Rams at Vikings: Highlights, score and recap

In a matchup of 7-2 NFC teams, the Los Angeles Rams went into Minnesota to take on the Vikings inside U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday.

When the Minnesota Vikings played host to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, everybody knew it would be a close game. Both of these teams came into the game with a 7-2 record, and had been playing some of the best football in the NFC. Los Angeles has been the surprise of the conference this season, though they were quick to get on the board against the Vikings.

Todd Gurley II scored on a six-yard touchdown rush to put the Rams up early, but the offense stalled from there. Minnesota would counter with a touchdown run of their own, as Latavius Murray found the end zone for his third score of the season in the second quarter. With the score tied at 7, it looked like the Rams were going to go in for more, but Cooper Kupp fumbled at the one-yard line.

There would be no more scoring until Murray found the end zone for the second time, as he scored from two yards out to start the fourth quarter. After forcing a punt, the Vikings got it back at their own seven-yard line, and proceeded to go 93 yards in five plays. Case Keenum hit Adam Thielen for a 65-yard touchdown, putting the Vikings up for good by the score of 21-7.

Minnesota would tack on a field goal in the fourth, and for the Vikings, it was a pretty dominating display by them on Sunday. Their defense held the high-octane Rams offense in check, and Case Keenum looked good once again. The Vikings moved to 8-2 on the season, and are in complete control in the NFC North.

Highlights

Odds

The Rams are one of the best teams in the NFL this season, but were still one-point underdogs playing inside U.S. Bank Stadium this Sunday. They needed a lot more than a point, as they were beaten pretty soundly. The over/under is set at 46.0 points, and they did not come close, as the Rams offense never got it going. All odds were available throughout the week on OddsShark.com.

Three Stars

1. Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings

While Stefon Diggs gets a lot of the attention when it comes to the Vikings offense, it has been Adam Thielen who has been one of the more consistent wideouts in the NFC this season. Thielen had another big game on Sunday, catching six balls for 123 yards and a touchdown. He has proven to be a favorite target for Case Keenum, and seems to make a circus catch every week.

2. Minnesota Vikings defense

What an incredible effort by this Minnesota defense on Sunday, keeping the high-octane offense from Los Angeles in check. They harassed Jared Goff all game long, and really had an answer for Todd Gurley II, after Gurley got off to a good start in the first quarter. This defense is an elite unit, and will likely lead the Vikings deep into the NFC Playoffs.

3. Latavius Murray, Minnesota Vikings

When Dalvin Cook was hurt for the season, there were a couple of players who were asked to carry the load for the Vikings. On Sunday, Latavius Murray did just that, rushing for nearly 100 yards and two touchdowns. If the Vikings can be this balanced on offense the rest of the way, they are going to be a hard team to beat.

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Next Week

The Minnesota Vikings will be playing on a short week in Week 12, as they travel to Detroit to take on the Lions on Thanksgiving Day on Thursday. The Los Angeles Rams will head back home for their matchup next weekend, when they welcome the red-hot New Orleans Saints to town in another huge NFC matchup between potential playoff teams.