Even under ideal conditions, the Rams would face the formidable Minnesota Vikings in an NFC wild-card playoff game.
The Rams are facing an even bigger challenge with the move from SoFi Stadium to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and possible concerns about the wildfires in Southern California that forced the move.
Coach Sean McVay stated, “This group is built for all the things we’ve been through this year.”
In order to recuperate and prepare for the playoffs, running back Kyren Williams, quarterback Matthew Stafford, and receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were not included in the season finale against the Seattle Seahawks.
On October 24, the Rams defeated the Vikings 30–20 at SoFi Stadium in a Thursday night match that was crucial to the team’s comeback from a 1-4 start.
The Rams
From scary surroundings to strange ones, Rams try to focus on football and feel normal
The Rams’ practice in Arizona is strange, as fires prevented them from getting ready for their Southland wild-card playoff matchup with the Vikings.
The Rams earned the right to host a wild-card game after finishing 10-7. They now have to establish Arizona as their second home.
How the Rams can win: Stafford, a 16-year veteran who scored four touchdowns while passing in the team’s Week 8 triumph against the Vikings, needs to be alert and stay away from mistakes once more. Williams can run efficiently on early downs to set up the passing offense. Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold and receiver Justin Jefferson must be neutralized by Pro Bowl edge rusher Jared Verse and the defense as a whole.
How the Vikings can win: Darnold and his teammates need to move past their humiliating 31-9 loss to Detroit, which knocked the Vikings to No. 5 and gave the Lions the No. 1 seed and a bye. The Rams defense must be worn down by Darnold, Jefferson, running backs Aaron Jones Sr. and Cam Akers, and receiver Jordan Addison. Brian Flores, the defensive coordinator, also needs to find a way to put pressure on Stafford.