Wild Card Weekend concludes with an NFC matchup between the Rams and the Vikings
Wild Card Weekend concludes tonight when the Los Angeles Rams host the Minnesota Vikings in Glendale, Arizona. The ongoing Los Angeles wild fires have resulted in the NFL moving the game from Los Angeles to Glendale. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 pm EST.
The 10-7 Los Angele Rams are NFC West champions and the #4 seed in the NFC playoffs. The Rams come into this game winners of five of their last six games. After getting off to a difficult 1-4 start, the Rams turned things around after their bye week, going 9-3 to close out the season. The Rams defense in particular improved dramatically late in the season, allowing 14 points or less to four of their final six opponents. Statistically the Rams have been middling in both the running and the passing game on both offense and defense. The one thing they have done really well is protecting the football. The Rams rank #4 in the NFL in offensive turnovers with just 14 on the year. They have turned the ball over on offense just three times in their last eight games, fueling an end of season surge that won them the division.
The 14-3 Minnesota Vikings are the #5 seed in the NFC playoffs. A single loss to the Detroit Lions in the final game of the regular season cost the Vikings the #1 seed and a first round bye. Prior to that final game loss the Vikings had won nine straight games. The Vikings are led by former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, who had a career year in a year he was slated to be a transitional player before rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy suffered a season ending injury in the preseason.
The Rams have home field advantage today despite the Vikings having much the better record on the season, because division champions get a home game in the Wild Card round. However, given that the game has been moved to Glendale, Arizona, it’s questionable how much of an advantage “home” field gives the Rams tonight. The Rams have a 5-4 record at home this year, including a win over the Vikings in Week 8. The Vikings are 6-2 on the road this season. The Rams are 2-3 against playoff teams this season, while the Vikings are 3-3.