Thursday, October 24th
Minnesota Vikings @ Los Angeles Rams (+2.5) 48 LW [U]
When: Thursday, October 24th at 8:15 pm ET
Where: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California
Channel: Prime Video
Moneyline: Vikings -166, Rams +140
Spread: Vikings -2.5 (-115), Rams +2.5 (-105)
Total = 48
Pundits are pointing to Vikings QB, Sam Darnold as “coming back to earth” since his and his Vikings sizzling start to the 2024 campaign.
Not sure I agree with that sentiment. The 5-1 Norsemen could be 6-0 if not for a heartbreaking loss to NFC leading Detroit last week.
Remember, this is the NFL; a league design to create 32 8-8- teams. Reverse draft order and waiver wire options, limited free agency, salary cap and floor, and access to practice squad talent are the elements of that design.
Certainly, ownership/ management make a difference; contrast the Rooneys in Pittsburgh with Tepper in Carolina or Haslam with the Browns. Coaching is another determinative factor. Andy Reid is the leagues best--compare him to Antonio Pierce in Vegas or Brian Daboll in New York. Given the same talent, Reid’s teams would win at least two more games a year.
That doesn’t mean Kevin O’Connell is a better coach than Sean McVay. O’Connell used to work for McVay--guys with that history usually manage to keep their games close. There is reason to believe--Cooper Kupp’s return being primary--the Big Horns are finding themselves. Conversely, after a Pro Bowl level start, Sam Darnold is regressing a bit.
However, the Norsemen’s defense is real, so is DC, Brian Flores; the Rams are still wondering who will be their new Aaron Donald.
I’m taking the Norsemen, laying the 2.5 and calling the Under.
Vikings 26
Rams 21
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