Thursday Night Football was a much-anticipated showcase for the Los Angeles Rams, who finally welcomed back receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua after lengthy absences due to injury. With both stars back in the lineup, the Rams’ offense roared to life, leading them to a 30-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The win marked Los Angeles’ first back-to-back wins of the season, with Matthew Stafford delivering a standout performance, passing for 279 yards and four touchdowns.
For most of the season, Los Angeles struggled offensively without Kupp and Nacua, and their 2-4 record entering the game reflected that void. However, the prime-time matchup against the Vikings revealed just how essential these two receivers are to Sean McVay’s offense. Kupp marked his return with five catches for 51 yards, including a critical 27-yard grab late in the fourth quarter to keep the Rams’ momentum alive. Meanwhile, Nacua was a revelation, hauling in seven catches for 106 yards — his eighth career 100-yard game, despite missing the previous five games.
Demarcus Robinson added to the Rams’ firepower with two touchdown receptions, while running back Kyren Williams was instrumental both on the ground and in the passing game, rushing for 97 yards and catching an early TD pass. Robinson’s 25-yard touchdown in the third quarter gave the Rams a 21-20 lead, and his 10-yard catch with just over six minutes left extended the Rams’ advantage to 28-20.
The Rams’ defense, anchored by Byron Young, closed out the night in emphatic fashion. Young’s late-game sack of Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, which resulted in a safety, sealed the Rams’ victory. Although Young’s sack grabbed Darnold’s facemask, the officials did not call a penalty, effectively ending the Vikings’ chances.
Darnold, stepping in at quarterback for the 5-2 Vikings, managed 240 yards through the air, connecting with Justin Jefferson eight times for 115 yards. Despite Jefferson’s strong performance, the Vikings’ offense lacked the consistency needed to keep up with the Rams, especially after losing starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a knee injury in the first half. Darnold found Josh Oliver and Trent Sherfield for touchdowns, but the Vikings could only manage two field goals in the final three quarters.
Thursday’s win also held a special significance for Rams head coach Sean McVay, who defeated his former offensive coordinator, Kevin O’Connell, now the head coach of the Vikings. The Rams’ resurgence with Kupp and Nacua back in the lineup will undoubtedly give fans hope that this could mark a turning point in what’s been an up-and-down season.
