L.A, goes for two wins in a row on Thursday Night Football
On paper, it would appear that the Los Angeles Rams have long odds to beat the Minnesota Vikings on this week’s edition of Thursday Night Football. Kickoff from SoFi Stadium is set for 5:15 p.m. PST.
The Vikings are blessed with a Top 10 defense, featuring an aggressive, blitz-happy play style that has led to turnovers. Minnesota’s offense churns behind an efficient run game and has playmaker’s galore in the passing game. ESPN rates the offensive line 8th in pass block win rate and 19th in run win rate.
But don’t count out the Rams. Although it’s still early in the season, playing with their backs against the wall is nothing new. 2-4 is nothing to brag about, but they have played 5 of 6 one score games, overcome a spate of injuries to key players, and suffered the growing pains of a completely rebuilt the defense. They have consistently shown the needed moxie in close games, now just need to stack a few wins.
Two key offensive pieces, one from each team, are expected to see action. Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp returns after missing five weeks with a high ankle sprain, while Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson should ready for his first 2024 action after rehabbing a knee injury from late last year.
L.A. quarterback (QB) Matthew Stafford will welcome with the return of Kupp. An injection of excitement into the stale passing attack is needed. The Rams are currently 21st in passing yards, tied for 32nd in touchdowns thrown, 22nd in net yards per attempted pass, and 21st in QB rating. Although the run game has been haggard as well, Kyren Williams been has trying to lead a red zone renaissance with eight scores. He also leads the Rams with 507 yards from scrimmage.
Hockenson’s return could complement an efficient Minnesota offense that boasts a triumvirate of playmaking wide receivers that do their damage downfield. Justin Jefferson (16.1), Jalen Nailor (17.8), and Jordan Addison have combined for 10 touchdowns. Veteran Aaron Jones has been playing nicked up, but has still charted 633 running and receiving yard with three touchdowns.
Here’s today’s Rams/Vikings injury report (an estimation because today is a walkthrough ahead of the short week): pic.twitter.com/uXIa48qZZ6
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) October 22, 2024
Can the Rams create enough offense to give their young defense a chance against the Vikings big play offense? Or will it be vice-versa? The Rams defense creating turnovers and setting the table for the offense in a second straight game?
How to follow the game
Date: Thursday October 24
Kickoff: 5:15 p.m. PST
Location: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Ca.
Watch on TV
Locally: Fox 11
Livestream
Amazon Prime Video has exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football
Listen on the radio
Local: ESPN LA 710 AM
Regionally: ESPN affiliate stations
- KMET/1490 AM & 98.1 FM – Banning, CA
- KFIG/1430 AM & 790 FM – Fresno, CA
- KAVL/610 AM & 106.7 FM – Lancaster, CA
- KRHQ/102.3 FM – Palm Springs, CA
- KTIE/590 AM – Riverside, CA
- KGB/760 AM – San Diego, CA
- KXTK/1280 AM & 101.7 FM – San Luis Obispo, CA
- KSMA/1240 AM & 99.5 FM – Santa Maria, CA
- KSHP/1400 AM & 107.1 FM – Las Vegas, NV
- KVLI/1140 AM & 103.7 FM – Bakersfield, CA
Local Spanish Radio coverage: Tu Liga Radio 1330 AM
Tu Liga Radio’s affiliate radio stations
- KTMZ/1220 AM – Pomona, CA
- KCAL/1410 AM – San Bernardino and Riverside, CA
- KOXR 910 AM – Oxnard and Ventura, CA
Follow the Rams on social media
Instagram: @rams
Facebook: /rams
X (formerly known as Twitter): @RamsNFL
TikTok: @rams
Current betting odds @ FanDuel Sportsbook
Line: LA Rams +3 -122 / Min Vikings -3 +100
Over/under total: over 48.5 -102 / under 48.5 -120
Money line: LA Rams +124 / Min Vikings -144
