NFL Week 16 Rams at Vikings Betting Preview
Short Week for Both Squads
It’s a short week for both combatants in the week 16 Rams at Vikings betting matchup. Minnesota got an ugly 17-9 win in Chicago on Monday night, but the Rams had a 20-10 victory against the Seahawks in a Tuesday night game that was pushed back due to health and safety protocols.
Los Angeles has won three straight, but will the quick turnaround doom them even as -3 point road favorites in this spot? There are a couple things working in the Rams’ favor, the first of which is that QB Matthew Stafford is familiar with U.S Bank Stadium from his time playing with Minnesota’s NFC North foe Detroit. The Vikings could also be without leading rusher Dalvin Cook (health and safety protocols). 57% of public betting likes the Rams.
Letdown Spot…or Not?
The Rams are coming off two wins over divisional opponents with a 30-23 victory in Arizona and beating the Seahawks by 10 points at home on Tuesday night. It’s been a nice bounce back from losses in San Francisco and in Green Bay, but also a situation where L.A may not get as amped up for a trip to Minnesota – especially after just playing on Tuesday night.
The Rams had to have liked what they saw on Saturday night though with the Colts getting a 22-16 win at Arizona. Suddenly 10-4 Los Angeles is in the driver’s seat in the NFC West over the 10-5 Cardinals, making the week 16 Rams at Vikings betting matchup that much more important.
Stafford is in some familiar stomping grounds in the Twin Cities where he threw for just 211 yards with 1 TD and 2 INT last season with Detroit in a 34-20 loss. The talent surrounding the veteran QB is immensely superior in this visit though, led by WR Cooper Kupp who already has 122 receptions, 1,625 yards, and 14 TD on the year. Even Odell Beckham, Jr. is coming into his own with a TD catch in three of the last four games.
Loss of Cook Hurts
Minnesota picked up the win on Monday night but almost by default against a horrible Chicago team. The Vikings managed just 193 yards of total offense against a very banged up Bears defense that was calling players off the practice squad to play just prior to game time. Kirk Cousins was just 12/24 for 87 yards vs. that depleted secondary although he did throw for 2 TDs vs. 1 INT.
Cousins missed some practice this week with a rib injury, but he’s expected to give it a go on Sunday. Dalvin Cook may not be as lucky after receiving a positive COVID test on Thursday and having to spend 10 days away from the team. Cook leads the NFC with 1,067 yards but was going to have a tough time anyways against a Rams defense allowing just 99.1 yards/game on the ground (6th).
Minnesota’s defense held the Bears to 9 points on Monday night, but rookie QB Justin Fields looked good going 26/39 for 285 yards with a TD and 0 INT. The Bears also had 115 yards on the ground but were doomed by three lost fumbles. If the Vikings have a similar performance like that vs. the Rams they may not be as lucky to get away with a win.
Free Week 16 Rams at Vikings Betting Pick
The extremely short turnaround is an interesting intangible for the Rams, who look to be among the NFC’s elite with their recent three game win streak. Minnesota looked horrible on Monday night, but is 4-2 at home. They lose Cook, but backup Alexander Mattison has been solid in a fill-in role. It’s a tough call, but the Vikings miraculously get the cover.
Rams 24 – Vikings 23
Free Pick: Vikings +3
