NFL 2024 TNF

Thursday, October 24th

Minnesota Vikings @ Los Angeles Rams  (+2.5)  48   LW  [U]

When: Thursday, October 24th at 8:15 pm ET

Where: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California

Channel: Prime Video

Moneyline: Vikings -166, Rams +140

Spread: Vikings -2.5 (-115), Rams +2.5 (-105)

Total = 48

Pundits are pointing to Vikings QB, Sam Darnold as “coming back to earth” since his and his Vikings sizzling start to the 2024 campaign.

Not sure I agree with that sentiment.   The 5-1 Norsemen could be 6-0 if not for a heartbreaking loss to NFC leading Detroit last week.  

Remember, this is the NFL; a league design to create 32 8-8- teams.  Reverse draft order and waiver wire options, limited free agency, salary cap and floor, and access to practice squad talent are the elements of that design.

Certainly, ownership/ management make a difference; contrast the Rooneys in Pittsburgh with Tepper in Carolina or Haslam with the Browns.   Coaching is another determinative factor.   Andy Reid is the leagues best--compare him to Antonio Pierce in Vegas or Brian Daboll in New York.  Given the same talent, Reid’s teams would win at least two more games a year.

That doesn’t mean Kevin O’Connell is a better coach than Sean McVay. O’Connell used to work for McVay--guys with that history usually manage to keep their games close.   There is reason to believe--Cooper Kupp’s return being primary--the Big Horns are finding themselves.   Conversely, after a Pro Bowl level start, Sam Darnold is regressing a bit.

However, the Norsemen’s defense is real, so is DC, Brian Flores; the Rams are still wondering who will be their new Aaron Donald.

I’m taking the Norsemen, laying the 2.5 and calling the Under.

Vikings 26

Rams  21