Week 8’s “Thursday Night Football” matchup features a pair of NFC teams that have defied their initial 2024 expectations — but in much different ways.
The Vikings will visit the Rams to begin the week’s action, with each team currently trending in opposite directions through their first six games. For Minnesota, it opened the new season potentially entering a transition year. Having drafted rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the first round, the team had enough talent to compete for a playoff spot but had major quarterback questions as it transitioned from Kirk Cousins to a potential combination of McCarthy and Sam Darnold.
Instead, the Vikings have looked like one of the best teams in their conference. McCarthy’s season ended before it began, but Darnold has found a major career resurgence throwing passes in the Vikings’ offense — through six games, he’s led his team to a 5-1 record while throwing for 1,370 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
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Despite a close Week 7 loss to Detroit, the team’s first loss of the season, Minnesota looks ready to compete for a playoff spot in the NFC. Darnold has a deep group of weapons, including star receiver Justin Jefferson, running back Aaron Jones, and tight end T.J. Hockenson, who’s soon set to return from a long-term knee injury, and the Vikings’ defense has been strong, currently allowing just 17.8 points per game.
The Rams, meanwhile, entered 2024 looking to return to the playoffs after claiming a wild-card spot in 2023. However, injuries have held back Los Angeles’ offense, and its defense has struggled with legendary DT Aaron Donald now retired. Both of the Rams’ star receivers, Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee), have missed extended time with injuries, though both are getting closer to their returns to action.
Entering Week 8 at 2-4, time is running out for Matt Stafford and the Rams to turn their season around. With a win last week over Las Vegas and their receivers nearing full health though, Los Angeles remains a dangerous team that’s no easy opponent for the Vikings to handle this week.
The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights from “Thursday Night Football” between the Vikings and Rams. Follow along with the action below.
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Vikings vs. Rams score
Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | F | |
Vikings | 14 | 0 | 3 | 3 | – |
Rams | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | – |
Vikings vs. Rams updates, highlights from Week 8 ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup
(All times ET)
10:58 p.m. — Los Angeles faces another third-and-long at the two minute warning. Minnesota is out of timeouts, so it’d have to work quickly even if it does get the ball back.
10:55 p.m. — Facing a 3rd & 9 that would have likely decided if the Vikings got another chance to tie it with a few minutes on the clock, Stafford comes through with a huge 28-yard completion to Kupp. The Rams will keep forcing the Vikings to burn timeouts.
Move the chains ⛓️ Kupp with a big first down late in the 4th! #MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/jRvi6PZUMX— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024
10:49 p.m. — Jared Verse comes through with pressure for the Rams once again, resulting in a sack and a 13-yard loss for the Vikings they can’t overcome. Minnesota punts with just over four minutes remaining.
This sack celly is made for @Dodgers fans 😂⚾️@RamsNFL 🤝 @MLB pic.twitter.com/zleLosNkxW
— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024
Rams 28, Vikings 20
10:44 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Make it four passing touchdowns tonight for Matthew Stafford, who finds Robinson in the end zone once again. In a game the Rams simply need to win if they want to have a fighting chance at a playoff spot, their offense has performed well.
Demarcus Robinson x2! Another TD for the veteran WR#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/WnqsIzGuxF— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024
10:43 p.m. — Continuing to chip away on a long drive, Williams runs for seven yards on 2nd & 11.
10:36 p.m. — The Rams go for it on 4th & 1 in Vikings territory and convert with a run from Kyren Williams. They’ve already had seven plays on this drive, threatening to extend their slim lead.
Rams 21, Vikings 20
10:31 p.m. FIELD GOAL— Minnesota’s offensive momentum slowed, forcing it to attempt a field goal. Reichard’s 35-yard attempt is good though, and we have a one-point game in the fourth quarter. Jones has just 3.1 yards per carry on the ground for the Vikings.
10:28 p.m. — Aaron Jones shows off his receiving skills with a 25-yard grab after running a route down the right sideline. That pushes the Vikings inside Los Angeles’ 25-yard line.
End of third quarter: Rams 21, Vikings 17
10:25 p.m. — Darnold picked up a first down to begin Minnesota’s next drive, but he and the Vikings will face a 3rd & 3 to begin the fourth quarter.
Rams 21, Vikings 17
10:17 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Stafford goes deep to Demarcus Robinson, who turns around and makes a nice play on the ball to haul in a 25-yard score. The Rams take the lead.
Demarcus Robinson tuddy 🔥 @RamsNFL take the lead! #MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/szA7hx8ikY— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024
10:13 p.m. — Tutu Atwell gets his first reception of the game on an 18-yard pass from Stafford. Los Angeles is into Vikings territory.
Vikings 17, Rams 14
10:08 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Minnesota takes the lead on a 23-yard field goal from Will Reichard.
10:04 p.m. — Justin. Jefferson. What a snag from the superstar receiver, juggling the ball as he went out of bounds to set up Minnesota for a potential score. He’s up to eight catches for 115 yards tonight.
GREATNESS @JJettas2
📺: @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/fR1ObO3dfo
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 25, 2024
9:58 p.m. — Stafford is picked off by Byron Murphy Jr. on a deep pass, a big swing in momentum for Minnesota to begin the second half. Sam Darnold and the Vikings offense will take over.
.@Vikings INT! @byronmurphy with the pick #MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/tHonVIOWlW— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024
9:54 p.m. — The Rams have the ball to begin the second half, and they’re approaching Vikings territory already. Nacua converts a 3rd & 9 with a 19-yard reception on the sideline.
.@AsapPuka is in midseason form ⚡️#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/qWJXrGIq4n— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024
Halftime: Vikings 14, Rams 14
9:38 p.m. — Darnold takes a knee to send the game to the break. Both offenses slowed down in the second quarter after strong starts, but the Rams and Vikings are tied at half.
9:35 p.m. — The Rams can’t take advantage of the chance to score before halftime, punting with around 30 seconds remaining in the quarter.
9:30 p.m. — Los Angeles has a 3rd & 6 at midfield with under a minute remaining in the first half.
9:25 p.m. — Once again, Minnesota punts, this time after a three-and-out. The Rams will have a chance to score before getting the ball back to start the second half.
9:23 p.m. — Jared Verse sacks Darnold on the first play of the Vikings’ drive.
.@JaredVerse1 with the sack (and the celebratory SKOL) 👀🐏#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Q2T3EiDEgc— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024
9:19 p.m. — Los Angeles punts. Flags hurt the Rams on that series more than they helped them, and Minnesota will get another opportunity.
9:16 p.m. — Penalties are once again giving the Rams extra chances on third down. They’re still deep in their own territory to begin the drive.
9:09 p.m. — It took until the second quarter, but one of these two teams has finally punted. Minnesota ends the streak of four straight touchdown drives, giving the ball back to the Rams.
Vikings 14, Rams 14
9:02 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Neither offense can be stopped right now. We could be headed for a shootout in Los Angeles, as Stafford makes an impressive move to escape a sack then finds Cooper Kupp for a seven-yard touchdown.
COOPER KUPP TD!!! 🙌#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/CsD4OicMUT— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024
8:59 p.m. — The Rams are inside the Vikings’ 10-yard line, looking to tie it at 14 with Nacua continuing to dominate Stafford’s targets.
8:56 p.m. — A holding call on the Vikings kept Los Angeles’ drive alive, and Stafford uses the opportunity to hit Nacua once again for a 14-yard play.
End of first quarter: Vikings 14, Rams 7
8:51 p.m. — Nacua picks up his third catch already, and he’s up to 50 receiving yards. A high-scoring first quarter comes to a close with the Rams set for a 3rd & 7.
Vikings 14, Rams 7
8:45 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Another drive, another touchdown to begin this game. Darnold connects with Trent Sherfield for a 10-yard score, and Minnesota reclaims the lead. Darnold is 8-for-8 with 97 passing yards and two touchdowns so far.
Sam Darnold’s 2nd TD toss of the night goes to @Channel__10
📺: @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/J9Vc9I0wT7
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 25, 2024
8:42 p.m. — Minnesota is moving the ball well once again. Jones has had a few decent pickups, and Darnold has found Jefferson and Jordan Addison for a pair of 14+ yard plays.
Vikings 7, Rams 7
8:35 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Matt Stafford finds Kyren Williams for a five-yard touchdown grab on 3rd & Goal. The Rams tied things up pretty quickly, and both offenses are clicking in the first quarter.
Stafford finds Kyren Williams in the end zone! #RamsHouse#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/psUbkoyPrn— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024
8:32 p.m. — Nacua doesn’t look limited in any fashion so far. He gets another 21 yards to put Los Angeles in the red zone on its first drive.
8:29 p.m. — Puka Nacua is on the board with his first catch in weeks. He picks up 13 yards, then Kyren Williams gets another 13 on the ground.
Vikings 7, Rams 0
8:26 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Darnold makes it look easy, throwing to tight end Josh Oliver for a score. Minnesota coasted through its first drive, with the Darnold-Jefferson connection already on fire.
Sam Darnold and @JoshO_3 getting us started with a score!
📺: @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/3fQePPVvnc
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 25, 2024
8:24 p.m. — Jefferson sets up 1st & Goal with another catch, his third already.
8:21 p.m. — Sam Darnold has the Vikings’ offense moving well to begin. Aaron Jones had a pair of nice gains, and Justin Jefferson makes his second catch of the drive for a 17-yard pickup.
Darnold with a 🎯 to @JJettas2 #MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Cq6PWEV8u6— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024
8:17 p.m. — They’re under way at SoFi Stadium. The Vikings will get the ball first.
7:48 p.m. — One of the game’s best wide receivers will be on the field tonight. Justin Jefferson’s numbers through six games for the Vikings so far: 33 receptions, 531 receiving yards, five touchdowns.
Primetime @JJettas2 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/4g7hWOWyf0
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 24, 2024
7:44 p.m. — Here’s a look at the Vikings’ inactive list against the Rams. Tight end TJ Hockenson, who’s been nearing his return from a long-term injury, is out.
Tonight’s #Vikings inactives pic.twitter.com/18E6AcLCjY
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 24, 2024
7:41 p.m. — Around 30 minutes from game time on “Thursday Night Football.” Good news for the Rams: Both of their star receivers, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, are available tonight.
Rams WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua both are active tonight vs. Vikings. pic.twitter.com/T3SPQDdedz
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 24, 2024
Vikings vs. Rams start time
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 24
- Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET
The Vikings and Rams will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday. The game will be at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
What channel is Vikings vs. Rams on today?
- Date: Thursday, October 24
- TV channel: N/A (U.S.) | TSN, CTV2 (Canada)
- Live stream: Amazon Prime Video | NFL+ | DAZN NFL (Canada)
Thursday’s game between the Vikings and Rams won’t be broadcast nationally in the U.S., with the only viewing options accessible through streaming on Amazon Prime and NFL+.
Canadian viewers can watch live on TSN or CTV2, or livestream the game through DAZN NFL.
Vikings schedule 2024
Here’s a look at Minnesota’s upcoming schedule after its matchup against the Rams.
Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
Nov. 3 | vs. Colts | 8:20 p.m. |
Nov. 10 | at Jaguars | 1 p.m. |
Nov. 17 | at Titans | 1 p.m. |
Nov. 24 | at Bears | 1 p.m. |
Dec. 1 | vs. Cardinals | 1 p.m. |
Rams schedule 2024
Here’s how the next few weeks of action look for the Rams following Thursday’s game.
Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
Nov. 3 | at Seahawks | 4:25 p.m. |
Nov. 11 | vs. Dolphins | 8:15 p.m. |
Nov. 17 | at Patriots | 1 p.m. |
Nov. 24 | vs. Eagles | 8:20 p.m. |
Dec. 1 | at Saints | 4:05 p.m. |