Lions hand Vikings first loss, Russell Wilson cooks in Steelers debut
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The Minnesota Vikings (5-1) travel to take on the Los Angeles Rams (2-4) to begin Week 8. Minnesota has started the season strong winning five consecutive games. However, they were handed their first loss on Sunday against the Lions, who defeated them 31-29.
Quarterback Sam Darnold has been excellent for the Vikings in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense, throwing 12 touchdowns to five interceptions entering Week 8. Minnesota’s defense ranks first in defensive DVOA at FTN entering tonight.
The Rams come into “Thursday Night Football” off a win after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 20-15 in Week 7. The Rams offense has struggled without their dynamic duo of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, but Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford will have reinforcements as Kupp is set to return.
The Rams’ toughest task on Thursday night will be trying to slow Justin Jefferson.
Here’s everything you need to know for the Rams vs. Vikings ‘TNF’ matchup in Week 8.
USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights and more from the matchup below.
The Rams and Vikings game will kick off Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season with “Thursday Night Football” at 8:15 p.m. ET.
“Thursday Night Football” will exclusively stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Watch “Thursday Night Football” with a Prime Video subscription
Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports staff feels the “TNF” matchup between the Vikings and Rams will go:
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The Rams enter the Week 8 “TNF” showdown in last place in the NFC West. With a win tonight Los Angeles would move into third ahead of the 49ers whom they defeated in Week 3. They would remain behind the Cardinals who defeated them in Week 2 and currently own the tiebreaker.
The Vikings enter the Week 8 “TNF” showdown in second place in the NFC North. The Lions defeated the Vikings last week and currently own the tiebreaker in the division.
It’s going to be a clear night in Inglewood with a high of 68 degrees at kickoff and a low of 63 degrees at 9 p.m. PT. According to the Weather Channel, winds will max out at eight mph while chances of precipitation are under 3% for the entire game. The game will be played indoors at SoFi Stadium where the weather will have no effect.
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