GLENDALE, Arizona — After winning 14 games during the regular season, the Minnesota Vikings have the misfortune of going out west for Wild Card Weekend showdown with the Los Angeles Rams. Kickoff is set for Monday at 8 p.m. Eastern on ESPN, ABC and ESPN+.
Several streaming services will broadcast the game live, and you can watch on Fubo (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial), Sling (promotional offers) and ESPN+.
On Thursday, the Monday night game was moved from Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium to Glendale, Arizona – home of the Arizona Cardinals – due to the devastating wildfires ravaging Southern California.
The Minnesota Vikings were one of the NFL’s best teams in the regular season, but after losing out on the No. 1 seed, as well as a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs in the last week of the season to the Detroit Lions, Minnesota would have to settle for the No. 5 seed and a trip to face the Rams.
It’s hard to beat a good team twice, but that’s exactly what the Rams will have to do if they want to keep their season alive. The Rams were one of just two teams to beat the Vikings in the regular season. They won 30-20 behind four TD passes from Matthew Stafford. The Rams were still trying to get into a rhythm at that point, however, and really kicked into high gear over the last several weeks of the season, winning six of their last seven games, including a five game winning streak to secure the division and a playoff spot.
Check out a complete rundown of this week’s NFL playoffs matchups, including the schedule, predictions, previews, TV information and more.
Rams – Vikings Matchup Preview
The Rams offense ranks 15th overall in the NFL (331.4 yards per game) and 20th in scoring (21.6 points per game). The Vikings offense is 12th overall (346.9 yards per game) and ninth in scoring (25.4 points per game).
The Rams’ defense ranks 26th in the NFL in yards allowed (353.1 per game) and 17th in points allowed (22.7 per game). The Vikings defense ranks 16th in yards allowed (335.4 yards per game) and fifth in points allowed (19.5 per game).
Rams – Vikings Last Game Recap
The Rams (10-7) won the NFC West this season, while the Vikings (14-3) finished second in the NFC North.
Rams: The Rams rested their starters in Week 18. Jimmy Garoppolo had 334 yards, two TDs and a pick on 27 of 41 passing in a 30-25 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Vikings: Sam Darnold was 18 of 41 for 166 yards in a 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. Cam Akers had 65 yards on six carries, while Justin Jefferson caught three passes for 54 yards.
Rams – Vikings Players to Watch
Rams: Matt Stafford (65.8% completion rate for 3,762 yards, 20 TDs and eight picks), Kyren Williams (316 carries for 1,299 yards 14 TDs and five fumbles), Puka Nacua (79 catches for 990 yards and three TDs) and Cooper Kupp (67 catches for 710 yards and six TDs).
Vikings: Same Darnold (66.2% completion rate for 4,319 yards 35 TDs and 12 picks), Aaron Jones (255 carries for 1,138 yards, five TDs and three fumbles), Justin Jefferson (second in the NFL with 1,533 yards on 103 catches with 10 TDs) and Jordan Addison (63 catches for 875 yards and nine TDs).
How to Watch Rams – Vikings
- Who: Los Angeles Rams vs. Minnesota Vikings
- When: Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
- Time: 8 p.m. Eastern
- Where: State Farm Stadium | Glendale, Ariz.
- Channel: ESPN, ABC, ESPN+
- Best Streaming Options: Fubo (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial), Sling (promotional offers) and ESPN+.
Channel finder if you have cable
You can access the channel by using the channel finders online: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV and Dish.
About Fubo
Fubo, which offers a free trial, has three main packages: Pro costs $79.99/month; Elite is $89.99; Premier is priced at $99.99. Cancel before the free trial ends to avoid being charged. Fubo includes access to more than 185 sports, entertainment and news channels. You can record games, TV shows, movies and more.
About DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream, which also gives customers a free trial, offers four packages if you continue with the service after your trial ends: Entertainment for $69.99; Choice for $84.99; Ultimate for $109.99; and premier for $159.99. Choice offers the most channels for sports enthusiasts.
About Sling
Sling, which features promotional offers for new customers, has a Blue package for $20 for your first month ($40 after that) and an Orange package for the same price and deal. Get both the Blue and Orange packages for $27.50 for your first month ($55 after that).
About ESPN+
ESPN+, which offers a monthly plan for $11.99 or an annual plan for $119.99, is the go-to streaming service for sports. Watch NFL, college football, baseball, soccer, tennis, and more with this simple subscription.
For team hats, shirts and more gear: Visit Fanatics, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lids, Champs Sports and New Era.
Information from the AP was included in this report and AI might have been used to assist with this story.