Though the St. Louis Rams blew out the San Francisco 49ers last week while the Minnesota Vikings squeaked by the Chicago Bears, it's clear that the experts think Minnesota's victory was more impressive.
NFL picks and predictions, Rams vs. Vikings 2015: Minnesota slight favorite in battle of playoff hopefuls
The Rams blew out the 49ers last week, while the Vikings barely squeaked by the Bears. But it’s clear the experts were more impressed with Minnesota’s victory.
As predicted, the Rams and 49ers set football back at least 30 years during portions of their game in Week 8. San Francisco, which has the lowest-scoring offense in the league, only put up two field goals and was shut out in the second half. The Rams are hardly an offensive juggernaut, but at least they have Todd Gurley, who rushed for 133 yards. Rams QB Nick Foles went 14 of 23 for 191 yards and one interception, and Colin Kaepernick countered with completing less than 50 percent of his 41 throws for 162 yards. Kaepernick's performance was so atrocious, he lost his starting quarterback job one day later.
Teddy Bridgewater, conversely, shined in the final moments of the Vikings' 23-20 win over Chicago. He completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs to tie the game at 20 with two minutes remaining in regulation and then hooked up with Charles Johnson for a 35-yard completion to set the Vikings up in field goal range with 27 seconds left. Bridgewater finished with 187 passing yards on the day.
If the 5-2 Vikings can add a poised Bridgewater on top of a recharged Adrian Peterson and their seventh-ranked defense, they could be a legitimate wild card contender in the second half of the season. The 4-3 Rams still possess one of the best defensive lines in the league, but it's difficult to imagine them scoring enough to make a legitimate run.
The loser of this game will see its playoff hopes take a significant hit, especially considering the two clubs could be duking it out for a wild card spot. It’s not a clean sweep, but the Vikings are favored at both ESPN and CBS Sports. Here at SB Nation, six of our eight experts think Minnesota’s defense will stifle the Rams’ moribund offensive attack.
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | Matt Ufford | PFT Commenter | OddsShark | |
| STL vs. MIN | MIN | MIN | MIN | MIN | STL | STL | MIN | MIN |
* * *
SB Nation presents: Todd Gurley continues to destroy the NFL
See More:
