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#1 Minnesota Vikings (1-1-1) at Los Angeles Rams (3-0) (TNF)
How one week could change the perceptions of a team. Minnesota Vikings opened the season not only as favourites to with the North but also as one of the teams that would be representing the NFC in Superbowl. But, all of those changed last week, when Vikings were whipped by previously win-less, a supposed worst team in the league, Buffalo Bills at home.
Vikings Questions, Rams Rampages
After the loss Sunday, there are more questions than answers on Vikings. The offence fell flat for most pf the three quarters. The running game was almost non-existent. The offensive line broke playing the key factor in letting the Bills getting a 27-0 lead in the first half.
The defence couldn't help especially since they were put in the short field situations by the turnovers by the offence. But, the news that broke out Monday about DE Everson Griffen's mental illness hits the team hard as they clearly missed one of their dominant players on the field this Sunday.
With the Running Back Dalvin Cook possibly suit up on Thursday, the offence and the defence need to step up and go aggressive from the get-go against a very dominant Rams defence. The Rams themselves got hit by the injury bug with both Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters getting injured, will not be playing the Thursday Night affair, leaving the backend of the defence to the backups.
This is the best case scenario for the Vikings. With Talib and Peters out Thielen and Diggs could find themselves open quite a few times, If that O-line could hold off the Aaron Donald and co and give Cousins enough time, the Vikings could go on a roll.
Similar to Rams missing their secondary, Vikings will miss Griffen in the D-Line which could open up lanes for an elusive running back in Gurley. Vikings gave up two rushing touchdowns to the rookie quarterback Josh Allen. This game comes down to who wins the battle in the Rams Running vs Vikings Passing.
Fantasy Outlook
Must Start:
Todd Gurley, RB Rams: No brainer here. Gurley has been excellent this season and is poised to have a big game against a vulnerable Vikings D-line.
Thielen and Diggs, WRs Vikings: NO Talib, NO Peters, No Rams Secondary.
Under the Radar:
Kirk Cousins, QB Vikings: This could be a very good week for Cousins with Rams missing key players in the defence.
Cooper Kupp, WR Rams: Look for both Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods held out by this amazing Vikings secondary which could open up this second-year player.
Caution:
Rams Defense: This is a caution play as they miss Talib and Peters, and also they face a tough and more determined Vikings Offense.
Prediction
All my Three matchups today have the undefeated teams remained in the league this year. I think that number could go down to 1( even 0, Broncos could surprise everyone). I think the Rams will miss their secondary and Vikings will bounce back form that horrendous loss on Sunday.
Vikings 24, Rams 21
