I'm breaking down the Vikings vs Rams odds for Week 8 below, with Minnesota sitting as slight favs for the Thursday Night Football contest in Los Angeles.
The sportsbooks don't think the return of Cooper Kupp will do too much for the Rams, positioning LA at +144 on the moneyline. The Vikings are coming off their first loss of the season, but I agree with the books and think Sam Darnold and Minnesota will get back in the win column.
Vikings vs Rams Odds Week 8
As of October 21st at Caesars Sportsbook
Vikings vs Rams Picks Week 8
Vikings -3 (-115)
I'm not doubting the Vikings after their first loss of the season last week (31-29 to the Lions). They're still the best team in the NFC, have the best point differential in football, and rank out as the second-best team in the league by net EPA.
The big key for me in this week's TNF game, though, is the Vikings' ability to stop the run. The Rams are so reliant on Kyren Williams to win games. Los Angeles only two wins this year are when Williams has had two touchdowns — any game with one or zero is a loss. Unfortunately for the Rams the Vikings have one of the best rushing defenses in football, allowing just 72 rushing yards per game and three ground touchdowns. If (or when) the Vikings stop Williams, they win this game.
The Vikings have covered a -3 spread in four of their five wins this season, winning by an average of 12.6 points. So, against an inferior opponent like the Rams, I've got no issues taking Minnesota on the spread here.
Vikings vs Rams Prop Pick
Demarcus Robinson UNDER 31.5 Receiving Yards (-115)
This line may move a bit before kickoff, with the health status of Cooper Kupp up in the air, so check back. But, if Robinson's number this week is higher than 25 I'm still taking the UNDER. Even with Kupp out, DRob has been a non-factor in LA's attack. He's caught over two passes in just two of six games this season and has seen under 30 receiving yards in each of the last two weeks. Last week, Robinson had just one reception for nine yards.
With Kupp back in the fold, Robinson is irrelevant.
Vikings vs Rams Preview On The Huddle
If you want more picks for this Thursday Night Football contest, check out our Vikings vs Rams preview on The Huddle, live at 2:30 pm ET and available after on YouTube:
Vikings vs Rams News
WR Cooper Kupp is expected to return to the Rams after a four-week abscence. The Rams have really missed the elite receiver (with Puka Nacua also out), but Kupp's workload is still up in the air, per head coach Sean McVay. Regardless of how much he plays, Kupp's return will make guys like Tutu Atwell, Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson all less relevant in fantasy and OVER betting.
Vikings vs Rams Betting Trends
- The Rams are 2-10 in their last 12 games as underdogs
- The UNDER has hit in seven of the Rams' last 10 games at home
- The Vikings are 7-1-2 against the spread in their last 10 on the road