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The Minnesota Vikings (5-1) will try to rebound from their first loss of the season when they head west for a date with the Los Angeles Rams (2-4) on Thursday Night Football in Week 8.
The Vikings coughed up a late lead in their 31-29 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 259 yards and a touchdown, but Minnesota blew a 10-0 first-quarter lead before letting the Lions move the ball down the field for Jake Bates’ game-winning 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds left.
The Rams snapped their two-game losing skid with a 20-15 home win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Los Angeles has not won on the road this season but boasts a 2-1 record in home games.
The Vikings are Super Bowl favorites thanks to their hot start, boasting the seventh-shortest championship odds at FanDuel (+1700). The Rams are much further down the list at +13000, but a win here could improve those odds significantly.
Here’s how we intend to wager on this critical NFC showdown at our favorite NFL betting sites.
Game Details
- Matchup: Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 (Week 8)
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)
- Watch: Prime Video
Odds Summary
- Moneyline: Vikings -144, Rams +122
- Spread: Vikings -2.5 (-115), Rams +2.5 (-105)
- Total: Over/Under 48.5 (-105/-115)
Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook and subject to change.
Vikings vs. Rams Moneyline
The Rams were a playoff team in 2023, yet are potentially on the verge of blowing up their roster after a 2-4 start. Star wide receiver Puka Nacua is on injured reserve with a knee injury, and now there are trade rumors swirling around Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp.
Plus, Los Angeles’ defense is really missing the recently retired Aaron Donald. The Rams have the NFL’s worst defense against the run (151.7 yards against per game) and are 26th in total yards against per game (364.3).
But, before you take a huge sum and put it on the Vikings, remember that they’ll have to trek across two time zones in a short week after allowing 31 points and 391 yards to the Lions. Plus, Kupp is expected to return after missing the past four games with an ankle injury, and Minnesota is allowing the third-most passing yards per game (260.3).
Whichever team can play its style will win the game, which means the Vikings will likely have a steady dose of Aaron Jones, who ranks 11th in the NFL in rushing yards this season (441).
That said, Minnesota’s ability to rush Stafford will likely be the difference. The Vikings are third in the NFL in sacks (24) and should be able to get home against the 36-year-old gunslinger.
Los Angeles should hang tough, but its dearth of weapons and defensive struggles should be its undoing. Back Minnesota to win and improve to 6-1.
Vikings vs. Rams Spread
As usual, we recommend taking a favorite to cover -2.5 if we think they’ll win outright. Most NFL games are decided by at least a field goal, and all four of LA’s losses this year have come by at least five points.
We think this game will be close and could go down to the last possession, but the Vikings should win by a field goal and cover.
Since we think the Vikings will win the game, we recommend Minnesota -2.5.
Vikings vs. Rams Over/Under
The Over/Under is surprisingly high, especially since the Rams are averaging only 19 points per game (23rd in NFL). Los Angeles has scored more than 20 points only once this year, and it was back in Week 3.
The Vikings have a potent offense (sixth in scoring), but their defense is also one of the best in the NFL. They’re yielding just 17.8 points per game this year (sixth in NFL) and should be able to contain Stafford, even with Kupp back in the fold.
Thus, we’ll advocate for the Under in what may end up being a 23-20 or 24-21 type of game.
Vikings vs. Rams Props
Aaron Jones Over 67.5 Rushing Yards (-113)
Jones is averaging 73.5 rushing yards per game, which is 11th in the league. We detailed the Rams’ inability to stop the run, and Jones has accounted for 61.6% of Minnesota’s rushing yards.
This number is way too low, especially with such a favorable matchup for Jones. We wouldn’t be surprised if he finishes with more than 90 yards on the ground, so take the Over on this prop.
- Check out more Week 8 TNF prop bets.
Matthew Stafford Over 235.5 Passing Yards (-113)
The Vikings are allowing more than 260 passing yards per game, and opposing QBs are 4-2 against this number this season against them.
With Kupp likely to return, Stafford should see an uptick in his passing production this week from his current average of 232 yards per game. Back him to put up at least 250 passing yards in a game where he may throw the ball more than 40 times.
Vikings vs. Rams Best Bets Summary
- Moneyline: Vikings (-144). The Vikings are on upset alert on the road against a sneaky-competitive team in a short week, but it’s hard to see them losing here.
- Spread: Vikings -2.5 (-115). If the Vikings win, it will likely be by a field goal, as four of their five victories have been this year.
- Over/Under: Under 48.5 (-115). LA’s offense has struggled and Minnesota’s defense has been one of the stingiest in the NFL. This game could end up with more field goals than touchdowns.
- Aaron Jones Over 67.5 Rushing Yards (-113). Jones has surpassed 90 rushing yards in four of Minnesota’s six games and the Rams are giving up the most rushing yards per game in football. This should easily hit, maybe even in the first half.
- Matthew Stafford Over 235.5 Pass Yards (-113). The Vikings give up a lot of passing yards and Stafford should benefit, especially with Kupp’s likely return to the lineup.
