Rams vs Vikings preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info
St. Louis Rams vs. Minnesota Vikings
Todd Gurley and Adrian Peterson will be pitted against one another in Week 9 of the NFL season as the St. Louis Rams travel to TCF Bank Stadium to battle the Minnesota Vikings. Gurley, Nick Foles, Robert Quinn and the rapidly Rising Rams have earned victories in their last two games and look to pick up yet another victory to further their place as a dark horse in the NFC. Peterson, Teddy Bridgewater and the Vikings are another team looking to legitimize themselves in this matchup as they’ve quietly gotten off to a 5-2 start this season and are looking to improve upon that.
Details for Sunday’s game are below:
Date: Sunday, Nov. 8
Start Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Stadium: TCF Bank Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket
Radio: Here
Ticket information: For Minnesota Vikings ticket info click here. For St. Louis Rams ticket info click here.
Keys to Victory
Even at his advanced age for a running back, Adrian Peterson has proven that he’s going to get his work and cover a lot of ground no matter what defense he’s facing. However, the key for the Vikings in Week 9 is going to be how Teddy Bridgewater holds up against the St. Louis pass-rush. With Robert Quinn, Aaron Donald, and one of the best front sevens in football lining up for the Rams, Bridgewater is going to have to be quick and decisive all day with his throws. As he’s not done that consistently this season, having him do that in this game would go a long way for Minnesota.
For the Rams, Gurley is in the same boat as Peterson in that he’s going to make plays regardless of what’s on the other side of the ball because he’s just that talented. St. Louis’ biggest key to victory in this game will be creating more room for Gurley to break open big plays by how they operate in the passing game. Jeff Fisher needs to incorporate quick throws to Tavon Austin to a point that the Vikings have to respect it. That, in turn, will keep the defense honest and allow Gurley the opportunity to shoulder the load for the Rams offense.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Minnesota Vikings -1.5
Moneyline: St. Louis Rams -105, Minnesota Vikings -105
O/U: 40.5
Prediction
Despite two quality defenses facing off in this matchup, I think both Gurley and Peterson will wind up having big days at the office. When it’s all said and done, however, I think the St. Louis defense can cause more problems for Bridgewater and the Vikings than the Minnesota defense can for Foles. That should ultimately decide the game.
Final Score: St. Louis Rams: 24, Minnesota Vikings: 13