Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats

July 5, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats have a storied rivalry in the NFL, with their matchups always delivering excitement, strategy, and standout performances. Their most recent clash on January 13, 2025, in the NFC Wild Card round was no exception. The Rams dominated with a 27-9 victory, showcasing a relentless defense and a sharp offensive game plan. In this article, we’ll dive into the player stats from this thrilling game, breaking down the numbers and performances that defined the outcome. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the game, this easy-to-read guide will give you a clear picture of how the players stacked up.

Table of Contents

Game Overview: A Defensive Masterclass by the Rams

The game, held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to wildfires in Los Angeles, was a testament to the Rams’ resilience. Despite the challenges of playing away from their home turf, they delivered a commanding performance. The Vikings, coming off a 14-3 regular season, were favorites, but the Rams’ defense, led by a record-tying nine sacks, overwhelmed Minnesota’s offense. Meanwhile, quarterback Matthew Stafford orchestrated a balanced attack, capitalizing on key moments to secure the win.

Let’s break down the player stats, focusing on the key contributors from both teams, and explore how their performances shaped the game. We’ll cover passing, rushing, receiving, and defensive stats, with a simple table to summarize the numbers.

Passing Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats: Quarterbacks Under the Spotlight

Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)

Matthew Stafford was the heartbeat of the Rams’ offense, showing why he’s one of the NFL’s most experienced quarterbacks. Facing a tough Vikings defense known for its aggressive blitzes, Stafford stayed calm and efficient. He completed 19 of 27 passes (70.4%) for 209 yards, throwing two touchdowns and no interceptions. His passer rating was an impressive 144.7 against the blitz, a season-high for him. Stafford’s ability to read Minnesota’s defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ schemes was crucial. He started the game hot, going 9-for-9 in the first quarter, including a 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Kyren Williams to set the tone early.

Stafford’s standout moment came just before halftime when he connected with tight end Davis Allen for a 13-yard touchdown, giving the Rams a commanding 24-3 lead. His quick decision-making and ability to handle pressure were pivotal in keeping the Vikings’ defense on its heels.

Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings)

On the other side, Sam Darnold had a rough night. The Vikings’ quarterback, who had a breakout regular season with a 106.4 passer rating, struggled under the Rams’ relentless pass rush. Darnold completed 25 of 40 passes (62.5%) for 245 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. However, he was sacked nine times, losing a staggering 82 yards, which tied an NFL playoff record for sacks in a single game. His passer rating dropped to 66.4, reflecting the pressure he faced.

Darnold’s lone touchdown came in the third quarter, a 26-yard pass to tight end T.J. Hockenson, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback. A critical fumble in the second quarter, recovered by Rams rookie Jared Verse for a 57-yard touchdown, was a turning point that put Minnesota in a deep hole. Darnold’s average time to throw on sacked plays was 4.52 seconds, indicating he held onto the ball too long, a costly mistake against the Rams’ aggressive defense.

Rushing Stats: Ground Game Struggles and Successes

Kyren Williams (Los Angeles Rams)

Kyren Williams was the Rams’ workhorse in the running game, carrying the ball 23 times for 97 yards, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. While he didn’t break off any massive runs, his consistent gains kept the Vikings’ defense honest and helped control the game’s tempo. Williams also contributed in the passing game, catching a 5-yard touchdown pass from Stafford on the opening drive. His versatility as a runner and receiver was a key part of the Rams’ balanced attack.

Aaron Jones Sr. (Minnesota Vikings)

The Vikings’ rushing attack, led by Aaron Jones Sr., struggled to find rhythm. Jones carried the ball 19 times for 58 yards, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry. The Rams’ defense, particularly edge rusher Byron Young, shut down Minnesota’s run game early, forcing the Vikings to rely heavily on their passing attack. Jones also caught a 12-yard screen pass, but the lack of a consistent ground game limited the Vikings’ offensive options, especially after falling behind early.

Receiving Stats: Big Plays and Missed Opportunities

Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp (Los Angeles Rams)

The return of star receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp gave the Rams’ offense a massive boost. Nacua led the team with 7 receptions for 106 yards, including a 27-yard gain on the opening drive that set up the first touchdown. His ability to stretch the field opened up opportunities for others. Cooper Kupp, back from injury, caught 5 passes for 44 yards, including a crucial touchdown in the second quarter. Despite being closely guarded by Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore, Kupp’s veteran savvy allowed him to find soft spots in the defense.

Tight end Davis Allen also made an impact, catching a 13-yard touchdown pass just before halftime, which sealed the Rams’ dominance in the first half. The Rams’ receiving corps showed depth and versatility, with Stafford spreading the ball to multiple targets.

Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson (Minnesota Vikings)

Justin Jefferson, one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers, had a solid but not spectacular game. He caught 8 passes for 115 yards, including a 14-yard grab that showcased his ability to make contested catches. However, the Rams’ defense limited his big-play potential, and he couldn’t find the end zone. T.J. Hockenson was the Vikings’ lone bright spot in the passing game, catching a 26-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, his first score of the night. Hockenson’s spinning catch-and-run was a highlight, but Minnesota’s offense couldn’t capitalize on these moments.

Jordan Addison, another key receiver for the Vikings, was targeted but struggled to make an impact, partly due to Darnold’s interception on a pass intended for him. The Vikings’ passing game showed flashes but was stifled by the Rams’ pressure and turnovers.

Defensive Stats: Rams’ Pass Rush Steals the Show

Los Angeles Rams Defense

The Rams’ defense was the story of the game, delivering a historic performance with nine sacks on Sam Darnold. Defensive end Kobie Turner led the way with two sacks, while eight different players recorded at least 0.5 sacks, a feat not seen since 1982. Rookie edge rusher Jared Verse was a standout, not only recording 0.5 sacks but also recovering a fumble and returning it 57 yards for a touchdown. Verse’s speed (19.88 mph on the fumble return) was the fastest by a 260-plus-pound player in the last seven seasons, per NFL Next Gen Stats.

Cornerback Cobie Durant added an interception, picking off a pass intended for Jordan Addison in the first half. The Rams’ 26 total pressures tied for their season-high, and their six sacks in the first half alone were the most in a playoff game’s first half in 25 years. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s creative pressure schemes kept Darnold guessing, with corners, linebackers, and safeties all contributing to the pass rush.

Minnesota Vikings Defense

The Vikings’ defense, usually a takeaway machine under Brian Flores, couldn’t keep up with the Rams’ early offensive surge. They failed to sack Stafford or force a turnover, a rare off-night for a unit that ranked in the top five in takeaways and sacks during the regular season. Linebacker Jonathan Greenard made an impact early, hitting Stafford on a play initially ruled a fumble (later overturned to an incomplete pass), but the Vikings couldn’t sustain pressure. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore did a commendable job limiting Puka Nacua, holding him to 44 yards on five catches, but the defense as a whole struggled with field position and failed to stop the Rams’ opening touchdown drive.

Special Teams: Kickers and Punters

Joshua Karty was reliable for the Rams, drilling a 34-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 44-yard field goal in the third, extending the lead to 27-3. His extra points were perfect, going 3-for-3. For the Vikings, kicker Will Reichard made a field goal, but the team’s only other points came from Hockenson’s touchdown and a failed two-point conversion attempt. Both teams’ punters saw action, with the Vikings punting after early three-and-outs, but special teams didn’t play a decisive role compared to the defensive and offensive performances.

Key Moments and Turning Points Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats

Rams’ Opening Drive: Stafford’s 6-for-6, 64-yard drive, capped by a touchdown to Kyren Williams, set the tone and showed the Rams meant business.
Jared Verse’s Fumble Return: Darnold’s strip-sack and Verse’s 57-yard touchdown return in the second quarter gave the Rams a 17-3 lead and shifted momentum firmly in their favor.
Overturned Fumble: Early in the second quarter, a potential Vikings touchdown on a fumble recovery by Blake Cashman was overturned, keeping the Rams ahead 10-3 instead of a tied game.
Stafford’s Late Touchdown: The 13-yard touchdown pass to Davis Allen with 15 seconds left in the first half made it 24-3, effectively sealing the Vikings’ fate.
Darnold’s Struggles: The nine sacks, including six in the first half, disrupted Minnesota’s rhythm and prevented any meaningful comeback.

Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats Summary Table

Player	Team	Stat Category	Stats
Matthew Stafford	Rams	Passing	19/27, 209 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 144.7 rating
Sam Darnold	Vikings	Passing	25/40, 245 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 66.4 rating
Kyren Williams	Rams	Rushing	23 carries, 97 yards, 4.2 avg, 1 TD (receiving)
Aaron Jones Sr.	Vikings	Rushing	19 carries, 58 yards, 3.1 avg
Puka Nacua

What the Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats Tell Us

The stats paint a clear picture of the Rams’ dominance. Their defense was the game-changer, with nine sacks and two turnovers (a fumble and an interception) disrupting the Vikings’ offense at every turn. Stafford’s efficiency and ability to beat the blitz kept the Rams in control, while the Vikings’ inability to protect Darnold or establish a run game doomed their chances. The receiving duo of Nacua and Kupp gave the Rams the edge in the passing game, while Jefferson’s solid performance wasn’t enough to overcome Minnesota’s offensive struggles.

Why the Rams Won

The Rams’ victory came down to three key factors:

Defensive Pressure: The record-tying nine sacks and 26 total pressures overwhelmed Darnold, forcing turnovers and stalling drives.
Offensive Efficiency: Stafford’s near-perfect start and ability to handle the blitz, combined with a balanced attack from Williams, Nacua, and Kupp, kept the Vikings’ defense guessing.
Capitalizing on Mistakes: The overturned fumble call and Verse’s fumble return touchdown were pivotal moments that swung the game decisively in the Rams’ favor.

What’s Next for Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats Both Teams

For the Rams, the win sets up a Divisional Round matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, where their young defense and veteran quarterback will face another tough test. The Vikings, meanwhile, head into the offseason with questions about Darnold’s future and how to build on their 14-3 regular season. Despite the loss, players like Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson remain cornerstones for a talented roster.

Conclusion

The Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats Wild Card game on January 13, 2025, was a showcase of defensive dominance and offensive precision by the Rams. Matthew Stafford’s poise, Jared Verse’s game-changing plays, and a relentless pass rush overwhelmed a Vikings team that couldn’t find its rhythm. The player stats tell the story of a one-sided affair, with the Rams advancing to the next round in style. For fans, this game was a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in the playoffs and how individual performances can define a team’s fate.

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