VIKINGS at RAMS
8:15 p.m., Vikings by 3, 48
HANK’S HONEYS: Last week’s game against the Lions could have gone either way for the previously unbeaten Vikings. All it proved was that they are two of the best teams in the league. The Rams are not, even if Cooper Kupp returns this week. Even though they managed to beat the limping Raiders Sunday, it was by no means an impressive performance. While Kupp makes his return (amid trade rumors), so does TE T.J. Hockenson for the Vikings, giving Sam Darnold his deepest set of receivers yet. The Rams, who are allowing 7.4 yards per pass attempt (27th in the league), have particularly struggled to cover tight ends, having allowed the second-most touchdowns and the fourth-most yards through six games. In fact, Kevin O’Connell will have several ways to attack the defense of his former boss, Sean McVay. The Rams’ defense hasn’t been the same with Aaron Donald in retirement, with a mushy middle that has them sitting 30th in stopping the run, at 151.7 yards per game. That should set up Aaron Jones for a big night.
Matthew Stafford is smart enough to take on Brian Flores’ walk-up defense but look for the Vikes to focus their blitzes on center Beaux Limmer, a natural tackle forced into the starting role at center with one of the worst pass protection grades in the NFL. It will get worse if the Vikings, as usual, get off to a quick start and force the Rams to play catchup. If that’s the case, the game should trend to the over. As for trends, the Vikes are 6-1 ATS and 7-0 SU in their last seven Thursday Night Football games while the Rams are 5-2-1 ATS and 6-2 SU on TNF under McVay. The Rams, however, have lost 10 straight games as an underdog.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Vikings and the over.