Vikings vs Rams Predictions: Wild Card Weekend finale should be entertaining

The last of the six games on the NFL's Wild Card Weekend is an enticing NFC clash between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings. The game was originally scheduled to take place at the Rams' SoFi Stadium home, but the California wildfires have forced a change of venue to State Farm Stadium in Arizona. The Rams already had a tough task ahead of them as the 14-3 Vikings have the best record of any team to play in a Wild Card match, but Kevin O'Connell's team missed out on a divisional win as they play in the tough NFC North and finished second to the 15-2 Detroit Lions.

The teams met in Week 8 of the regular season, when the Rams won 30-20 and became one of only two teams to beat Minnesota this year as their other two defeats both came against the Lions. The Vikings had won nine games in a row before their 31-9 loss at Ford Field, while the Rams had been on a five-game winning streak before playing their reserves against Seattle in Week 18, so the stage is set for a fascinating play-off contest.

Read on for our Rams vs Vikings predictions, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Rams offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (shoulder) has been limited in practice but he and tight end Hunter Long (quad) are both expected to play.

The Vikings have doubts over running back Ty Chandler (illness) and linebacker Patrick Jones (knee).

Running back Aaron Jones (quad) is expected to play, along with cornerback Fabian Moreau (hip) and tight end Josh Oliver (wrist), while defensive lineman Taki Taimani (ankle) has returned to practice and could be activated from injured reserve.

Viking vs Rams Odds

The Vikings are favourites at 7/10, with the Rams priced at 23/20. Minnesota are asked to give up 2.5 points on the handicap with odds of 20/23, while the Rams are 10/11 getting a start of 2.5 points.

The total points line has been set at 47.5, with odds of 10/11 for over 47.5 and 10/11 for under 47.5.

Over 47.5 total points - 10/11

These teams combined to score 50 points in their first meeting this season and that followed the trend of their other recent encounters which had produced 69 and 53 points.

Another entertaining game is likely with two of the NFL's top wide receiver pairings going head-to-head as Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison of the Vikings make excellent targets for quarterback Sam Darnold, while his counterpart Matthew Stafford can seek out the lively Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.

The Vikings have conceded 24, 25 and 31 points in their last three games and while the Rams have played in some lower-scoring contests of late, they showed what can happen when they take on another high-powered offence in their 44-42 win over the Bills in Week 14.

Tyler Higbee anytime touchdown scorer @ 17/5

The Rams lost four of their first five games this season when they were missing their usual top receiving options as Kupp, Nacua and tight end Tyler Higbee were all out due to injuries.

Higbee needed more recovery time than the wide receivers, but he has made three appearances since his return to fitness and has already made his mark.

The tight end scored a touchdown against the Jets in his comeback game just before Christmas and was in the end zone again last week with one of his five receptions for 46 yards against the Seahawks. He is a value price to catch a pass in the end zone again on Monday night.

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