Here we go guys. It’s probably THE game of the whole NFL 2018 season. It has been an exciting season yet! And today, we’ve got a hell of a game coming our way. It’s Thursday Night Football and we’ve got the Minnesota Vikings fighting off the Los Angeles Rams. Read ahead for all the details.
Every year, without fail, we are blessed with at least one momentous game that defines the rest of the season. And this year, we have one in the form of a highly-anticipated match up that will likely determine the top echelon power struggle between two of the most elite teams in NFL. This Thursday, the Minnesota Vikings versus Los Angeles Rams will face each other in an epic duel. It’s so climactic that we are bound to see a sequel at some point in the near future. Not to mention, a game like this in the City of Angels? Everyone will be there and we can only expect great things. Let’s discuss everything worth knowing about this clash.
Could Injuries and Suspensions Be A Setback For Both Teams?
There’s no use mincing around. This game’s field will probably have a couple of multiple impact players missing. Let’s take a look at some of the key players who we will probably not see on this Thursday Night Football.
Minnesota Vikings’ Everson Griffen Out (Personal)
Minnesota’s defensive end is officially ruled out of the game due to personal reasons. In fact, Griffen is being banned from the Minnesota Vikings facility until he is able to get clearance from a possible health matter. Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday morning that Griffen is undergoing evaluation at a local hospital. Griffen has reportedly been battling a serious mental-health related issue for the past few weeks. In the meantime, Stephen Weatherly will get the start again.
Minnesota Vikings’ Dalvin Cook Questionable (Hamstring)
Minnesota Vikings is listing its running back, Dalvin Cook, as “questionable” in this Thursday night’s match. Cook is currently nursing a hamstring injury. Additionally, Cook was limited at the last few practice sessions. This is not the least bit surprising. Dalvin Cook missed time earlier this season because of the same injury. Furthermore, he only played four games as a rookie in 2017 because of a torn ACL.
Rams’ CB Aquil Talib Out (Ankle)
Rams’ CB Aqib Talib suffered a high-ankle sprain Sunday that will sideline him at least one month, and Rams CB Marcus Peters strained his calf and is considered day to day, though with a Thursday night game this week, it will be tough for him to play, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 24, 2018
The Los Angeles cornerback’s diagnosis of a high-ankle sprain will sideline him for a month, according to ESPN. Talib sustained the injury last Sunday during the second half of the Rams’ 35-23 win over the Chargers. He was taken back to the locker room and was seen wearing a walking boot on his left leg.
Rams’ CB Marcus Peters Out (Calf)
#Rams CB Marcus Peters is believed to have suffered a calf strain that could put him out for 2-4 weeks, I’m told. His MRI to confirm is this morning, but the initial tests show no structural damage.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 24, 2018
Rams is expecting defensive back Marcus Peters to miss at least two weeks and as many as four with a calf injury. Peters’ injury happened in the second half of Sunday’s Week 3 win over the crosstown rival Chargers. He subsequently did not return to live action. Peters was further seen wearing a walking boot.
What Could All Of This Mean?
It seems like things the Los Angeles Rams are faring better so far. Nobody else in the NFC West has a winning record. Additionally, this game against the Vikings are ladden with uncharacteristic struggles on the opposing side. So it might be a good night to look the Over. Despite all of the defensive injuries, the Rams continue to trend in that direction as the total has gone Over in two of their three games this season.
In truth, the Rams are looking more and more unstoppable on offense. They also seem to be content keeping their foot on the gas and piling up points right until the end. Furthermore, they’re currently catching the Vikings defense as the latter has given up 56 points over the last two games. With Cook’s injury and their comeback issues, the Vikings might end up throwing all night.
Team Overviews
Let’s see how both are stacking up for today’s match.
Minnesota Vikings
24 hours. #Skol pic.twitter.com/mamm9dcXlH
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 27, 2018
Quarterback: Nobody was expecting the Vikings to be on the receiving end of a blowout last week. They were massive 16.5 point favorites, after all. However, it was the Bills who dominated the Vikings to a score of 27-6. Cousins got sacked four times and fumbled three times, and lost two out of three. This all caused Cousins to air it out heavily, finishing 40/55 with 296 yards, a touchdown and an interception. However, all is not lost for Cousins. The Rams will play without cornerbacks Aqib Talib and likely Marcus Peters (who is currently questionable). This leaves the likes of Nickell Robey-Coleman, Sam Shields and Troy Hill to fill the void.
Running Backs: The events of Week 3 has removed Latavius Murray from the game plan. Murray may make a show of it tonight, but we saw how ineffective he can become if the Vikings manage to find themselves in a hole. And we mentioned how Dalvin Cook is questionable with his hamstring injury that he may not even play. Even if he does, we can just imagine how the Vikings will push him coming off his torn ACL and now this hamstring injury.
Pass Catchers: The Vikings are bound to play catch-up on this game. Adam Thielen has so far finished with a 14-105-0 line off a team-high 19 targets. Stefon Diggs, meanwhike, finished 4-17-0 on 10 targets. Thielen will probably play a good match-up against Nickell Robey-Coleman on the inside. This makes him the main option on the Vikings to watch out for this week.
Los Angeles Rams
https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1045128390234263553
Quarterback: With an impressive score of 33, 34 and 35 points in their first three games, the Rams are strong. But they are currently on a tougher task this week against the Vikings defense. Jared Goff exceptionally shredded the Chargers defense in Week 3 for 354 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He now has a 6:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He is also fifth in the NFL in passing yards with a whopping 941. Cousins on the other side is also strong, however. But both have tough match-ups against solid defenses.
Running Backs: Todd Gurley has now accounts for half of the Rams’ touchdowns thus far. This means he gets a good match-up on paper as a home favorite. Not to mention that the Vikings be without Everson Griffen. Things are looking up for Gurley and it will likely be this way throughout the whole season. He has at least 19 rushing attempts and three receptions in every game by the looks of it. Suffice it to say, he’ll probably be the best play for the LA Rams.
Pass Catchers: Robert Woods erupted for a 10-104-2 line off a team-high 11 targets in Week 3. He now leads the team with a 29% target share. Aside from him, Brandin Cooks and Cooper Kupp will most likely play a good game as well.
The Takeaway
Both the Vikings and the Rams have experienced a couple of setbacks leading to this penultimate moment. However, both have fighting chances to prove themselves. The Vikings will be catching the Rams at the right time as they could be without their top two cornerbacks. Todd Gurley and Robert Woods will be putting pressure on the other side, however. A Kirk Cousins – Adam Thielen stack will be a good play to witness. We could even see more of Stefon Diggs if he’ll continue seeing heavy volume.
All in all, Thursday Night Football us going to be a major decision-maker. The Rams have been the elimination challenge winners of the conference through three weeks. Meanwhile, the Vikings are fired up to prove themselves after the wake of their loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.