3 bold predictions for Rams-Vikings

Rams fans give LA a true homefield advantage

It would have been bold to say that the Los Angeles Rams would still make the playoffs after a 1-4 start to the season, but yet here they are with a clean slate taking on the Minnesota Vikings for the chance to continue their playoff push. Here are my bold predictions for Monday’s matchup.

Jordan Whittington gets his first touchdown of the season

The last 3 games for the Rams starting offense have not gone exactly how many envisioned after defeating the Buffalo Bills 44-42, but after winning the NFC West the unit will be given a much needed clean slate. That also might mean changing things up a bit. Since finishing the game against the Bills with 92 yards receiving and a touchdown, Kupp’s usage in the offense has regressed. He finished with just four receptions on nine targets for just 53 yards and zero touchdowns in his last three starts. The little output that he has been able to achieve as of late could open the opportunity for Jordan Whittington to get some touches on Monday night after a solid performance in Week 18 against the Seattle Seahawks where he finished with three receptions for 86 yards and an explosive of 50. Whittington could offer what Robert Woods did in the past—a selfless receiver who can maximize the yards after the catch and block to propel the run and screen game forward.

That is not to say that Kupp should find himself on the bench either, but I imagine McVay has liked what he has seen from his rookie receiver and will dial up some packages to get him the ball against Minnesota. If he can find the endzone on Monday it will be his first touchdown of the season and I am predicting just that.

State Farm Stadium becomes a true homefield advantage for LA

The game may have been moved across state lines, but that doesn’t mean LA will not get it’s home field advantage. Give props to the Rams organization and their crew for not only giving State Farm Stadium a quick renovation but also coming together to make sure Rams fans were able to make it to the game by chartering a fleet of buses to make the trip.

Season ticket holders were also able to get their tickets before sales went to the general public with over 35,000 of the 63,400 available tickets being bought by Rams fans with much more likely being bought from resellers. The “Red Sea” will become a “blue tsunami” as the Arizona Cardinal Stadium gets filled with a community that is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. My prediction: the stadium get’s so loud with “Whose House” chants that the Vikings are called for five false start penalties.

Cam Akers scores twice against his former team

Speaking of overcoming obstacles, Cam Akers is no stranger to dealing with the improbable either. After rupturing his Achilles with the Rams in 2021 before the start of the season he managed to miraculously find his way on to the field for the playoffs (although he did not play great during that time span). After losing playing time to Kyren Williams in 2023 he was dealt to the Vikings where, after six games, he injured his Achilles for a second time and his season was cut short. He started the 2024 season on the Houston Texans but was traded back to Minnesota where he has since resided. Like he did with the Rams, Akers has shown flashes with the few opportunities he’s had in 2024. He scored a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in Week 15 and broke a 58 yard rush against the Detroit Lions last week but has otherwise been quiet. He will be bringing some extra motivation with him this Monday as he faces the team that once gave up on him which is why I am predicting he will find the endzone twice against LA.

What are you bold predictions for Monday’s game? Let’s discuss in the comment section below!