The Los Angeles Rams host Minnesota on Thursday night seeking consecutive victories for the first time this season, while the Vikings try to rebound from their first loss of the campaign.
Los Angeles (2-4) snapped a two-game losing streak by beating the visiting Las Vegas Raiders 20-15 last weekend. Meanwhile, Minnesota (5-1) dropped a back-and-forth 31-29 affair to division rival Detroit on a field goal with 15 seconds remaining.
ODDS AND TRENDS The Vikings are about a field goal favorite on the road by most sportsbooks.
The line is 3.0 points at BetRivers, where the Vikings have been backed by one-sided action with 79 percent of the spread-line money and a lopsided 93 percent on their -150 moneyline.
The public jury is certainly still out on Minnesota. After suffering their first loss of the season in Week 7, the Vikings have received only 4 percent of the total money wagered on the NFC championship at DraftKings, where they’re being offered at +650 to reach the Super Bowl. That’s the same percentage that have backed the Rams as +5000 longshots.
The Over/Under for Thursday night’s game is 48 total points at BetRivers, with the Over backed by 65 percent of the money.
PROP PICKS –Cooper Kupp Over 6.5 Receptions (-130 at DraftKings): This has been the most popular player prop at DraftKings with Kupp expected to play for the first time since Week 2. Kupp had 14 receptions on 21 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown in the season opener, and had hauled in four catches on six targets before leaving the Week 2 loss to Arizona.
–Justin Jefferson Anytime TD (-143 at BetRivers): Jefferson reaching the end zone on Thursday night has drawn the most total money (1.5 percent) and bets (4.5 percent) of any player prop at the book. He has a touchdown in all but one game thus far, two weeks ago against the Jets in a game where Jefferson was targeted 14 times.
INJURY REPORT Both teams are hoping to get key playmakers back for this contest.
For the Rams, Kupp is expected to play. Kupp participated in full at practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, while fellow receiver Puka Nacua was limited both days due to a knee injury after having his 21-day practice window opened up. Still, NFL Network reported Thursday the Rams are “optimistic” Nacua is ready to play, which would require a decision to activate Nacua off injured reserve.
Defensive end Braden Fiske (back) was limited Wednesday and linebacker Troy Reeder (hamstring) has been ruled out.
This week could also mark the return of tight end T.J. Hockenson for the Vikings. The veteran has been sidelined since late last season, when he tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said it was “very much a possibility” that Hockenson could return against the Rams, although his workload could be limited. He was limited in practice this week and listed as questionable on Wednesday.
“It’s early,” O’Connell said as the Vikings returned to practice this week. “We’ll make that determination as these next couple of days (go by). As we put together game plans, we want to have a good feel for that.”
Hockenson caught 95 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games (11 starts) for Minnesota last season. His return would give quarterback Sam Darnold another top target in the passing game alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Aaron Jones also said he felt good to play on short rest despite a hip injury that has nagged him for a couple of weeks. Jones racked up 116 total yards (93 rushing, 23 receiving) and a touchdown against Detroit.
“No problems out of it,” Jones said. “I’ll continue to stay on top of it on my end and do everything to check the boxes so I don’t end up back in that situation (with the injury).”
Linebacker Blake Cashman missed the Vikings’ practice this week because of a toe issue and has been declared out against the Rams. Hockenson and Jones were among those limited on Tuesday, although Jones was a full participant on Wednesday.
SCUFFLING RAMS NEED STAR WRs Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will look to improve upon his 83.6 passer rating against a physical Vikings defense. Stafford has thrown for 1,392 yards and three touchdowns, with four interceptions this season.
Kyren Williams is the Rams’ biggest threat on offense. He has rushed for 436 yards and eight touchdowns in six games (all starts).
Tutu Atwell leads the team’s receiving unit with 23 catches for 332 yards. Demarcus Robinson, Kupp and Williams each have a receiving touchdown.
THEY SAID IT “I’m aware of it, but at the end of the day, I mean, I’m going to be where my feet are. That’s all I know. I have a job to do here. And I take a lot of pride in giving everything I can for the guys in this building and being able to step on the field knowing that I prepared the best that I can.” — Kupp on rumors he could be traded ahead of the Nov. 5 deadline.
PREDICTION This has the feeling of a do-or-die game for the Rams, who could look to trade Kupp and other veterans should they fall further in the NFC West. The Vikings are coming off a loss, but were toe-to-toe with the high-powered Lions. Los Angeles enters with the 26th-ranked defense, which even Kupp’s return can’t mask against a Minnesota offense averaging 333.2 yards per game. — Vikings 27, Rams 23