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The primary NFL recreation of Week 8 pits mates towards each other, as Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell returns to Hollywood to battle head coach Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams. Previous to taking the lead job in Minnesota (2022), O’Connell labored as McVay’s offensive coordinator for 2 seasons (2020-21). Now, he will get the possibility to defeat his outdated boss in primetime motion. At this level, the Vikings are the favorites to win, due to their present type, compared to the Rams.
O’Connell’s arrival in Los Angeles isn’t near probably the most notable return, although. Huge receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) are lastly recovered from their illnesses, giving quarterback Matthew Stafford his high two weapons for the primary time for the reason that opening quarter of Week 1.
Stafford can lastly really feel comfy along with his receiving corps, however he possible received’t have a lot time to get them the ball. Los Angeles’ offensive line has struggled all season, and now faces a Minnesota protection that has the third-most sacks (24) within the NFL. The chess match between McVay and Vikings’ defensive coordinator Brian Flores will play an enormous function during which the crew emerges victorious.
On the opposite aspect of the ball, Minnesota elected to carry star tight finish T.J. Hockenson out for tonight’s recreation. Hockenson tore his ACL in 2023, and has but to play this season, however had been working towards in restricted trend all week.
His prolonged absence provides the Rams’ protection a little bit of a reprieve, however doesn’t make their jobs simpler. They nonetheless should decelerate the league’s highest-paid non-QB: broad receiver Justin Jefferson.
This 12 months, Jefferson is averaging 88.1 yards per recreation, however has but to crack 100 yards in a single contest. He advised reporters earlier this week he’s “sick of 80, 90-yard games.” He’s wanting to placed on a present beneath the lights, that means Los Angeles could have an excellent harder job than standard.
The Vikings (5-1) are a 2.5-point favourite tonight, however the Rams (2-4) are determined to stay within the playoff hunt. A loss might make them commerce Kupp within the coming days. They’ll be bringing their all in what must be a really entertaining Thursday Evening matchup.
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