Vikings vs. Rams: Thursday Night Football Picks, Predictions for NFL DFS
After the Minnesota Vikings took their first loss last week, only one team remains undefeated. But that doesn’t mean the Vikings aren’t still one of the best in the NFC.
The Vikings are headed to Los Angeles for a Week 8 primetime matchup versus the Rams on Thursday Night Football and are looking to get right.
Below we’ll get into the NFL DFS picks and predictions for Thursday Night Football, all chosen with the expectation the Vikings will bounce back and continue to dominate. After you check these out, head to PrizePicks to lock in your lineup with these projections plus more available on the full board.
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Vikings vs. Rams: Where, When, How to Watch TNF
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Ca.
How to Watch: Prime Video
Thursday Night Football DFS Picks
Here are the best NFL DFS Picks for the NFL’s Week 8 Thursday Night Football Matchup.
- Vikings QB Sam Darnold 31 Pass Attempts — Less
- Vikings WR Jordan Addison 20.5 Longest Reception — More
- Rams QB Matthew Stafford 23 Pass Completions — More
- Rams RB Kyren Williams 74.5 Rush Yards — Less
Vikings QB Sam Darnold 31 Pass Attempts — Less
Vikings QB Sam Darnold hasn’t attempted over 31 passes in any game so far this season, not even last week vs. Detroit, when they were losing and needed to play catch up. The Vikings run a pretty balanced offense with 47% of their plays being runs, mostly Aaron Jones, leaving Darnold with no reason to constantly sling it.
The Vikings have been one of the best teams in the league, dominating and outscoring opponents at will. Since they are up so often, that leaves Darnold to just hand the ball off in order to drain the clock.
Darnold and the Vikings are coming off their first loss and are looking to bounce back with a win. The Rams secondary is very questionable and the Vikings should take advantage of this early and often.
If this game becomes a blow out early on, expect Darnold to just hand the ball off to the running backs.
Vikings WR Jordan Addison 20.5 Longest Reception — More
The Vikings receiver has had a reception for more than 19.5 yards in the last three games he’s played in. Had he not been out with an injury for two weeks he would most likely have a 20+ yard catch the last five games.
Thursday night, the Vikings are facing the Rams shaky secondary, who have already allowed 23 receptions for longer than 20+ yards in six games and allow the fourth-most passing yards per attempt in the league.
Expect the Rams to game plan for Vikings WR1, Justin Jefferson, which should take some of the pressure off of Addison leaving him open downfield.
Related Projections to Consider: Jordan Addison 44.5 Receiving Yards
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Rams QB Matthew Stafford 23 Pass Completions — More
Unlike Darnold, Matthew Stafford will have to throw the ball this game. The Rams are 2-4 and need another win badly to try and salvage their season.
Stafford will likely have his star receiver Cooper Kupp back for this game and will need him to show up big during primetime. He should be a full go and immediately step into the No. 1 receiver role, and will certainly change the composition of this offense.
The Vikings have a solid run defense that will limit the Rams’ rushing attack, forcing them to air it out.
The Rams will also probably be playing from behind the majority of the game so Stafford will be dependent on Kupp and his other receivers to help him keep the game close.
Related Projections to Consider: Cooper Kupp 6.5 Receptions / 67.5 Receiving Yards
Rams RB Kyren Williams 74.5 Rush Yards — Less
Rams RB Kyren Williams has hit this projection the last four games, but that may not be the case in Week 8 versus the Vikings. The Vikings have allowed the second fewest rushing yards and the least rushing touchdowns in the league this season, making this a tough matchup for the Rams RB1.
The Vikings defense is 1st in rushing expected points added (EPA) and second in success rate (32.2%). The talented Lions running backs did have some success last week, but here are other RBs versus this defensive front:
- Jets RB Breece Hall: 9 carries, 23 yards
- Packers RB Josh Jacobs: 9 carries, 51 yards
- Texans RB Cam Akers: 9 carries, 21 yards
The Vikings allow about 80 rushing yards per game which is doable for a high-volume back like Williams, but it could be tough to reach the projection if the Rams have to play catch up this week. Plus, they may look to pass more with Kupp back in the fold.
Williams may have a touchdown or two this game, but it will probably be on short yardage carries. I don’t expect him to have a high-yardage game against one of the best rushing defenses in the league. Take the less here.
Lock In Your Thursday Night Football Lineup on PrizePicks
This should be an exciting matchup on Thursday Night Football and will be important in the NFC West as the Rams look to try and save their season and keep playoff hopes alive. Build your lineup for this matchup by heading to PrizePicks and choosing more or less on at least two players.
If you aren’t feeling these projections head to the Playbook for more Week 8 insight and then to PrizePicks to see the full board.
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