With Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua returning from injuries, Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes in the Rams’ 30-20 victory over the Vikings. Kupp snagged a touchdown catch, and Nacua posted 106 receiving yards after missing significant time, while Stafford totaled 279 passing yards and four TDs in Los Angeles’ Thursday night win over Minnesota.
Demarcus Robinson hauled in two touchdown passes for the Rams (3-4), who logged their first back-to-back wins this season, showcasing a more potent offense with Kupp and Nacua back on the field. Nacua, after a five-game absence, had seven receptions, marking his eighth career game with over 100 yards. Kupp, sidelined for four games, caught five passes for 51 yards, including a crucial 27-yard first down late in the fourth quarter.
Kyren Williams rushed for 97 yards and an early touchdown reception. Robinson’s 25-yard touchdown catch put the Rams ahead late in the third quarter, and his 10-yard score in the fourth sealed a 28-20 lead. Byron Young later sacked Sam Darnold for a safety with 1:36 left, ending the Rams’ third straight win against Minnesota. Darnold threw for 240 yards for the Vikings (5-2), who followed their first loss with a subpar defensive outing, and also lost starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a knee injury.
Justin Jefferson recorded eight catches for 115 yards, while Josh Oliver and Trent Sherfield scored TDs for Minnesota, who was limited to two field goals in the final three quarters. Stafford’s four-touchdown performance marked the 16th of his career, and the fourth with the Rams. Sean McVay also bested Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, his former offensive coordinator during the Rams’ Super Bowl season.
Both teams scored on their first two drives at SoFi Stadium, where Darnold went 8 for 8 early on, and Stafford seemed energized by the return of his top targets. Williams scored on the Rams’ opening drive, marking his tenth straight game with a touchdown. Minnesota, having not allowed a first-quarter TD all season, saw Jefferson catch five passes on the Vikings’ first two drives, including scoring throws to Oliver and Sherfield.
Byron Murphy intercepted Stafford in the third, leading to a 17-14 Minnesota lead after Jefferson’s bobbling, one-handed grab. However, Los Angeles responded with a 70-yard drive, ending with Robinson’s touchdown.
Injuries:
Vikings: TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) and G Dalton Risner (back) were out. Darrisaw injured his knee before halftime.
Rams: Rookie WR Jordan Whittington was inactive (shoulder); S Kam Curl hurt his knee in the first quarter but returned.
Next Games:
Vikings: Host Indianapolis on Nov. 3 (Sunday night).
Rams: Visit Seattle on Nov. 3.
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