Vikings at Rams: What to know ahead of Week 8 matchup

What to know when the Vikings travel to play the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night:

• Vikings at Rams
• When: 7:15 p.m. Thursday
• Where: SoFi Stadium
• TV: Prime Video
• Radio: KFAN
• Line: Vikings -3
• Over/Under: 48.5

Keys for the Vikings

— This game will likely be closer than the records of both teams might suggest. To have success, the Vikings are going to need to move the ball against a Rams defense that has been up and down this season. Though the Rams have been middle of the pack against the pass, they have been dreadful against the run, surrendering 151.7 yards per game. That means there could be some open lanes for Vikings running back Aaron Jones. It’s on him to take advantage of it.

— After the secondary got torched by the Detroit Lions, the Vikings will need a much better performance against the Rams. It seems likely that star receiver Cooper Kupp will make his return for the Rams in primetime. That could make life difficult on the Vikings given how productive he has been in the past. It’s on the secondary to step up and make a few plays. It might take a couple of turnovers for the Vikings to tip the scales in their favor.

Keys for the Rams

— The connection between quarterback Matthew Stafford and Kupp has to be the driving force for the Rams. If that dynamic duo can get on a roll in the early stages, they could make the Vikings chase the game. That would be an ideal position for the Rams to play from, especially considering they have running back Kyren Williams, who is capable of gaining chunks of yardage if given the chance to do so.

— There are going to be chances for the Rams to get after Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold in and out of the pocket. If they can speed him up and make him uncomfortable, Darnold been known to make a questionable decision here and there. Those opportunities might present themselves throughout the game, and the Rams must capitalize on them.