Despite a tumultuous week, the Rams vanquished the Vikings in a playoff game.

The playoff game was relocated from Arizona to Los Angeles because of the wildfires.

Despite a tumultuous week, the Rams vanquished the Vikings in a playoff game.
Despite a tumultuous week, the Rams vanquished the Vikings in a playoff game.

The Los Angeles Rams played with heavy hearts on Monday night.

Despite wildfires burning in Southern California and the Los Angeles Fire Department logo on their chests, the Rams defeated the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in the playoffs' wild-card round.

Sean McVay cheers on the team
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts to a Davis Allen touchdown catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Despite the relocation of the game from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., due to fires, the fans turned out in large numbers and were rewarded with a thrilling victory for the boys in blue and gold.

In the first half, the Rams sacked Darnold six times, while in the second half they did it three more times, making it a total of nine. Additionally, Jared Verse recovered a Darnold fumble and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.

Matthew Stafford, the Rams quarterback, had a successful game with 19 out of 27 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns. One of the touchdowns was scored by Kyren Williams, while the other was by Davis Allen.

The Super Bowl champion quarterback completed passes to eight different receivers.

Kobie Turner and Byron Young celebrate
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner (91) celebrates his sack of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold with Byron Young (0) during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Darnold's performance was reminiscent of his earlier career, as he struggled to get passes off on time and appeared indecisive throughout the game.

Although the season was excellent, he finished the playoff game with 25-of-40 shots, 245 passing yards, a touchdown pass, and one interception. T.J Hockenson, who led the team with five catches for 64 yards, was the only player to score.

Vikings star Justin Jefferson had five catches for 58 yards.

The Rams are back in the divisional round for the fourth time under head coach Sean McVay, and they will now face the Philadelphia Eagles on the road. The game will take place on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

In the offseason, the Vikings can decide what to do with Darnold, who was acquired as an emergency replacement for J.J. McCarthy after he suffered a torn Achilles in training camp.

TJ Hockenson runs
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) runs after a catch for a 26-yard touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

The decision on whether to give the keys to the Cadillac to McCarthy or keep Darnold around for another season must now be made by Minnesota.

Subscribe to the Planet Chronicle Sports Huddle newsletter for the latest sports coverage on X.

by Ryan Gaydos

sports

Dick Vitale, ESPN Hall of Famer, to return to broadcasting after cancer battle.

Dick Vitale, ESPN Hall of Famer, to return to broadcasting after cancer battle.

sports
If the Kansas City Chiefs win their third consecutive Super Bowl, Travis Kelce may retire, according to an ESPN analyst.

If the Kansas City Chiefs win their third consecutive Super Bowl, Travis Kelce may retire, according to an ESPN analyst.

sports
Southern California wildfires: Chargers' Jim Harbaugh meets with first responders

Southern California wildfires: Chargers' Jim Harbaugh meets with first responders

sports
After Caitlin Clark's historic season, Fever unveils plans for a $78 million training center.

After Caitlin Clark's historic season, Fever unveils plans for a $78 million training center.

sports
The Department of Education issues a memo on student-athlete NIL compensation and Title IX compliance.

The Department of Education issues a memo on student-athlete NIL compensation and Title IX compliance.

sports
Basketball fan storms the court, causing delay: 'Unsure of child ownership'

Basketball fan storms the court, causing delay: 'Unsure of child ownership'

sports
5 most memorable sports fan moments

5 most memorable sports fan moments

sports