Historically, the Los Angeles Rams endured a long, often painful playoff experience against the Minnesota Vikings.
Beginning in 1969, the Vikings earned the win in what was the Western Conference championship contest. Five years later, the Rams dropped an NFC title game to the Vikings, then again in 1976. In ‘77, the Rams lost another postseason game to the Vikings, this time in the divisional round. The teams met again in ‘78, and the Rams earned some redemption.
The Rams and Vikings renewed their playoff rivalry Monday night as the Rams made modern history by utilizing a strong first half, earning a 27-9 NFL Wild Card victory at State Farm Stadium. The venue switch was needed because of the current fire crisis engulfing Los Angeles County.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who rallied the Rams after they started the regular season 1-4, will lead the Rams against the host Philadelphia Eagles in a divisional matchup next Sunday.
X (Twitter) users responded Monday night to the way the Rams, who compiled six first-half sacks, handed the Vikings, the NFL’s first 14-win Wild Card club, during a dominant opening 30 minutes. And they continued to put on the pressure …
The Rams record their SEVENTH sack of the night 😤
(via @RamsNFL)pic.twitter.com/lVReIFvVzc
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 14, 2025
In a time of need, the Wild Card weekend finale was moved out of fiery Los Angeles County to Glendale, Arizona …
Thanks for opening your doors to us, @AZCardinals. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/9zgyUabQdk
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 12, 2025
By rail, plane, car and bus, Rams fans made their way to Arizona with high anticipation …
A long caravan of buses headed to Arizona and they’re all chanting…
🗣️WHOSE HOUSE?! 🗣️#RAMSHOUSE pic.twitter.com/q4Wvw8Q3LD
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 13, 2025
The Rams showed their support for firefighters…
The Rams are repping the LAFD on the sidelines tonight 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lqLhkbjvBQ
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 14, 2025
The Vikings’ defense only surrendered two opening-series touchdowns during the regular season. The Rams made it 1-for-1 in the playoffs as running back Kyren Williams converted a well-designed play-action pass. With Stafford rolling to his left, the quarterback looked back over the middle for a 5-yard score …
The Los Angeles Rams find the end zone on the first drive. 💙
🎥 NFL, ESPN
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 14, 2025
With Stafford off to a hot start, the Rams claimed a 10-0 lead on their second possession, capped by Joshua Karty’s 34-yard field goal …
Matthew Stafford through two drives:
▫️11/12
▫️124 passing yards
▫️1 touchdown👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/jxi8bQx6OT
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 14, 2025
Trailing 10-3, the Vikings thought they came up with a scoop-and-score, but replay officials overturned the call. North Carolina coach Bill Belichick disagreed with the call …
"It's an offensive league. … There's no rules to help the defense in the NFL. You can get away with that and call it an incomplete pass." @OmahaProd
—Bill Belichick on Matthew Stafford's incomplete pass. pic.twitter.com/q2zeXZNHPK
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 14, 2025
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold enjoyed a career resurgence this season, until the last two weeks. Playing with his right pinky wrapped, Darnold threw behind wide receiver Jordan Addison on a third-down pass that was intercepted by Cobie Durant, who collected a first-half sack and interception …
Picked by Cobie Durant! 👏
(via @RamsNFL)pic.twitter.com/kxjY3lBaF7
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 14, 2025
Things continued to get worse for Darnold, who was under constant pressure, which he didn’t handle well. This sack-fumble was returned by Jared Verse, who executed a Superman dive at the goal line …
JARED VERSE SCOOP AND SCORE!
📺: #MINvsLAR on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/bXLHmOUaQW— NFL (@NFL) January 14, 2025
Stafford capped the big first half for the Rams with a 13-yard TD pass to wide receiver Davis Allen. For fantasy football fans, Stafford compiled 18.12 points in just 29:45 …
DAVIS ALLEN PLAYOFF TOUCHDOWN 🙌🙌🙌
📺: #MINvsLAR on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/IGAE5YVI48— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) January 14, 2025
Ending a prolonged offensive funk, tight end T.J. Hockenson scored on a 26-pass from Darnold with 5:05 remaining in the third quarter. It was the Vikings’ first TD in their last 21 total series. Behind Darnald, a first-time Pro Bowler this season, they sputtered the rest of the way …
Jared Allen brought the positive mojo for the Vikings 🔮 @OmahaProd pic.twitter.com/Nb6uNrfjxp
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 14, 2025
Final score: Rams 27, Vikings 9 …
BUILT FOR THIS. pic.twitter.com/8h4zw5o4Mv
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 14, 2025
