The Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams faced off twice in the 2024-25 NFL season delivering high stakes battles that showcased contrasting team identities. Their first clash on October 24, 2024, ended with a 30-20 Rams victory on Thursday Night Football, while the second, a Wild Card playoff game on January 13, 2025, saw the Rams dominate 27-9. Fans searching for Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams match player stats crave detailed insights into individual performances, game-changing moments, and statistical trends. This analyzes player stats from both games, drawing from sources like espn.com, nfl.com, sportskeeda.com, therams.com, and foxsports.com. Crafted for football enthusiasts, analysts.
The Vikings, with a 14-3 regular season record in 2024, were a top NFC contender, led by Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson (nfl.com). The Rams, finishing 10-7 as the NFC’s fourth seed, revitalized their offense with the return of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua (espn.com). These games, one at SoFi Stadium and one at State Farm Stadium due to Los Angeles wildfires, highlighted the Rams’ defensive prowess and the Vikings’ struggles under pressure (therams.com). Below, we break down player stats, key moments, and strategic insights, with context from their historical rivalry.
Table of Contents
Game 1: October 24, 2024 – Rams Win 30-20 in Inglewood
Game Overview
On October 24, 2024, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Minnesota Vikings 30-20 at SoFi Stadium, snapping Minnesota’s 5-1 start (espn.com). Matthew Stafford threw four touchdowns with Kupp and Nacua back, while the Vikings lost left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a knee injury, hampering their offense (sportskeeda.com). A controversial non-called facemask on Sam Darnold’s safety sealed the Rams’ win (cbssports.com).
Vikings Player Stats
Sam Darnold completed 18 of 25 passes for 240 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, but was sacked for a safety late (espn.com). He connected with Justin Jefferson for 8 receptions and 115 yards, including a 19-yard gain (en.as.com). Josh Oliver and Trent Sherfield caught 5-yard and 10-yard touchdown passes, respectively (foxsports.com). Aaron Jones rushed for 58 yards on 19 carries, but the offense stalled, scoring only two field goals after halftime (sportskeeda.com). Will Reichard made two field goals (23 and 35 yards) (cbssports.com). Defensively, Ivan Pace Jr. and Stephon Gilmore limited big plays, but the unit allowed 386 yards (pff.com).
Minnesota scored on their first two drives, with Darnold going 8-for-8 for 94 yards, but managed just 28.6% third-down conversions (2-for-7) (usatoday.com). Darrisaw’s injury forced David Quessenberry into action, who allowed six pressures, including Jared Verse’s 13-yard sack (nfl.com).
Rams Player Stats
Matthew Stafford threw 25 of 34 passes for 279 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception, earning an 8.2-yard average depth of target (pff.com). Puka Nacua had 7 catches for 106 yards, with 51 yards after the catch, while Cooper Kupp caught 5 passes for 51 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown (cbssports.com). Demarcus Robinson scored two touchdowns (25 and 10 yards), finishing with 3 catches for 35 yards (foxsports.com). Kyren Williams rushed for 97 yards on 23 carries and caught a 5-yard touchdown (espn.com). Joshua Karty made all extra points (usatoday.com). Defensively, Byron Young’s safety sack and Jared Verse’s pressures disrupted Darnold (cbssports.com).
The Rams converted 53.8% of fourth-down attempts (7-for-13) and scored on their opening drive, a first for 2024 (usatoday.com). Their 386 total yards and 28.6% third-down conversions (2-for-7) reflected offensive balance (espn.com).
Key Insights
The return of Kupp and Nacua transformed the Rams’ offense, with Stafford’s four touchdowns doubling his season total to that point (espn.com). Minnesota’s defense, previously stingy (no first-quarter TDs allowed), couldn’t contain the Rams’ receivers (pff.com). Darrisaw’s injury and a missed facemask call on Young’s safety were turning points, as the Vikings’ offense faltered in the final three quarters (cbssports.com).
Game 2: January 13, 2025 – Rams Dominate 27-9 in Wild Card Round
Game Overview
On January 13, 2025, the Rams crushed the Vikings 27-9 in a Wild Card playoff game at State Farm Stadium, relocated due to Los Angeles wildfires (therams.com). The Rams’ defense set a playoff record with nine sacks on Sam Darnold, while Matthew Stafford’s efficient passing secured a trip to face the Eagles (nfl.com). Minnesota’s 14-3 season ended with a whimper, their offense scoring just nine points (yahoo.com).
Vikings Player Stats
Sam Darnold had a nightmarish game, completing 25 of 40 passes for 245 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a lost fumble, while taking nine sacks for 82 yards lost (nfl.com). Justin Jefferson caught 7 passes for 88 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown to T.J. Hockenson in the third quarter (foxsports.com). Aaron Jones rushed for 45 yards on 15 carries, and Jordan Addison had 4 catches for 50 yards (espn.com). Will Reichard made a 34-yard field goal, but a failed two-point conversion after Hockenson’s touchdown kept the score at 27-9 (foxsports.com). Defensively, Blake Cashman’s overturned fumble return for a touchdown was a missed opportunity (therams.com).
Minnesota’s offense managed only 28.6% third-down conversions (4-for-14) and was held to 3 points in the first half (foxsports.com). The nine sacks tied an NFL playoff record, with six in the first half alone (therams.com).
Rams Player Stats
Matthew Stafford completed 19 of 27 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns, starting with 10 consecutive completions for 113 yards (therams.com). Kyren Williams caught a 5-yard touchdown and rushed for 75 yards on 20 carries (foxsports.com). Davis Allen scored on a 13-yard touchdown pass, and Puka Nacua had 5 catches for 70 yards (espn.com). Cooper Kupp added 4 receptions for 55 yards (foxsports.com). Jared Verse returned a 57-yard fumble for a touchdown, and Kobie Turner led with two sacks among eight players recording at least 0.5 sacks (therams.com). Joshua Karty kicked a 44-yard field goal (foxsports.com).
The Rams’ 26 pressures tied their season high, and their 34-yard field goal in the first quarter set the tone (therams.com). Their 40% third-down conversion rate (6-for-15) and 209 passing yards against a blitz-heavy defense showcased Stafford’s poise (pff.com).
Key Insights
The Rams’ defense, orchestrated by Chris Shula, overwhelmed Darnold with creative pressures, setting a playoff record for sacks (therams.com). Stafford’s 144.7 passer rating against the blitz (70% of dropbacks) dismantled Minnesota’s top-five defense (pff.com). The Vikings’ offense, explosive in the regular season, lacked rhythm, with Darnold’s nine sacks and overturned fumble return proving catastrophic (nfl.com). The neutral-site setting didn’t faze the Rams, who played their best game amid wildfire challenges (yahoo.com).
Historical Context: Vikings-Rams Rivalry
The Vikings lead the all-time series 27-18-2, including seven postseason games, but the Rams won both 2024-25 matchups (vikings.com). Since the Rams’ return to Los Angeles in 2016, they’ve won three of four meetings, including a 38-31 victory in 2018 (vikings.com). The October 2024 game echoed the Rams’ 2021 win (30-23), with Stafford exploiting Minnesota’s secondary (espn.com). The Wild Card loss marked Minnesota’s second straight playoff disappointment under Kevin O’Connell, who was the Rams’ offensive coordinator during their 2021 Super Bowl run (nfl.com).
Strategic Analysis and Player Impact
Vikings’ Strengths
Justin Jefferson’s 203 receiving yards across both games (15 catches) solidified his elite status, averaging 13.5 yards per catch (espn.com). Sam Darnold’s 485 passing yards and three touchdowns in the two games showed potential, but his 10 sacks and turnovers in the playoff game hurt (nfl.com). Aaron Jones’ 103 rushing yards provided balance, but the offense’s 28.6% third-down conversion rate in both games limited drives (foxsports.com). The defense, top-five in takeaways and sacks, faltered, allowing 410 total yards in January (nfl.com).
Rams Strengths
Matthew Stafford’s 488 passing yards, six touchdowns, and one interception across both games, with a 144.7 passer rating against the blitz in January, showcased his veteran savvy (pff.com). Puka Nacua (176 receiving yards) and Cooper Kupp (106 yards, 1 TD) transformed the offense (cbssports.com). The defense’s 10 sacks, including nine in the playoff game, and Verse’s 57-yard fumble return touchdown were game-changers (therams.com). Kyren Williams’ 172 rushing yards and two touchdowns added versatility (espn.com).
Head-to-Head Trends
The Rams’ 2-0 sweep in 2024-25 reversed Minnesota’s historical edge (vikings.com). Their 26 pressures in January and 386 yards in October exposed Minnesota’s secondary and pass protection (pff.com). The Vikings’ 10 turnovers (including sacks) compared to the Rams’ one interception highlighted ball-security disparities (nfl.com). The Rams’ 53.8% fourth-down conversion rate in October contrasted with Minnesota’s 28.6% third-down struggles (usatoday.com).
For Fans and Bettors
Fans should track Jefferson vs. Kupp matchups, as their receiving yards often dictate offensive flow (sportskeeda.com). Bettors note the Rams’ 60% against-the-spread win rate in their last five games vs. Minnesota’s 40% (espn.com). The Rams’ sack totals (10 across both games) make them favorites against pass-heavy teams (therams.com). Check nfl.com for box scores and foxsports.com for live stats to stay updated.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams 2024-25 season matchups were defined by the Rams’ offensive resurgence and defensive dominance, with a 30-20 win on October 24, 2024, and a 27-9 Wild Card rout on January 13, 2025 (espn.com, nfl.com). Matthew Stafford’s 488 passing yards and six touchdowns, bolstered by Puka Nacua (176 yards) and Cooper Kupp (106 yards, 1 TD), powered the Rams, while their defense, led by Jared Verse’s 57-yard fumble return touchdown and nine playoff sacks, overwhelmed Sam Darnold (therams.com). Justin Jefferson’s 203 receiving yards and Sam Darnold’s 485 passing yards kept Minnesota competitive, but 10 sacks and turnovers in the playoff game ended their 14-3 season (sportskeeda.com). The Rams’ ability to exploit Minnesota’s secondary and pass protection, especially in the neutral-site Wild Card game, cemented their 2-0 series sweep (yahoo.com). As the Rams advanced to face the Eagles, fans and analysts tracking stats on nfl.com or espn.com will see this matchup as a testament to Los Angeles’ playoff grit and Minnesota’s need for postseason resilience in future seasons.
FAQS
Who were the top performers in the Rams’ 30-20 win over the Vikings on October 24, 2024?
Matthew Stafford threw for 279 yards and four touchdowns, targeting Puka Nacua (7 catches, 106 yards) and Cooper Kupp (5 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD). Demarcus Robinson scored twice (25 and 10 yards). For the Vikings, Justin Jefferson had 8 receptions for 115 yards, and Sam Darnold threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns, but a late safety sealed their fate (espn.com, sportskeeda.com).
How did the Rams’ defense impact the Vikings in the 27-9 Wild Card win on January 13, 2025?
The Rams’ defense set an NFL playoff record with nine sacks on Sam Darnold, led by Kobie Turner (2 sacks) and eight players with at least 0.5 sacks. Jared Verse’s 57-yard fumble return touchdown in the first half was decisive. Darnold managed 245 yards and one touchdown but took 82 yards in sack losses (therams.com, nfl.com).
What role did turnovers play in the Vikings’ losses to the Rams in the 2024-25 season?
In October, a Stafford interception led to a Vikings field goal, but Minnesota’s inability to capitalize on drives cost them (20 points). In January, Darnold’s interception and fumble, including Verse’s touchdown return, gave the Rams 10 points off turnovers, while Minnesota’s overturned fumble return hurt their comeback chances (foxsports.com, yahoo.com).