The NFL’s Week 8 kicks off with the Minnesota Vikings seeking to recover from their first defeat of the season against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.
The Vikings started the season strong with five consecutive wins but faced a setback with a last-minute loss to the Detroit Lions, which left them tied for the top of the NFC North. Meanwhile, the Rams are coming off their second victory of the season, having triumphed over the Las Vegas Raiders to improve their record to 2-4.
The Vikings are favored by three points on the road, and they will likely have Aaron Jones in the lineup after his standout performance despite the loss to Detroit.
Tonight’s matchup on Thursday Night Football features the Vikings visiting the Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Fans can catch the game streaming live on Amazon Prime, with kickoff scheduled for 6:15 p.m. MT/7:15 p.m. CT. Commentators Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit will provide insights from the booth, while Kaylee Hartung will report from the sidelines.
In terms of predictions, the Vikings are favored to win by a margin of three points. The odds from BetMGM Sportsbook indicate Minnesota at -160 on the moneyline and Los Angeles at +135, with an over/under set at 48 points.
Injury reports for the game reveal potential updates for both teams. For the Vikings, tight end T.J. Hockenson may return after recovering from a knee injury, with coach Kevin O’Connell expressing optimism about his availability against the Rams. However, Hockenson’s playing time may be restricted. Linebacker Blake Cashman missed practice on Tuesday due to a toe injury, while Hockenson and Jones were also limited participants.
On the Rams’ side, Cooper Kupp returned to full practice, but Puka Nacua was limited as he continues to recover from a knee issue. Additionally, defensive end Braden Fiske and linebacker Troy Reeder did not participate.
Predictions for the game vary, with some analysts projecting a Vikings win of 28-24, while others give the Rams a slight edge. Bookies.com suggests the Vikings should cover the spread, citing the Rams’ struggles against the pass this season. ESPN estimates a 54.2% chance of a Vikings win, whereas Dimers’ model shows a higher probability for the Rams at 61%.
The matchup promises to be competitive as Minnesota looks to solidify its standing in the NFC North.