Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams DFS Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em| January 13, 2025

vikings rams

The 14-3 Minnesota Vikings will face the 10-7 Los Angeles Rams for the last Wildcard game of the week on Monday night in Glendale, Arizona. This game was relocated due to the California fires near the LA area that have devasted the state. Both teams will now travel to State Farm Stadium, as the rival team in the Arizona Cardinals will turn their home turf into home field for the Rams.

This will be a fun back-and-forth matchup, as both offenses can light up the scoreboard while both defenses have been top units in the NFL. This is similar to the Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game last night on paper, as this matchup came down to a field goal at the end 23-20.

Vikings vs. Rams DFS Start ‘Ems

Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) finds a lane during the second quarter an NFL football matchup Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Vikings defeated the Jaguars 12-7. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Here are a few of the players that we are leaning on heavily in this game. These players are in a good spot to put together a solid performance and have a favorable matchup.

Puka Nacua ($7.6K DraftKings, $8.7K Fanduel)

Puka Nacua has been the focal point of the Rams’ passing attack this season, way more so than Cooper Kupp. Despite the big difference in salary, ownership will go to Nacua but for the right reason. The sophomore receiver has had at least 5 catches and over 50 yards since November 11th. He’s normally gotten close to double-digit targets, over 100 yards, and a touchdown each game over the last few months. Nacua has been the motion guy and the featured weapon in Sean McVay’s offense.

TJ Hockenson ($4.2K DraftKings, $5.9K Fanduel)

Although TJ Hockenson hasn’t had a big game in a while, the tight end is due, especially in this matchup. The Rams’ defense has been middle of the pack against wide receivers, but one of the worst against tight ends in fantasy. Hockenson can easily get a touchdown or two and rack up at least 5 targets as the safety target for Sam Darnold, who may be pressured a ton in this game.

Vikings vs. Rams DFS Sit ‘Ems

On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.

Sam Darnold ($6.5K DraftKings, $7.8K Fanduel)

When comparing salary, I would much rather play Matt Stafford over Darnold. This Rams’ young defense has been a tough unit to decipher as of late and the Vikings quarterback may not be up for the challenge (similar to his performance vs. the Detroit Lions in week 18). Minnesota’s defense has been a great unit all year but they have been gettable in primetime spots like their last matchup, beating this Vikings team 30-20 back in October. Stafford should get back to his vintage form in this game.

Cooper Kupp ($6.4K DraftKings, $7K Fanduel)

Kupp could have a revival-type game against a Vikings secondary that is one of the worst against receivers. However, the veteran has disappointed the last three weeks, failing to catch at least 5 passes and not scoring. Kupp hasn’t had 100 yards since November and reached 92 in one of his better games against the Buffalo Bills. Even with the salary discount, I still would play Puka over Kupp.

Total Apex Lock of the Game

Kyren Williams ($7.4K DraftKings, $8.6K Fanduel)

Potentially the forgotten man in this offense, Kyren is still the bell cow and had a better season than last year. Now with rookie Blake Corum out for the playoffs, that should lead to more usage for the Rams starting running back. He had 23 carries for 97 yards on the ground, along with 5 catches and a touchdown through the air the last time they played in October.

McVay was using Corum more to help spell Kyren to end the season but with the season on the line, Kyren has the most touchdown equity. He has a floor potentially better than Nacua in this offense with him also catching plenty of passes. The Vikings’ run defense has been good but the Rams traditionally want to establish the run early and often.

Total Apex Fade of the Game

Aaron Jones ($6K DraftKings, $7.4K Fanduel)

The Vikings starting running back is my fade for this game. While they might be saving him for tonight’s playoff matchup, Aaron Jones has not seen more than 20 carries since November against the Chicago Bears. Minnesota has also gotten Akers more involved, even as a pass catcher. While Jones can get a touchdown on the ground and/or through the air, the Rams have a decent run defense ranked in the top 12 on the season. His floor is safe for at least double digits if he scores, but his ceiling doesn’t seem to be ideal for DFS in this game compared to one of the receivers or tight ends.

Conclusion

Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Tyler Higbee could all be popular picks for the DFS showdown in this game. However, don’t sleep on Jalen Nailor or one of the Rams’ depth receivers like Jordan Whittington to end up falling in the end zone. Demarcus Robinson was charged with a DUI after his arrest in November but he has not been suspended by the team. Tutu Atwell, and Tyler Johnson all rotate along with Whittington so taking a cheap dart throw with one of their receivers might be a good play. Cam Akers for the Vikings could also be a sneaky play with a potential revenge narrative.

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