The big question in tonight’s NFL wild card game between the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams is which Sam Darnold we’ll be getting: the new Sam Darnold who thrived in Kevin O’Connell‘s offense, or the Sam Darnold of old, who we saw in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions?
Darnold on Center Stage
The stakes are big for Darnold alone.
The weight isn’t just on his shoulders tonight to carry the Vikings into the divisional round — there’s also a lot of money involved.
As a free agent this offseason, Darnold’s next payday could hinge on whether he delivers tonight.
Darnold faces off against Rams QB Matthew Stafford, who has helped drive his team from a 1-4 start to the playoffs. The Rams’ Week 8 win over the Vikings was a big part of that midseason surge.
Wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are, of course, players to watch.
Nacua has been stellar since returning from injury — including in the Rams’ Week 14 win over the Buffalo Bills, in which he had 12 receptions for 162 yards.
The wildfires back at home will undoubtedly be on the minds of many Rams, but it could provide fire in their belly to win this one for L.A.
Injury Report
Minnesota Vikings
QB Daniel Jones
T Walter Rouse
C Dan Feeney
DL Levi Drake Rodriguez
OLB Pat Jones II
Los Angeles Rams
QB Stetson Bennett
WR Tyler Johnson
OL Justin Dedich
OL Joe Noteboom
OLB Brennan Jackson
CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
How to Watch Vikings vs. Rams
The Commanders vs. the Buccaneers will be aired nationally on ABC and ESPN. It’s Monday Night Football meets the playoffs.
The most “free” way to watch the game is the most old school: watching your local ABC channel with an antenna. (Some people still do!)
Both channels come with most basic cable and satellite TV subscriptions — which are also required to stream both channels.
Cord-cutters also have plenty of paid options to stream the game without cable.
Date and Time: Monday, January 13, 2025, 8:00 PM Eastern
TV and Streaming: ESPN/ABC
Streaming: ABC and ESPN websites, ESPN app (cable subscription required); Cable-free options: ESPN+, NFL+, and Sling
Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
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