Thursday Night Football Week 8: Vikings vs. Rams Picks, Predictions, & Best Player Prop Bets

Vikings vs. Rams features a matchup of two teams from each conference, with playoff hopes still intact in 2024. 

Week 8 in the NFL brings us under the lights at SoFi Stadium, where Matthew Stafford and the Rams will take on Sam Darnold and the Vikings. For Los Angeles (2-4), last Sunday’s narrow 20-15 victory over the Raiders came courtesy of four crucial turnovers from their opponent, keeping their season afloat. Now, the Rams face a far tougher test.

This game takes on extra intrigue as trade rumors swirl as the NFL trade deadline approaches. The most likely trade would be the Rams moving on from Cooper Kupp, who is set to return to action following an absence due to injury. The most surprising trade rumor is that the Vikings may actually be pursuing Matthew Stafford as they eye a run at the Super Bowl.

The Vikings (5-1), reeling from their first loss of the season, come into this game with a fire in their eyes. Last week, Minnesota jumped out to a 10-0 lead over Detroit, only to fall behind 28-17 before clawing back to take a 29-28 lead in the fourth quarter. But it wasn’t enough. The Lions’ Jake Bates delivered a last-second field goal, sealing a 31-29 victory, handing the Lions their first loss of the 2024 season.

As the Rams look to keep their season alive, they turn to veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who hopes to find his rhythm against a fierce Minnesota defense. But Stafford won’t go at it alone—he’ll need help in this primetime clash as Los Angeles aims to stand tall under the Thursday night lights, and he’ll be happy to welcome back top catcher Cooper Kupp.

We’re 4-1 in our last two Thursday night picks, predictions, and best-player props!

Check out our Vikings vs. Rams preview!

Vikings vs. Rams Betting Preview

All Vikings vs. Rams odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

• Spread
  Vikings -3
• Moneyline
  Vikings -150 | Rams +130
• Over/Under
  48.5
• Game time
  8:15 p.m. ET
• Location
  SoFi Stadium | Inglewood, CA
• Predicted Weather at Kick
  73 degrees, Partly Cloudy
• How to Watch
  Amazon Prime Video

Vikings vs. Rams Picks, Predictions, and Best Player Prop Bets

The Minnesota Vikings saw their perfect season slip away in a heart-pounding 31-29 loss to the Lions. It was a game that came down to the final seconds, where victory was within reach, only to be taken away by a last-minute field goal. Now, the Vikings march into SoFi Stadium with something to prove. I think Sam Darnold and this Vikings offense will look excellent in-doors against this struggling Rams defense.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams are navigating a season defined by injuries and uncertainty. Their narrow victory over the struggling Raiders, a 20-15 win, was more survival than success. SoFi Stadium will be filled with a sea of purple and gold as Minnesota fans flock to Inglewood, turning the Rams’ home turf into a battleground.

For Los Angeles, the challenge is immense. Heading into Week 7, their defense ranked last in the league. Sam Darnold and the Vikings, stinging from their near miss against Detroit, could put up big numbers on this fast track, looking to get back on the winning side of things. For the Rams, it’s another night of survival. For the Vikings, it’s about redemption.

I like the Vikings in this one, but Stafford is the king of late-game revivals on drives where he needs a score. I’m afraid the Vikings will leave the backdoor open late, so I’m eying Vikings moneyline.

Matthew Stafford – QB | Rams –  Over 235.5 ing Yards (-110)

While I just wrote about how I love the Vikings offense coming into this one, their excellent defense has been a bit vulnerable to the ing game in recent weeks. So I also love Stafford in this Vikings vs. Rams matchup.

Matthew Stafford has been in survival mode all season long for the Los Angeles Rams. At 36, he’s endured hit after hit, with injuries to his receiving corps and offensive line making every snap a challenge. The veteran quarterback has seen his production dip, but hope is on the horizon.

In Week 8, Stafford is set to get some much-needed help. Star receiver Cooper Kupp is expected to return for the first time since Week 2, offering Stafford a reliable target once again. The timing couldn’t be better, with offensive lineman Joe Noteboom also slated to come back just in time to protect against Minnesota’s relentless rush.

The Vikings’ blitz-heavy defense leads the NFL in pressure rate, but their secondary has shown vulnerabilities. In the past three games, they’ve given up 389, 244, and 280 ing yards, the third-most in the league over that span. With Kupp back in the fold, Stafford will look to exploit those cracks. Expect a battle as the Rams aim to keep pace with the Vikings, and Stafford looks to rise from survival mode to thrive again.

The Rams will likely be playing from behind, which could mean a busy night for Matthew Stafford through the air. The Vikings have allowed an average of 260.3 ing yards per game, a vulnerability Stafford, with Cooper Kupp back, will aim to exploit. Four quarterbacks have already sured this ing yardage prop against Minnesota this season. With the Rams needing to keep up and Stafford finally getting some key pieces back, this is a prime opportunity for him to exceed expectations and deliver a big performance.

#Raiders DE Maxx Crosby to Matthew Stafford after Sunday’s game: “Hey, I grew up literally your biggest fan. You’re one of the best to ever do it.”

pic.twitter.com/xysfxOM6n7

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 23, 2024

Aaron Jones – RB | Vikings –  Anytime Touchdown Prop – YES (-125)

There’s something about Aaron Jones that makes him a constant threat whenever he steps onto the field. After battling through a hamstring injury, Jones returned last Sunday, quietly putting up 93 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries against a tough Lions defense. His presence changes the complexion of the Vikings’ offense, and on Thursday night in this Vikings vs Rams battle, he’ll look to build on that momentum.

These prop odds opened at +110 and have moved to -125. They’ll keep climbing before Thursday night’s kickoff.

The Rams have shown vulnerability, particularly in stopping the run. They’ve allowed an average of 124 rushing yards per game to opposing running backs, surrendering six touchdowns on the ground this season. For a player like Jones, with his ability to break open games both on the ground and through the air, this matchup is tailor-made for another big moment.

In a game where Minnesota needs a spark, look for Jones to find the end zone and once again prove why he’s one of the Vikings’ most reliable playmakers.

Aaron Jones. Still scorin', still leapin'.

(by @FedEx) pic.twitter.com/9OaMmMpxhS

— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2024

The Prediction: Vikings 27 – Rams 24

Best Bets:

• Vikings ML  -150
• Matthew Stafford OVER 235.5 Receiving Yards (-110)
• Aaron Jones ANYTIME TD Scorer (-125)