Vikings vs Rams Picks, Prediction and Odds for NFL Wild Card: Bet Minnesota on January 13
- The Vikings (-1) are the best bet against the Rams on MNF.
- Back the Vikings vs Rams matchup to go over 48 points.
- Join BetUS and Bet These Picks! Bet $200, Get $450 Bonus on first time deposit.
The NFL’s Wild Card Weekend closes with the Minnesota Vikings (14-3) taking on the Los Angeles Rams (10-7) in a Monday Night Football thriller.
Minnesota might be the most disrespected 14-win team in history, but the Vikings enter this matchup as a slight favorite in NFL betting lines after a humbling Week 18 loss to the Lions. Meanwhile, the Rams rested their starters and somehow still looked competent.
The last time Matthew Stafford went against the Vikings was week 8 and he put on a show. pic.twitter.com/vdrYmvenie
— JAKE ELLENBOGEN (@JKBOGEN) January 8, 2025
This game is dripping with storylines. It’s Sam Darnold vs. Matthew Stafford. It’s Justin Jefferson’s quest to torch the Rams’ secondary again. It’s two teams with playoff experience clashing at a neutral site after the NFL moved the game from SoFi Stadium to Arizona due to wildfires raging in Los Angeles..
Oh, and did I mention Stafford’s second-half record is as bad as truck stop sushi? Let’s dive into my NFL predictions.
Vikings vs Rams Game Information
- Game: Minnesota Vikings (14-3) vs Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
- Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
- Day/Time: Monday, Jan 13, 8:00 p.m. ET
- Vikings vs Rams Live Stream: NFL Game Pass, DAZN
Vikings vs Rams Odds and Spreads
Place your Bets on Vikings vs Rams at BetUS Sportsbook!
Best 3 Bets for Vikings vs Rams MNF Wild Card Battle
1. Vikings ATS (-1)
Look, the Vikings didn’t win 14 games by accident. Sure, they were embarrassed by the Lions last week, but Minnesota was riding a nine-game win streak before that and Sam Darnold has been playing like a superstar.
Per Vikings vs Rams stats, Darnold threw for over 4,300 yards this season and connected with Jefferson for some of the nastiest highlights this side of Odell Beckham Jr.’s one-handed grab. Jefferson roasted the Rams for 115 yards in their Week 8 meeting, and with tight end T.J. Hockenson back, Minnesota is even more dangerous.
The Rams, meanwhile, have one of the worst defenses statistically among playoff teams (outside the top 20). Matthew Stafford will need a clean pocket as Minnesota leads the NFL in blitz rate. That’s a problem for Stafford, who threw six picks under pressure this season.
Spoiler alert: The Vikings’ front seven loves eating quarterbacks for breakfast and will help Minnesota cash in on Monday night. With the change of venue due to the fires decimating California, the loss of home-field advantage only helps the Vikings in NFL picks against the spread.
2. Vikings vs Rams Over 48
This is not going to be one of those 17-13 slugfests where both teams forget how to football. The Vikings averaged over 25 points per game in the regular season, and while they flopped against Detroit, it’s not like the Rams’ defense is the ’85 Bears. Minnesota’s offensive weapons – Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Hockenson and running back Aaron Jones – are a lot to handle.
The Rams have their own playmakers. Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua can rack up yards in a hurry, and Kyren Williams gives the run game enough juice to keep defenses honest. Stafford threw four TDs against Minnesota in their last meeting, so the Rams can put up points too – at least in the first half (more on that later).
With both teams capable of explosive plays and suspect defenses, the over is the only logical online bet. Besides, who wants to bet the under in a playoff game? That’s like having a Tofurky sandwich for Thanksgiving dinner.
3. Live-Betting Pick: Vikings 2H ATS
BetUS doesn’t have 2H pregame odds posted for this game, but I’m thinking ahead to a live in-play bet during halftime. Especially if the Rams are ahead at the break, you’ll see why in a second.
Let’s talk about Matthew Stafford’s second-half performance. They are terrible – like NFL news headline bad. Stafford is 0-5 against the 2H spread this season after leading at halftime. Over the past three years, he’s a ghastly 2-15 in that spot. It’s almost like he forgets how to play once the lights come back on after halftime.
On the flip side, Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings thrive in close games, posting a 74% win rate in one-score contests under his leadership, per NFL betting trends. If this game is tight late, the Vikings have the edge, especially with Darnold slinging the ball to Jefferson and Addison.
Minnesota’s defense also makes second-half adjustments like a pro. The Vikings are great at generating turnovers and dialing up the blitz, which will only amplify Stafford’s pocket panic. Bet the Vikings to own the second half and send the Rams packing.
More Vikings vs Rams Bets and Picks for NFL Wild Card January 13
Question of the Day
What are the Vikings and Rams odds of winning the Super Bowl?
The Vikings are +1600 to go all the way, while the Rams are +3500. It kind of makes you wonder why this game is a pick’em.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.
