Coming off a much-needed win against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7, the Los Angeles Rams didn’t have much time to celebrate as they played host to the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football for Week 8. The Vikings entered the matchup with one of the best records in the NFL, but the Rams were able to hand them just their second loss of the season after beating them 30-20 to improve to 3-4.
Los Angeles’ offense received a massive boost prior to kickoff when the team announced that both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua would be active for the contest. Nacua, in particular, was a bigger question mark to play as he returned to practice earlier in the week but showed he was healthy enough to suit up against the Vikings.
Nacua’s knee injury held him out for nearly two months, but he showed little to no rust on the field as he was Matthew Stafford’s first read on nearly every passing down. Head coach Sean McVay seemed to have a loose snap count for Nacua, who subbed out more often than usual, but still was heavily involved in the passing game.
Now 10 straight games with a touchdown for Kyren Williams!
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— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) October 25, 2024
Nine & Dime is back in business!
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— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) October 25, 2024
Jared Verse with the sack!
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— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) October 25, 2024
Matthew Stafford's third touchdown of the night was an exceptional catch from DRob!
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— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) October 25, 2024
Matthew Stafford to DRob AGAIN!
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— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) October 25, 2024
Michael Hoecht is ready for the World Series, @DodgerBlue1958. 😤
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— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) October 25, 2024
On the flipside, Kupp got off to a slower start as he was used more as a short-yardage receiver and decoy. However, it didn’t take too long for Stafford and Kupp to connect as the two synced up for a touchdown in the second quarter to tie the game at 14 apiece going into halftime.
The combination of Nacua and Kupp helped inject life back into Los Angeles’ passing game, but it was Kyren Williams who served as the engine of the entire offense. Minnesota’s defense is one of the best at stopping the run, but Williams was able to bob and weave his way for chunk yardage throughout the night. Although his streak of rushing touchdowns ended, he managed to score on a slick pass from Stafford for the Rams’ first score of the night.
Defensively, the defensive line was able to get pressure on Sam Darnold especially in the second half with left tackle Christian Darrisaw ruled out after halftime. Jared Verse had a strong night recording 1.5 sacks while Byron Young sealed the game with a safety on the Vikings’ final drive.
What’s next for the Rams
The Rams will get some extra rest before they travel up north to take on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9, a game that could have massive playoff implications.
