Vikings vs Rams Prediction: Minnesota Aims to Bounce Back in Postseason Clash (Jan 13)

• The Vikings were pummeled by the Lions in Week 18, losing 31-9 and dropping to the 5-seed.
• Los Angeles rested their starters in a final-week loss to Seattle, snapping a 5-game win streak.
• These two teams last faced off back on October 24, in a matchup that the Rams won 30-20.

The NFL postseason is here! Wild Card Week concludes with a stellar Monday Night clash. Our Vikings vs Rams prediction showcases an exciting NFC playoff matchup. Los Angeles enters as the underdogs.

Vikings Aiming to Keep Magic Alive

The Vikings had a tremendous year with improvements across the board. Unfortunately, it was clouded by a 31-9 defeat to the rival Lions. The loss dropped Minnesota from a potential 1-seed and first-round bye to a 5-seed and road game in Wild Card week. They need to fully reevaluate their game plan for the playoffs after such a brutal loss.

WRs Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are among the most dynamic weapons in the league. The two make the Vikings’ offense hum, regardless of who the QB is. Sam Darnold will be competing for a contract extension this postseason with major decisions looming in Minnesota. While their offense remains impressive, it was improvements on the defense that took the Vikings to new levels this year.

Minnesota’s defense ranked in the bottom-10 for three straight years. They were 29th in 2020, 24th in 2021, and 28th in 2022. Last season, they finally showed improvement, climbing to a rank of 14th out of 32 teams. They took another major step forward this year, now holding the 5th-best defense in the NFL. If they continue to play at that level, the Vikings should have no trouble making a postseason run.

Rams Enter Postseason Flying Under the Radar

Los Angeles residents have a lot more than the Rams on their minds as this game approaches, but a postseason win by a local team would likely be a welcome distraction from the devastating wildfires that currently run rampant in LA County. To earn such a win, the Rams will need to be at their best.

WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua have dealt with injuries all season, forcing QB Matthew Stafford to adjust and find new weapons. Fortunately, head coach Sean McVay’s scheme remains one of the best in the NFL, which allows the Rams to move the ball down the field regardless of who is under center.

Having won the NFC West division over Seattle in a convoluted tiebreaker, Los Angeles should have had a home game, but it will be played in Arizona due to the wildfires. Whether or not local fans will be able to attend the game is uncertain. The Rams will need to lean on their motivation to earn a win for their fanbase, as well as consistent RB Kyren Williams in order to advance to the next round.

Vikings vs Rams Prediction: Minnesota Wins Big

Despite the Rams playing with extra motivation, they will be outmatched in this game. Minnesota’s tremendous improvements on both sides of the ball are tough to overlook, especially on defense. Their offense has enough weapons to drive up the score, making it even more difficult for opposing teams to keep up. After their brutal loss to the Lions, expect the Vikings to come out with a vengeance.

Tags:
• NFL Playoffs