Minnesota Vikings @ Los Angeles Rams

Over/Under: 49

Game Line: Rams -6.5

Players to Watch

Minnesota Vikings

  • Minnesota had 14 rushing yards on six attempts in Week 3. Dalvin Cook expects to play in this one.

  • Adam Thielen has 15 more targets than any other pass catcher on the Vikings.

  • Kirk Cousins is fourth in the league with 965 passing yards and is tied for sixth in the league in touchdowns.

  • Despite the fact that Thielen has been the Vikings go-to receiver, Stefon Diggs has been the one to get the work in the red zone as he’s caught three touchdowns already compared to Thielen’s one.

  • In the two weeks prior to Dalvin Cook ’s injury, Cook was only averaging three yards per carry.

  • Kyle Rudolph has at least six targets in back-to-back games and has scored two touchdowns through three games.

 

Los Angeles Rams

  • Jared Goff has been impressive this season notching a 70-percent completion percentage and has averaged 305.1 yards per game.

  • Todd Gurley ranks fourth in the NFL in rushing yards with 255 and has already scored five touchdowns.

  • The Rams have three guys with 20-plus targets through three games; Robert Woods (29), Brandin Cooks (25), Cooper Kupp (21).

  • The Rams defense is tied for 29th in sacks with just four.

  • The 26.9 implied points the Rams currently have checks in as the fourth highest total on the board for Week 4.

  • Brandin Cooks has 114 yards more than any other Rams receiver this year and is averaging 17.7 yards per reception.

 

Pregame Props

1) The last non-kneeling, offensive play of the 1st Quarter is a running play YES 2.5 / NO 2.5

If the Rams have the ball, there is a definite chance they pound the rock with Gurley to end the quarter. I’d lean more towards a pass if Minnesota has it, especially if Dalvin Cook is banged up at all. I’m leaning towards the Rams dominating the time of possession here and I think they’ll have it at the end of the quarter, so I’m going to go with YES, it’s a running play.

2) The first offensive play of the game is a completed pass YES 3.0 / NO 2.0

After a disastrous Week 3 performance, the Vikings probably come out looking to make a statement here. If the Vikings win the toss, I wouldn’t be surprised if they elected to receive and come out guns blazing the first play of the game. Going YES here.

3) MIN outscores LAR in the 1st Quarter YES 2.7 / NO 2.2

Just basing this question off of Vegas odds, I’m going with NO.  The Rams are nearly a touchdown favorite and there is a reason they’re 3-0 on the year.

4) S. Diggs (MIN) records more receptions than A. Thielen (MIN) in the 1st Quarter YES 2.2 / NO 3.1

I touched base on how many more targets Thielen has had than Diggs this year as Kirk Cousins has clearly taken favorite to Thielen. I’m going with NO.

5) MIN scores on their opening drive YES 4 / NO 1.8

This Rams defense is NASTY. It’s hard to flat out say the Vikings are going to score. THAT SAID, the secondary is banged up and I mentioned a couple of questions up that the Vikings will likely come out looking to make a statement. If you’re looking for an advantage in this contest, this is a risk you should take. YES here.

6) J. Goff (LAR) completes 3 or more passed on LAR opening drive YES 2.5 / NO 2.5

He has sooooo many offensive weapons it’s hard to say he won’t complete three passes on any drive. I’m going with YES here.