Monday Night Football of the NFL Playoffs features an NFC Wild Card matchup between Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings (14-3) taking on Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams (10-7) at State Farm Stadium in Arizona (due to fires in LA) on Monday, January 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
This is a rematch of Week 8, where the Rams pulled off the upset with a 30-20 win over the Vikings. However, I’m expecting a different result in this matchup.
Which team will win this NFC Wild Card game? Let’s examine the latest betting odds before diving into my Vikings vs Rams prediction and best bets for the NFL Playoffs.
Vikings vs Rams Odds
NFL odds are current as of Wednesday, Jan. 8, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Vikings (-115) vs Rams (-105)
- Spread: Vikings -1.5 (-105) vs Rams +1.5 (-115)
- Over/Under: Over 47.5 (-110) / Under 47.5 (-110)
Vikings vs Rams Prediction
Vikings 28, Rams 21
I’m riding with the Vikings in this Week 8 rematch because this team has a key member of their defense back for this game.
Let’s remember that stud linebacker Blake Cashman was out for their previous matchup, but he’s back in action for this one.
Take a look at the run defense splits with Cashman in and out of the lineup:
- Cashman IN (Weeks 1-5): 3.7 YPC, 57.0 Rush YDS/G
- Cashman OUT (Weeks 6-9): 4.62 YPC, 101.6 Rush YDS/G
- Cashman BACK (Weeks 10-18): 4.15 YPC, 84.0 Rush YDS/G
As we can see here, it’s clear that Cashman makes an impact on this defense. The Vikings’ linebacker missed the Week 8 game vs the Rams, where Kyren Williams rushed for 97 yards on 23 carries.
We could see a more stout Vikings’ run defense this time around.
That could make life more difficult on Matthew Stafford. Even though the veteran performs well vs the blitz and Brian Flores likes to blitz often, having a more one-dimensional offense would put the Rams in unfavorable spots.
Look for the Vikings to squeak out a win in this spot.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Vikings vs Rams Best Bets
Vikings ML (-115)
I feel like the market is overreacting to the Vikings’ blowout loss in Week 18 against the Lions.
Yes, Sam Darnold played poorly in that game, but we can’t let one result override what’s been a fantastic resurgence from the former Jets’ quarterback.
It’s also worth noting that the Rams offense has essentially been a two-man show with Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams lately, as Cooper Kupp has shown severe signs of decline.
Don’t underestimate getting a 14-win team at a short price of (-115) odds against a Rams side that needed a 9-3 finish to squeak into the playoffs.
Back Vikings ML as one of your best NFL bets today.
Rams: Under 24.5 Points (-135)
Since I’m betting that the Rams will struggle to run the ball efficiently, that could make it difficult for them to put up points against a stout Vikings’ defense.
Minnesota ranks 2nd in overall EPA on defense (2nd in Pass, 1st in Rush).
I like getting past the key number of 24 by laying some juice at a reasonable price of (-135) odds.
Ride with the Vikings to keep this Rams’ offense in check.
