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Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams: Full Player Stats Breakdown and Match Recap
On January 14, 2025, the Wild Card playoff clash between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams was anything but ordinary. And despite the locational changes from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, the Rams didn’t miss a beat.
They came out overpowering the Vikings with a 27–9 victory. And that was fueled by suffocating defense, efficient quarterback play, and big-time postseason swagger.
From record-setting defensive pressure to key offensive moments that silenced Minnesota’s hopes early, this game had plenty of standout performances and jaw-dropping stats. Let’s dive into the full scorecard, starting lineups, and individual player stats that defined this high-stakes playoff clash.
Let’s break down the full match scorecard, player lineups, and the key stats that shaped this NFC Wild Card battle.
Full Scorecard: Rams Dominate Early and Never Look Back
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
| Los Angeles Rams | 10 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 27 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 0 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 9 |
Scoring Summary:
1st Quarter:
- Rams: Kyren Williams 5-yard TD reception from Matthew Stafford
- Rams: Brett Maher 34-yard field goal
2nd Quarter:
- Rams: Jared Verse 57-yard fumble return touchdown
- Rams: Stafford 13-yard TD pass to Davis Allen
- Vikings: Will Reichard 34-yard field goal
3rd Quarter:
- Rams: Maher 44-yard field goal
- Vikings:J. Hockenson 26-yard TD from Sam Darnold (2-point attempt failed)
The Rams set the tone early, pulling ahead 24-3 by halftime, and from there, Minnesota was left playing catch-up.
Starting Lineups: Who Took the Field?
Los Angeles Rams Offense:
- Quarterback: Matthew Stafford
- Running Backs: Kyren Williams, Ronnie Rivers
- Wide Receivers: Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp
- Tight Ends: Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen
- Offensive Line: Alaric Jackson, Jonah Jackson, Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson, Rob Havenstein
Minnesota Vikings Offense:
- Quarterback: Sam Darnold
- Running Backs: Aaron Jones, Cam Akers
- Wide Receivers: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison
- Tight Ends: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver
- Offensive Line: Christian Darrisaw, Dalton Risner, Garrett Bradbury, Ed Ingram, Brian O’Neill
Key Player Stats: Offense Shines for Rams, Vikings Struggle Under Pressure
Rams Offensive Leaders:
- Matthew Stafford (QB):
- 19 completions on 27 attempts
- 209 passing yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 7 passer rating
Stafford stayed cool under pressure, picking apart Minnesota’s secondary with short to intermediate throws. His efficiency on third downs and in the red zone was a big factor.
- Kyren Williams (RB):
- 16 carries for 76 rushing yards
- 5 receptions for 16 yards
- 1 receiving touchdown
Williams kept the chains moving, breaking tackles and chewing clock. His presence in both the run and pass game gave Stafford plenty of options.
Top Rams Receivers:
- Tyler Higbee: 5 catches, 58 yards
- Puka Nacua: 5 catches, 44 yards
- Davis Allen: 1 catch, 13 yards, 1 touchdown
- Cooper Kupp: 1 catch, 29 yards
Vikings Offensive Leaders:
- Sam Darnold (QB):
- 25 completions on 40 attempts
- 245 passing yards
- 1 touchdown, 1 interception
- 9 sacks taken (yes, 9!)
Darnold spent more time picking himself off the turf than celebrating big plays. The Rams’ pass rush was relentless, forcing him into hurried throws and poor decisions.
- Aaron Jones (RB):
- 13 carries for 48 yards
- Cam Akers (RB):
- 5 carries for 39 yards
Top Vikings Receivers:
- Justin Jefferson: 5 catches, 58 yards
- J. Hockenson: 5 catches, 64 yards, 1 touchdown
- Jordan Addison: 3 catches, 29 yards
Hockenson was the lone bright spot, hauling in Minnesota’s only touchdown.
Defensive Dominance: Rams Make NFL Playoff History
The true stars of this game wore Rams jerseys on defense.
Rams Defensive Highlights:
- 9 Total Sacks (Tied NFL Playoff Record)
- 42 Total Pressures on Darnold
- 1 Defensive Touchdown (Jared Verse – 57-yard fumble return)
- 1 Interception (Cobie Durant)
Kobie Turner and Aaron Donald each added to the sack tally, with cornerbacks Ahkello Witherspoon and Durant also getting in on the action. This was the first time in playoff history that two cornerbacks from the same team recorded a sack in a single postseason game.
Jared Verse’s scoop-and-score turned a close game into a double-digit lead before Minnesota even had time to adjust.
Vikings Defensive Efforts:
While the scoreline doesn’t flatter Minnesota’s defense, there were a few standout efforts:
- Camryn Bynum continued his strong 2024 campaign, contributing in coverage and run support.
- Danielle Hunter applied some occasional pressure but couldn’t get home often enough.
Unfortunately for the Vikings, their defense spent too much time on the field thanks to the offense’s inability to sustain drives.
Turning Points: When the Game Slipped Away for Minnesota
- Early Rams Offensive Rhythm:
The Rams’ opening drive—a mix of runs and quick throws—ended with a Williams touchdown and set the tone. - Jared Verse’s Defensive TD:
The rookie linebacker’s 57-yard fumble return made it 17–0. From that moment, Minnesota’s uphill climb turned into a mountain. - Third-Down Disasters:
Minnesota went just 2-for-10 on third downs. The Rams defense, on the other hand, kept Stafford on schedule. - Sack After Sack After Sack:
Every time the Vikings started gaining yards, the Rams pass rush pushed them right back.
What’s Next?
Los Angeles Rams:
With this win, the Rams advance to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Round. Riding high on defensive momentum, they’ll look to replicate this performance on the road.
Minnesota Vikings:
Their season ends here. Despite a 14-win regular season, the playoff loss highlights major questions for the offseason, starting with offensive line depth and quarterback stability.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a game; it was a statement. The Rams, facing adversity off the field with the California wildfires, delivered a dominant performance on it. Their record-tying sack total, Stafford’s veteran composure, and opportunistic defense made this Wild Card matchup one-sided.
For Vikings fans, it’s a tough pill to swallow, but there’s hope for 2025 with a talented core still in place. For now, though, the story belongs to Los Angeles—a team that refused to let anything, even Mother Nature, derail its playoff journey.
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