LA Rams atop NFC West Division after Colts defeat Cardinals

Motivated Minnesota

The Minnesota Vikings are a very good team. So far, their seven losses have come to six potential NFL playoff teams, and to their rival Detroit Lions. To be fair, the Vikings were within one score of their opponent in each of their seven losses.

But they are not just winning against bad teams. They have defeated the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Chargers, and are certainly in a position to win in Week 16 against the LA Rams if the Rams do not arrive prepared.

Clearly, the burden of this game, and the focus of fans, will be upon the defense. The Vikings have an offense that is nearly as good as that of the Rams but with much better balance. While the Vikings have made 501 pass plays, they have rushed the ball 394 times. So the Rams will face both rushes and passes as long as the score remains close.

Stop that Vikings pass rush

The Vikings’ defense is not particularly strong, but they have the best pass rush in the NFL.  In Week 16, the Rams will play without starting left tackle Andrew Whitworth nor reserve left tackle, Joseph Noteboom.

To win this game, the Rams must lean on a balanced offense, control the clock early, and get a lead in the first half. Until the Rams force the Vikings to defend the run, their pass rush will be coming for Matthew Stafford.

The Rams can do that by ensuring a tight-end lines up on the line of scrimmage next to their left tackle. While that may limit the playbook options, the Rams simply cannot risk their quarterback falling to injury this late in the season.  The Vikings secondary is vulnerable to the pass, and if the Rams give quarterback Matthew Stafford enough time, this could be a huge day for star wide receiver Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham Jr., or even Van Jefferson.

But to do that, the Rams must run the ball well to slow down that Viking pass rush. Unless the Rams use a strong balanced game plan on offense, they run the same risk of being upset as the Arizona Cardinals did in Week 16. How badly do the LA Rams want this win? Hopefully more than the Vikings.