs. The speed, the hitting, the intensity, everything is magnified.

And that doesn't seem to suit Sam Darnold, and therefore the Vikings, very well. We saw that in the playoff-type game at Detroit last week. And Darnold folded. And I don't think KOC recognized that fast enough and did enough to try to make it easier on Darnold.

Stafford and McVay and Co., conversely, have been through the wars. They'll be fine, even if a lot of the younger players don't have as much playoff experience.

So I think the game likely comes down to a few things:

1) Where are the Rams at emotionally with the fire situation? I can see it being either a huge distraction where they just play really flat, or it could be a thing to rally around and play inspired football. We'll see.

2) Can KOC and Darnold learn from last week's disaster? Can KOC do anything to help settle Darnold into the game? Can Darnold get rid of the ball and not take costly sacks? Can he make the throws under pressure that he failed to make last week? Can he avoid turnovers?

3) Aaron Jones needs to have a big game in all three facets: running, receiving and pass protection. If he doesn't, the Vikings are screwed.

4) They have to get Jefferson involved on the first series, whatever it takes. Quick slant, jet sweep, whatever.

The Minnesota sports fan in me can never predict a win for the home team. But objectively as I can be, I think the Rams win this fairly comfortably, something like 24-10.

I just don't think the Vikings defense can hold the Rams' offense down, and I have no faith in Darnold.

I would love to be wrong.

I think we are overall the better team who had a very good season save for just the last game which has created some recency bias. Just trying to keep that positive thought.

 

[Snotbubbles]

I was reminded again this weekend just how much everything ramps up in the playoffs. The speed, the hitting, the intensity, everything is magnified.

And that doesn't seem to suit Sam Darnold, and therefore the Vikings, very well. We saw that in the playoff-type game at Detroit last week. And Darnold folded. And I don't think KOC recognized that fast enough and did enough to try to make it easier on Darnold.

Stafford and McVay and Co., conversely, have been through the wars. They'll be fine, even if a lot of the younger players don't have as much playoff experience.

So I think the game likely comes down to a few things:

1) Where are the Rams at emotionally with the fire situation? I can see it being either a huge distraction where they just play really flat, or it could be a thing to rally around and play inspired football. We'll see.

2) Can KOC and Darnold learn from last week's disaster? Can KOC do anything to help settle Darnold into the game? Can Darnold get rid of the ball and not take costly sacks? Can he make the throws under pressure that he failed to make last week? Can he avoid turnovers?

3) Aaron Jones needs to have a big game in all three facets: running, receiving and pass protection. If he doesn't, the Vikings are screwed.

4) They have to get Jefferson involved on the first series, whatever it takes. Quick slant, jet sweep, whatever.

The Minnesota sports fan in me can never predict a win for the home team. But objectively as I can be, I think the Rams win this fairly comfortably, something like 24-10.

I just don't think the Vikings defense can hold the Rams' offense down, and I have no faith in Darnold.

I would love to be wrong.

The Rams DL can get pressure on the QB, their rookies are really good, but they're a bit undersized. If the Vikings stick with the run and keep pounding the Rams, in the second half it should have them worn down and the Vikings should be able to gash them on the ground.

ETA: Going pass heavy wouldn't be the gameplan I'd have if I were MIN.

 

[Harry Frogfish]

I was reminded again this weekend just how much everything ramps up in the playoffs. The speed, the hitting, the intensity, everything is magnified.

And that doesn't seem to suit Sam Darnold, and therefore the Vikings, very well. We saw that in the playoff-type game at Detroit last week. And Darnold folded. And I don't think KOC recognized that fast enough and did enough to try to make it easier on Darnold.

Stafford and McVay and Co., conversely, have been through the wars. They'll be fine, even if a lot of the younger players don't have as much playoff experience.

So I think the game likely comes down to a few things:

1) Where are the Rams at emotionally with the fire situation? I can see it being either a huge distraction where they just play really flat, or it could be a thing to rally around and play inspired football. We'll see.

2) Can KOC and Darnold learn from last week's disaster? Can KOC do anything to help settle Darnold into the game? Can Darnold get rid of the ball and not take costly sacks? Can he make the throws under pressure that he failed to make last week? Can he avoid turnovers?

3) Aaron Jones needs to have a big game in all three facets: running, receiving and pass protection. If he doesn't, the Vikings are screwed.

4) They have to get Jefferson involved on the first series, whatever it takes. Quick slant, jet sweep, whatever.

The Minnesota sports fan in me can never predict a win for the home team. But objectively as I can be, I think the Rams win this fairly comfortably, something like 24-10.

I just don't think the Vikings defense can hold the Rams' offense down, and I have no faith in Darnold.

I would love to be wrong.

I think we are overall the better team who had a very good season save for just the last game which has created some recency bias. Just trying to keep that positive thought.

Yep, I think the public (most) simply can't wrap their heads around going with Sam Darnold, especially in a playoff game. And on top of that, going against McVay.

The line must be a good one for Minnie-backers.

 

[BeTheMatch]

One random prediction for tonight:

Daniel Jones scores a rushing TD.

That might be worth a small bet.

 

[BeTheMatch]

One random prediction for tonight:

Daniel Jones scores a rushing TD.

That might be worth a small bet.

I could see them using Jones at QB in short-yardage situations.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

Rams: 27
Vikings: 20

 

[Ray_T]

I don't see anyway they play this game in LA.. It would absolutely crazy if they did with people houses being destroyed and them being evacuated just miles from the stadium. I think the Hollywood Hills fire is now only like 20 minutes from SoFi

Hollywood hills is never 20 minutes from Sofi unless you take a helicopter. Everything happening in LA is north of Sofi by at least 20 miles so the major concern is air quality which likely wont be better by Monday. Wish they could keep the game in LA but given the air quality they likely need to move it.

Somebody gave you a laughing guy and I can’t see why on earth they would have. Everything you said was spot on.

I'd also suggest that there's a real possibility that the players have homes or loved ones being affected by the fires.

My opinion is that unless it galvanizes them, both L.A. teams are just . . . well, their minds will be somewhere else. Homes and lives where they live are being destroyed, and there must be a bunch among them. It’s really one of the worst natural disasters in our country’s history and the worst since Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, which was close to the worst in our history.

It’s tragic and I’m not sure where the players’ heads will be at. Usually I put a perfunctory “I don’t blame him/her” for feeling that way when something extraordinary is going on with an athlete because I tend to give grace in those situations, but this is truly one of those times I don’t blame them one iota for their heads being somewhere else but on the game. Even if their heads are in the game, their routine is broken. The distractions just to deal with life are there in full force. They have families, wives, children, and even pets. It’s a mess in SoCal.

I hope both LA teams win tomorrow and Monday, but I have serious doubts and reservations about it.

I'd agree with this.

advantage: the pressure of the game likely wont weigh on their minds.
disadvantage: Their minds may be focused on the fires and the problems at home

this could turn out as an advantage or a disadvantage. its really tough to predict. but given the way the Chargers put up a stinker, I'm leaning towards disadvantage more than advantage.

and Vegas may be more a home game than a road game but truly its a neutral site game. so they have lost some of the home field advantage here.

I think Minny definitely wins it. Not sure I'd say it would be a stomping, but the potential is there if a few people dont have their minds on the game. At this level that's probably the #1 thing

 

[Insein]

Minn 29
Rams 21

 

[Gally]

Unless there are Rams fans that don't want to make the trek to the game and want to extort Vikings fans for an arm and a leg, I don't see there being many Minnesota fans getting access to tickets.

I would say there are a ton of Rams season seat holders that don't care about the Rams and have the tickets for resale only. SO-FI usually is pretty full with "enemy" fans for most games.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

Unless there are Rams fans that don't want to make the trek to the game and want to extort Vikings fans for an arm and a leg, I don't see there being many Minnesota fans getting access to tickets.

I would say there are a ton of Rams season seat holders that don't care about the Rams and have the tickets for resale only. SO-FI usually is pretty full with "enemy" fans for most games.

That's true for every pro sports team, and probably most others. :(

 

[Kwai Chang Caine]

I think the Rams win by at least 7. But what do I know….

 

[Harry Frogfish]

So, I’m leaning Vikings now.

Rams seem like the play for sure. Great HC, proven veteran QB, experience in bigger games, etc. TOO easy. Public can’t be excited about taking Darnold or the Vikes, lots of question marks and looked like **** recently.

But why then is Minnie favored??? If you’re a contrarian, like I like to do, and prefer to be on Vegas’ side, then this screams Vikes.

Would be going with the Rams normally but the line is STINKY and says Vikes to me. I mean, they were at 14-2 and I do remember the Rams looking very avg often. Hell, without that division, they’d likely not be here.

They were talking about throwing in the towel, trading players and getting draft capital just a few months ago; that weak division saved them.

Yeah, gut says Vikes now. Squares are all over LA and on a huge MNF playoff game the big money is pushing the Queens towards 3???

I’m just gonna close my eyes and follow Vegas on this one. Good luck.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Darnold rights the ship bigtime

MIN 44
LAR 21

 

[General Malaise]

Line is 2.5

 

[Snotbubbles]

So, I’m leaning Vikings now.

Rams seem like the play for sure. Great HC, proven veteran QB, experience in bigger games, etc. TOO easy. Public can’t be excited about taking Darnold or the Vikes, lots of question marks and looked like **** recently.

But why then is Minnie favored??? If you’re a contrarian, like I like to do, and prefer to be on Vegas’ side, then this screams Vikes.

Would be going with the Rams normally but the line is STINKY and says Vikes to me. I mean, they were at 14-2 and I do remember the Rams looking very avg often. Hell, without that division, they’d likely not be here.

They were talking about throwing in the towel, trading players and getting draft capital just a few months ago; that weak division saved them.

Yeah, gut says Vikes now. Squares are all over LA and on a huge MNF playoff game the big money is pushing the Queens towards 3???

I’m just gonna close my eyes and follow Vegas on this one. Good luck.

NFL Betting Odds: Trend Suggest Bettors Should Steer Clear of Road Favorites in Wild Card Round

The NFL Playoffs are here, and the wild card round features two teams that are road favorites. The No. 5-seeded Los Angeles Chargers are favored by 2.5 points a

www.si.com

Since LAC lost this weekend, road favorites are 3-11-2 ATS since 2014 in the WC round.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

If in 2020-ish you told someone that in 2024 Sam Darnold and Jared Goff would lead their teams to a combined 29 wins, and Goff would be doing it as a Lion, that person would have suggested you check in to an insane asylum.

 

[IHEARTFF]

Does McVay have power over KOC or just familiarity?

 

[TheAristocrat]

I'm looking forward to the Skol chant tonight. I'll be surprised if it's less than 75% Vikings fans.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Akers active, which is good.

Daniel Jones is emergency third QB. So much for my prognostication.

 

[Zow]

In my seats. Easily 75% Vikings fans to rams.