The Los Angeles Rams found a way to win this week and will look to maintain their momentum against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football, with LA a 3-point underdog at FanDuel Sportsbook. This week will mark the first of the Rams’ four primetime games during the 2024 campaign.
The Rams desperately needed a win and got one with a 20-15 home win over the Raiders. Las Vegas is the cure for most teams’ ails this season thanks to their pure ineptitude at the game’s most important position. LA’s defense picked off Gardner Minshew three times as Kyren Williams extended his NFL-high rushing touchdown streak to nine games in a 76-yard, 2-touchdown performance. Free agent acquisition Kamren Curl also added a 33-yard fumble return in the second quarter for the Rams’ other touchdown.
Minnesota missed a chance to take full control of the NFC North as the Lions handed them their first loss of the season in a 31-29 defeat. The Vikings jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead in the first quarter before Detroit scored 21 unanswered to take slight control at halftime. Unfortunately for Minnesota, after they briefly took a one-point lead late in the fourth, Lions kicker Jake Bates kicked a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds left. Sam Darnold continued his efficient run under center, throwing for 259 yards and a touchdown, with Justin Jefferson leading the team in receiving with 81 yards and the aforementioned score. Aaron Jones also tacked on 93 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
The Vikings will likely be eager to get back into the win column after falling short in Week 7. Despite both teams playing on a short week, I expect Minnesota to capitalize on any Rams miscues and come away with a win. Brian Flores’ defense will also find a way to get after Matthew Stafford as his scheme has given opposing offenses fits this season.
What are your thoughts on this week’s betting odds? Go ahead and drop them in the comments!