Matthew Stafford threw two touchdown passes and the Los Angeles Rams overwhelmed the Minnesota Vikings, sacking Sam Darnold an NFL playoff record-tying nine times to win 27-9 Monday night in an NFC wild-card game that was moved out of Southern California because of devastating wildfires.
Rookie Jared Verse returned a fumble for a 57-yard score for the Rams (11-7). LA drove for a touchdown on the opening drive and built a 10-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The game was moved to the Phoenix suburbs — nearly 400 miles east of the Rams’ home in Inglewood, California — because of the wildfires that continue to burn in the Los Angeles area. LA’s next game will be on the East Coast against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Minnesota (14-4) had a chance to earn the NFC’s top seed in the final game of the regular season, but Darnold struggled in a loss at Detroit. His poor finish raises questions about his long-term future with the Vikings after he played this season on a one-year deal.
At last night’s Rams/Vikings game, Super Bowl Champion Andrew Whitworth gave an empowering speech for the city of Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Rams defense gets their ninth sack against the Minnesota Vikings.
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse turns a Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold fumble into six points.
