Vikings vs. Rams predictions, odds for TNF: The return of Cooper Kupp won't save LA
In what may be a final gasp on the Los Angeles Rams’ season, reinforcements are on the way for Thursday night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Cooper Kupp is making his return to the team after missing the last four games, and the Rams are also optimistic about Puka Nacua’s chances play. If both go, it’ll be Matthew Stafford’s first game with all of his top playmakers since the season opener.
The #Rams get Cooper Kupp back (for the final time?) tonight against the #Vikings — and there is now optimism Puka Nacua potentially could return as well. @gmfb @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/BHcqTBJNyW
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 24, 2024
He’ll need it. The Vikings are a late Detroit Lions field goal away from being 6-0. They have the NFL’s sixth-best scoring offense and defense. They’re favored by 3 points on the road, and even if the Rams figure out how to score on Minnesota, they aren’t likely to get many stops.
It’ll be on Stafford and the offense to keep up.
Betting splits (BetMGM)
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Spread: 80% of bets on Vikings / 78% of money on Vikings
Moneyline: 67% of bets on Vikings / 70% of money on Vikings
Total: 57% of bets on Over / 56% of money on Over
Prince’s Pick
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Vikings -3
I have to side with the public on this one. Though the Vikings proved to be somewhat vulnerable on defense in last week’s loss to the Lions, the gap between the Rams offense and Detroit’s is not insignificant. Especially in the first week of Kupp and Nacua’s return.
More importantly, the Rams defense is flat out bad. They rank bottom 10 in both yards and points allowed this season. They’re especially bad against the run, which should allow Minnesota to control the pace.
Prince’s Player Prop
Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Matthew Stafford Over 239.5 passing yards
I said the Vikings don’t give up many points. I never said they don’t bleed yardage. Minnesota actually allows the third-most passing yards per game in the NFL at 260.3. They’ve allowed at least 240 yards in five straight games.
Stafford’s only been over this number twice all season, but his yardage should begin trending up with his top receivers back. Especially in a game like this where the Rams could face a negative game script.
Anytime TD scorer
David Berding/Getty Images
Justin Jefferson (-120)
I wish I could recommend something with longer odds, but this is the easiest call to make. Jefferson has scored a touchdown in five of six games this year and the Rams don’t have anyone who can slow him. No need to overthink it.