(Minneapolis, MN) — The Los Angeles Rams recovered a Vikings onside kick attempt to ice the game in a 30-23 win at U.S. Bank Stadium. Brandon Powell’s 61-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter put the Rams up by two possessions, and L,.A. kept Minnesota at an arm’s length the rest of the way. Matthew Stafford struggled with 197 passing yards, three picks, and a touchdown pass, but Sony Michel paced the Rams offense with 131 rushing yards and a score. Los Angeles clinched a playoff spot and took a one-game lead in the NFC West with the win. Kirk Cousins had 315 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Minnesota falls a game back of the final N-F-C Wild Card spot at 7-and-8.
The Vikings fell to the Rams and fell out of playoff position in the NFC.
The Vikings playoff hopes took an almost lethal blow on Sunday with the loss to the Rams at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikes went into the game in the final playoff spot in the N-F-C but their loss coupled with just about everyone around them puts them in an almost insurmountable position. To make the playoffs, Minnesota would have to win each of their final two games, including a trip to Green Bay next week, and get help from the teams above them in the playoff chase.