The Rams’ offense found its stride with the return of two crucial playmakers — wide receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) — propelling them to a season-high 30 points against a Vikings defense that came into the game ranked No. 1 in defensive DVOA.
Kupp and Nacua’s return marked the first time this season that Los Angeles had both top receivers on the field together since a brief stint in the opener. Nacua’s early knee injury in that game was followed by Kupp’s ankle sprain, forcing the Rams to adjust without their key duo. With them back in action, quarterback Matthew Stafford looked re-energized, spreading passes to nine different targets. Nacua led with nine targets, followed by Kupp with eight, while running back Kyren Williams added seven receptions.
The Rams’ victory improved their record to 3-4, bouncing back from a challenging 1-4 start and bringing them into a three-way tie with the 49ers and Cardinals. With just a single game separating Los Angeles from the division-leading Seahawks, the Rams face a critical matchup in Seattle in Week 9 as they push to close the gap in the NFC West.
**Los Angeles Rams (3-4)**
**Surprising Spark:** The Rams managed to keep Puka Nacua’s return under wraps, quietly activating him from injured reserve despite a missed week of practice. However, quarterback Matthew Stafford wasted no time getting the ball to Nacua, who led the team with seven catches for 106 yards on nine targets, playing 35 of 65 snaps.
**Quarterback Performance:** Stafford entered with a modest three passing touchdowns on the season but turned it up Thursday night, throwing four touchdowns — two in each half — and connecting twice with wide receiver Demarcus Robinson. Stafford completed 24 of 33 passes for 270 yards and one interception, marking one of his strongest showings this season.
**Defensive Weakness:** Stopping Justin Jefferson proved to be a major challenge. Jefferson, praised by Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula as “the best in the world,” racked up eight catches for 115 yards. The Rams' defense, ranked 30th in pass DVOA entering the game, had difficulty containing the Vikings’ star receiver.
**Next Up:** The Rams head to Seattle to face the Seahawks on Sunday, Nov. 3 (4:25 p.m. ET).
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