Thursday Night Football Week 8

The Vikings (5-1) and Rams (2-4) will begin Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season with a battle Thursday Night Football. After their first loss of the season, the Vikings are 3-point favorites heading into this game at SoFi Stadium, which will be broadcast nationally on Amazon Prime Video.

The short week gives Minnesota a chance to bounce back immediately after a frustrating two-point loss to the Lions on Sunday in Minneapolis. Kevin O’Connell’s team felt they had suffered numerous self-inflicted injuries and missed opportunities in a game in which they led 10-0 and 29-28 before ultimately falling short.

The Rams won their second game of the season against the Raiders on Sunday and can move closer to .500 with a win tonight. They get back star wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puca Nacua, which should help revitalize an offense that hasn’t played at the level we’ve come to expect from Sean McVay-led teams. However, LA’s patchwork offensive line remains a question mark heading into a matchup with the Vikings’ best defense.

Offensively, the Vikings will still be without TJ Hockenson, whose season debut is expected to take place in Week 9. But with Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones and Jordan Addison, Sam Darnold has plenty of power in this primetime test. The Rams’ defense forced four Raiders turnovers last week but remains near the bottom of the league in several metrics, including DVOA.

Despite faltering a bit against the Lions, Brian Flores’ Vikings defense is still No. 1 in the NFL in DVOA, opponent EPA per play and interceptions. They will look to pressure Stafford and limit the effectiveness of Matthew Stafford, Kupp, Nacua and Kyren Williams.

Here are the inactive lists for the game, five key matchups to watch and our staff’s outcome predictions.

Follow below for live updates throughout the night.

Vikings 14, Rams 14

10:05 — This is a shooting. The Rams were scoring another touchdown when Matthew Stafford evaded two defenders and hit Cooper Kupp in the end zone. The drive was extended by penalties to Byron Murphy Jr. and Stephon Gilmore.

Vikings 14, Rams 7

0:53 – Three drives in this game, three touchdowns. Trent Sherfield just scored his first goal for the Vikings. Sam Darnold is 8 for 8 for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Vikings 7, Rams 7

6:38 – The Rams hit right back with a seemingly casual opening drive, tying the score after Kyren Williams’ receiving touchdown. For Williams it is already the tenth touchdown of the season.

Vikings 7, Rams 0

10:43 — This was quite a start for the Vikings offense. They simply drove downfield and easily scored a touchdown pass from Sam Darnold to Josh Oliver. Justin Jefferson had three catches of the possession.