Minnesota streaked into their bye undefeated. However, the Lions knocked them off their perch with a 31-29 victory in Week 7.
The vaunted Vikings defense was pillaged for 31 points and 391 total yards of offense. Jared Goff went 22-of-25 for 280 yards and two touchdowns while Jahmyr Gibbs scampered 15 times for 116 yards and two touchdowns.
Minnesota is too well-coached to not expect them to bounce back in a big way. The defense has allowed the third-lowest Pass EPA and second-lowest Rush EPA. Brian Flores has dialed up the blitz a league-leading 44.4% of the time.
This is a big problem for the Rams because PFF has their offensive line rated 26th in the league heading into Week 8.
But, but, but, they do get Cooper Kupp back.
But, but, but, but, but….the Rams’ run defense has allowed the fifth-most Rush EPA while being middle-of-the-pack against the pass.
DK Sportsbook has the visiting Vikings favored by 2.5 points on Thursday with the total a respectable 48 points.
As for Wednesday’s injury report, TE TJ Hockenson (knee) and WR Puka Nacua (knee) are questionable. WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder) is out. RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) and WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) are active. Stay informed on the most recent updates at DK LIVE.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $1.5M Thursday Night Showdown [$500K to 1st] (MIN @ LAR)
Captain’s Picks
Cooper Kupp ($16,500 CP): In Week 1, Kupp caught 14 of 21 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown. When Matthew Stafford first arrived in Los Angeles, all he did was pepper Kupp 191 times, which Kupp translated into 145 receptions, 1,947 yards, 16 touchdowns and 89 first downs. The Vikings’ defense is stout in all phases, and the offense will more than likely put up points in this one. That means the probability is high that the Rams’ offense will be Stafford to Kupp all night.
UTIL Plays
Aaron Jones ($9,600): I’d love to fit in Justin Jefferson, but he is just too expensive, especially if I’m selecting Kupp. Therefore, there are other options in the passing game that I could go to, but Jones is the guy on the ground, and the Vikings should have success rushing and passing in this one. In Week 7, Jones received 72% of the snaps at running back with no other back getting more than 18%. Jones rushed 14 times for 93 yards and a touchdown while catching all three targets for 23 yards.
Sam Darnold ($9,400): My exposure to the Vikings’ passing game will have to come through Darnold, as I think the Vikings offense as a whole has success. Darnold has cooled off after the hot start in which he scored over 20 FPTS in three of the first four games. That said, the last two contests have been against the Jets and Lions, and he went for 17.26 against Detroit.
TJ Hockenson ($5,200): Hockenson hasn’t played yet this season and is officially questionable, but he has been a limited participant in practices and Kevin O’Connell said that it’s “very much a possibility” that he plays. Last season, Hockenson garnered 127 targets and, while that was with Kirk Cousins at quarterback, I think Darnold would utilize him in a similar fashion.
Fades
Kyren Williams ($11,200): Williams has scored double-digit FPTS in every game this season and is the unquestioned bellcow for the Rams. Over the last four games, Williams has carried 21, 22, 19 and 24 times. As mentioned in the intro, though, the Vikings have one of the most stout run defenses in the league. Sure, Jahmyr Gibbs had a field day last week, but the Lions possess the top-rated offensive line while the Rams have one of the worst.
THE OUTCOME
I think the Rams get smoked in this one. I do see a scenario in which it’s a back-and-forth affair, but the Vikings are the superior team on both sides of the ball. Sure, Kupp will do some things and keep it interesting for a bit, but the cream rises to the top and the Vikings show everyone that they deserve to be at the top of power rankings.
Final Score: Vikings 34, Rams 16
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $1.5M Thursday Night Showdown [$500K to 1st] (MIN @ LAR)
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is sontzu) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
