Rams Dominate Vikings, Sam Darnold in Wild-Card Victory in Arizona

Matthew Stafford threw two touchdown passes, and the Los Angeles Rams overwhelmed the Minnesota Vikings with a relentless defense, tying an NFL playoff record by sacking Sam Darnold nine times in a 27-9 NFC wild-card win Monday night. The game, relocated from Southern California to Arizona due to devastating wildfires, showcased the Rams’ dominance from start to finish.

Rookie Jared Verse electrified the crowd with a 57-yard fumble return for a touchdown, giving the Rams (11-7) a commanding 17-3 lead late in the second quarter. On the play, Darnold fumbled under pressure from blitzing cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, and Verse sprinted untouched to the end zone, punctuating the score with a celebratory somersault.

The Rams quickly asserted control in their temporary home at State Farm Stadium, driving for a touchdown on the opening possession and building a 10-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Despite the venue being 400 miles away from their Inglewood base, the Rams were buoyed by a strong showing from their fans—NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell estimated that 45,000 traveled to support the team.

For Darnold, making his playoff debut, the night was a nightmare. He was sacked five times in the first half alone and threw a costly interception to Cobie Durant, who picked off a pass intended for Jordan Addison. The Vikings (14-4), who had hoped to secure the NFC’s top seed heading into the postseason, were undone by Darnold’s struggles, which followed a poor performance in their regular-season finale against Detroit.

Minnesota’s disappointing finish raises questions about Darnold’s future with the team. Playing on a one-year deal, his postseason missteps may weigh heavily as the Vikings evaluate their quarterback situation heading into the offseason.

The Rams, meanwhile, advance to face the Philadelphia Eagles on the East Coast next Sunday, carrying momentum from a dominant defensive performance and a confident offense led by Stafford.