Sam Darnold put forth a career performance for the Minnesota Vikings this season, ranking among the NFL's top 10 quarterbacks in passing yardage, touchdown throws, passer rating and winning percentage.

A short memory is needed in this game against the Rams that has been moved because of the Los Angeles wildfires to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. SoFi Stadium is not an intimidating home field compared to Ford Field in Detroit or Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, but this move should work out in the Vikings’ favor.

More predictions: Commanders vs Buccaneers Expert Predictions for NFL Wild Card Weekend The No. 5 seeded Vikings (14-3) are taking on the No. 4 seeded Rams (10-7) in a rematch of the teams' Week 8 matchup. The Rams handed the Vikings one of their three losses this season, and were the only non-Detroit Lions team to beat Minnesota.

Who has the best offense heading into the 2025 NFL playoffs? We rank all 14 units before this weekend's Wild Card games.

Kevin O'Connell, the QB coaches and backups have Darnold playing at a high level. Can he bounce back from the Week 18 debacle in Detroit?

Sam Darnold is on track to reach free agency in March and understands what's at stake regarding his short- and long-term futures.