Introduction
On January 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the Los Angeles Rams secured a 27-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs. This game, relocated due to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and attended by 64,515 fans, was broadcast on ESPN/ABC/ESPN+ and officiated by referees Allen Baynes, John Hussey, Dana McKenzie, Eugene Hall, Matt Edwards, Terry Killens Jr., and Thomas Eaton. The matchup was crucial for playoff positioning, with the Rams advancing to the divisional round and the Vikings’ season ending. This article provides a detailed analysis of Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats, key performances, and the factors that led to the Rams’ win.
Key Points
- The Los Angeles Rams won the latest match against the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 on January 13, 2025.
- Matthew Stafford threw for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Rams.
- Sam Darnold had 245 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception for the Vikings, but was sacked 9 times.
- The Rams’ defense, with 9 sacks and a fumble return touchdown, was crucial for their victory.
Player Stats Overview
- Rams Key Players: Matthew Stafford (209 yards, 2 TDs), Kyren Williams (5-yard TD reception), Davis Allen (13-yard TD reception), Jared Verse (57-yard fumble return TD), Joshua Karty (2 field goals).
- Vikings Key Players: Sam Darnold (245 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 9 sacks), T.J. Hockenson (64 yards, 1 TD), Will Reichard (34-yard field goal).
Game Context and Significance
The Eagles entered the game with a strong regular-season record, finishing as the No. 2 seed in the NFC with a 13-4 record, while the Packers, as the No. 7 seed, ended with an 11-6 record. This Wild Card matchup was the second meeting between the teams in the 2024 season, following a 34-29 Eagles win in Week 1 on September 6, 2024, in Brazil. The January game was crucial for playoff positioning, with the Eagles aiming to advance to the divisional round and the Packers looking to upset a higher seed. The game was officiated by referees Barry Anderson, Rick Patterson, Greg Wilson, Dale Shaw, Sarah Thomas, Brad Allen, and Daniel Gallagher, and lasted 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Detailed Recap
The game started with the Rams taking an early lead, scoring a touchdown on their first drive with Kyren Williams catching a 5-yard pass from Matthew Stafford, making it 7-0. The Rams extended their lead with a 34-yard field goal by Joshua Karty, bringing the score to 10-0 by the end of the first quarter. The Vikings responded with a 34-yard field goal by Will Reichard, cutting the deficit to 10-3 in the second quarter. However, the Rams’ defense struck back, with Jared Verse recovering a fumble and returning it 57 yards for a touchdown, pushing the score to 17-3. Later in the second, Stafford connected with Davis Allen for a 13-yard touchdown pass, making it 24-3 at halftime.
The third quarter saw the Rams add another field goal, a 44-yarder by Karty, bringing the score to 27-3. The Vikings managed a late score with T.J. Hockenson catching a 26-yard touchdown pass from Sam Darnold, but failed the two-point conversion, ending the game at 27-9. The Rams’ defense was dominant, sacking Darnold nine times, tying an NFL playoff record, and limiting the Vikings to just 269 total yards.
Player Performances and Statistics
Below are the detailed statistics for key players from both teams, showcasing their contributions to the game’s outcome:
Los Angeles Rams
| Player | Position | Passing Stats | Rushing Stats | Receiving Stats | Defense/Special Teams |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Stafford | QB | 19/27, 209 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs | – | – | – |
| Kyren Williams | RB | – | – | 1 rec, 5 yds, 1 TD | – |
| Davis Allen | TE | – | – | 1 rec, 13 yds, 1 TD | – |
| Jared Verse | DE | – | – | – | 1 fumble recovery, 57 yds, 1 TD |
| Joshua Karty | K | – | – | – | 2/2 FG (34, 44 yds) |
| Kobie Turner | DE | – | – | – | 2.0 sacks |
| Byron Young | DE | – | – | – | 1.5 sacks |
| Neville Gallimore | DT | – | – | – | 1.5 sacks |
Minnesota Vikings
| Player | Position | Passing Stats | Rushing Stats | Receiving Stats | Defense/Special Teams |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Darnold | QB | 25/40, 245 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT | – | – | 9 sacks taken |
| T.J. Hockenson | TE | – | – | 5 rec, 64 yds, 1 TD | – |
| Justin Jefferson | WR | – | – | At least 1 rec, 11 yds | – |
| Will Reichard | K | – | – | – | 1/1 FG (34 yds) |
| Andrew Van Ginkel | LB | – | – | – | 1 sack |
| Blake Cashman | LB | – | – | – | 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery (26 yds, no TD) |
| Jonathan Greenard | DE | – | – | – | 1 fumble forced |
Strategic Insights and Analysis
The Rams’ victory was a testament to their defensive strategy, led by coordinator Chris Shula, which focused on pressuring Darnold and forcing turnovers. The nine sacks, with contributions from Kobie Turner (2.0), Byron Young (1.5), and Neville Gallimore (1.5), disrupted the Vikings’ rhythm, with Darnold losing 82 yards on those sacks. Offensively, the Rams relied on Stafford’s efficient passing, completing 70.4% of his passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns, while the Vikings struggled with turnovers, including Darnold’s interception and a fumble.
Key moments included Verse’s 57-yard fumble return for a touchdown, which shifted momentum, and the Rams’ ability to limit the Vikings’ high-powered offense, ranked sixth in passing yards during the regular season. The Vikings’ offense, led by Darnold, couldn’t overcome the pressure, with their only touchdown coming late in the game from Hockenson.
Team Statistics and Comparison
The following table summarizes the team statistics, highlighting the Rams’ edge in defense and turnovers:
| Statistic | Vikings | Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 269 | 292 |
| Passing Yards | 245 | 209 |
| Rushing Yards | 24 | 83 |
| First Downs | 20 | 16 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 6/17 (35.3%) | 4/12 (33.3%) |
| Fourth Down Efficiency | 0/0 (0.0%) | 0/0 (0.0%) |
| Turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Penalties | 5 for 35 yards | 7 for 64 yards |
| Time of Possession | 32:18 | 27:42 |
The Rams’ zero turnovers compared to the Vikings’ two was a decisive factor, with the Rams’ defense forcing interceptions and fumbles, while their offense capitalized on these opportunities.
Playoff Context and Series Implications
This game marked the end of the Vikings’ 2024 season, with their 14-3 record not enough to advance past the Wild Card round. The Rams, with this win, advanced to the divisional round, facing the Detroit Lions, where they eventually lost. The matchup highlighted the Rams’ defensive strength, ranked No. 1 in yards allowed during the regular season, and the Vikings’ struggles against top-tier teams, finishing 0-6 against the Lions, Vikings, and Rams in 2024.
Historical Context
The 2024 NFL season saw intense competition, with the NFC featuring strong teams like the Rams and Vikings. This Wild Card game added to their rivalry, with the Rams’ earlier 30-20 win in Week 8 on October 24, 2024, setting the stage for their postseason meeting. The January game underscored the Rams’ evolution under coach Sean McVay, while the Vikings, led by Sam Darnold, showed promise but couldn’t overcome their defensive challenges.
Conclusion
The January 13, 2025, NFC Wild Card game between the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams was a showcase of defensive dominance and offensive struggles. The Rams’ 27-9 victory was driven by their defense sacking Darnold nine times and forcing turnovers, while Stafford’s efficient passing and key plays from Williams and Allen secured the win. As the Rams moved forward in the playoffs, this game will be remembered as a turning point, while the Vikings look to build on their season for 2025.
