Wild Card Weekend is capped by a Monday nighter between the Vikings and Rams, which will take place in Arizona due to wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
Minnesota is the 2.5-point favorite in the neutral-site contest even though the team lost 30-20 in its first meeting with L.A. in Week 8. We've made our pick for the game here, and we'll add to Monday night's action with three player props in the hopes that this game lives up to its shootout potential.
Justin Jefferson - Over 6.5 receptions (-102)
Superstars shine brightest in the playoffs, and Justin Jefferson is certainly a superstar. He's one of the few true difference-makers in the NFL who can change an outcome on one play.
Jefferson caught seven or more passes in five of his final six games to end the regular season, including Minnesota's horrible offensive performance in Week 18 against the Lions. The Rams, meanwhile, concede the 13th most passing yards (223.1) per game. Expect Jefferson to have a monster performance with the Vikings' season on the line.
Puka Nacua - Over 89.5 receiving yards (-125)
On the other side of the field, the Rams need Puka Nacua equally as much as the Vikings need Jefferson. Nacua is by far and away Matthew Stafford's top target, racking up 129, 97, and 162 yards in three of his final four contests this season. Minnesota's defense prioritizes stopping the run and, as a result, gives up 242 yards passing (fifth-most in the NFL) per game.
Sam Darnold - Over 34.5 pass attempts (-115)
The Vikings are a pass-heavy offense that relies on Sam Darnold frequently dropping back in the pocket - the signal-caller has attempted at least 35 tosses in his last four games. Although he struggled in the season finale against the Lions, Darnold is enjoying the best season of his career. Sure, he only attempted 25 passes in the Vikings' first matchup against the Rams, but the entire offense floundered in that loss. Darnold's pass attempts have continuously increased since then - he's thrown at least 30 passes in every game except one since losing to the Rams.
