Vikings vs. Rams 2025 Wild Card Round Prediction, Odds, Picks – Jan 13
Rams-Vikings final score: Defense relocates Sam Darnold in dominant wild card win
During the first week of the postseason, the Rams encountered real-life hardship when Monday night’s game had to be shifted to Arizona due to fires blazing throughout Los Angeles.
Nevertheless, the team managed to pull together and won 27-9 to move on to the divisional round.
Darnold was under constant pressure from Los Angeles’ defense, especially in the first half when the team recorded six sacks before finishing with nine to tie a postseason record for one game. Halfway through the second quarter, rookie Jared Verse picked up the loose ball and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown, making Ahkello Witherspoon’s strip-sack the most significant of all.
Minnesota Vikings VS Los Angeles Rams
The Rams recorded at least eight sacks and a defensive touchdown in a postseason game, making them the only team to do so since the 1970 merger, according to ESPN.
Los Angeles scored three touchdowns in the first half, including a 5-yard pass to Kyren Williams and a 13-yard pass to Davis Allen late in the second quarter, both of which were completed by Matthew Stafford.
Before Minnesota eventually reached the end zone with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Sam Darnold to T.J. Hockenson, Los Angeles increased its advantage to 27-3 with a 44-yard field goal early in the third quarter.
The Vikings decided to try for two because they were behind 24 at the time of the touchdown, but Justin Jefferson was tackled on the play before he could cross the goal line.
On Monday night, Darnold was by no means Minnesota’s only issue, but he one again performed poorly in a crucial scenario. He ended the game 25-of-40 for 245 yards with a score, an interception, and a lost fumble, missing passes and taking a few needless sacks.
With three of the Rams’ first eight plays going for at least 20 yards to set up a touchdown and a field goal, Stafford was dealing for the most of the game. He finished the game with two touchdowns and 209 yards on 19 of 27 passes.
After the victory, the Rams will play the Eagles on NBC the following Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

Vikings-Rams on Wild Card Weekend Monday: What We Learned from Los Angeles’ 27-9 win
Los Angeles Rams 27, Minnesota Vikings 9
Having had their home game moved from Inglewood, California, to Glendale, Arizona, due to the Southern California wildfires, the Los Angeles Rams came out playing inspired football on Monday night.
Matthew Stafford and a stellar Rams defense keyed fourth-seeded Los Angeles’ win over the No. 5 Minnesota Vikings to conclude Wild Card Weekend.
The Rams are now off to the Divisional Round, where they’ll face the second-seeded Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Monday saw the Rams earn their first playoff win since Super Bowl LVI, while the Vikings lost their second straight game in which quarterback Sam Darnold struggled mightily.
Rams dominate the Vikings
It seemed strange when the Rams benched their starters in Week 18. The Rams lost as a result, and thus dropped to No. 4 in the NFC playoffs rather than having a chance at the No. 3 seed. In the final between the Vikings and Detroit Lions, which was at that point 14-2, they were assured of receiving the loser.
It was discovered that Sean McVay, the head coach of the Rams, was not at all concerned about playing either club, and possibly the Vikings in particular.The Rams played well against the Vikings and defeated them once during the regular season. Under head coach Brian Flores, the Vikings had a fantastic defensive season, but Stafford was very good at seeing the numerous blitzes Minnesota threw at him and moving the ball quickly. The defense improved on what the Lions had begun in Week 18, giving Darnold the appearance of a bewildered and uncertain quarterback. In the third quarter, even though Darnold did throw a touchdown to T.J. Hockenson, it was an erroneous pass that Hockenson made a fantastic play on to pin it to his hip. Because of the constant pressure the Rams created, Darnold was out all night.
The Rams will move on for a tough matchup against an Eagles team that is 13-1 since the end of September, counting Philly’s win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. But it’s safe to assume the Rams will be mentally prepared for any adversity they face in that game

Rams 27, Vikings 9 in the final
The Rams advance to the next round after completing the landslide victory. Next Sunday, they will play the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Rams tied an NFL playoff record with nine sacks on the evening.
Rams statistics
Matthew Stafford: two touchdowns and 209 yards on 19 of 27 plays
76 yards on 16 carries for Kyren Williams
Tyler Higbee: five receptions for 58 yards
Vikings statistics
Sam Darnold: 245 yards, one score, and one interception on 25 of 40 plays
Aaron Jones: 13 carries for 48 yards
T.J. Hockenson: five catches for 64 yards and one touchdown
HEADLINES
The Rams will play the Eagles in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at Philadelphia.
Game Recap: Rams move to the Divisional Round to play the Eagles after defeating the Vikings 27-9.
Joe Noteboom and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. are among the Rams’ inactives for Monday night’s Wild Card playoff matchup against the Vikings.
Los Angeles Minnesota vs. Rams How to watch, listen to, and stream the Wild Card round of the Vikings
The Rams reveal the features of the Wild Card game day to encourage and showcase Los Angeles against Arizona.
Three Crucial Elements for the Rams to Win Against the Vikings in the Postseason Wild Card Round
Top Rams News: Wild Card Weekend Previews and Predictions for the Rams vs. Vikings
Vikings-Rams on Wild Card Weekend Monday: What We Learned from Los Angeles’ 27-9 win
