Vikings vs Rams Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 10/24/24

MINNESOTA @ LA RAMS (-3, 48)

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Vikings vs Rams Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 10/24/24

VIKINGS @ RAMS 10/24/24

Cooper Kupp is ready to make his injury comeback as the Los Angeles Rams get ready to play the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night in Inglewood, California. Since he sprained his ankle in Week 2, Kupp has not played.  Additionally, there has been plenty of speculation about Kupp being traded. For now, all he wants to do is play.

Kupp is intent on assisting the Rams (2-4) in their attempt to record back-to-back victories for the first time this season. Last weekend, Los Angeles defeated the visiting Las Vegas Raiders 20–15, ending a two-game losing streak.

Minnesota (5-1) is looking to recover from its first loss of the season. Last Sunday, the Vikings took a late lead against the Lions, but Jake Bates put Detroit ahead for good with a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining. That gave the division rival Lions the victory.

TE T.J. Hockenson may return to the Vikings this week. Since tearing his ACL and MCL in his right knee towards the end of last season, the veteran has been out of commission. Although his workload might be light, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell stated that it was "very much a possibility" that Hockenson would make a comeback against the Rams.

In 15 games (11 starts) last season, Hockenson caught 95 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns for Minnesota. In addition to Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson, his return would give quarterback Sam Darnold another elite target in the passing game.

Aaron Jones has been plagued by a hip injury for a few weeks, but he felt well enough to play against Detroit. Jones amassed 116 total yards (93 rushing, 23 receiving) against the Lions.

Against a physically strong Vikings defense, Rams QB Matthew Stafford will try to build on his 83.6 passer rating. This season, Stafford has thrown for 1,392 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions. The Rams' greatest offensive threat so far this season is RB Kyren Williams. In six games (all starts), he has rushed for 436 yards and eight touchdowns.

The team's top receiver, Tutu Atwell, has 23 receptions for 332 yards. Williams, Kupp, and Demarcus Robinson all have receiving touchdowns. While fellow receiver Puka Nacua was limited due to a knee injury after his 21-day practice window opened, Kupp fully participated in Tuesday's practice. Linebacker Troy Reeder (hamstring) and defensive end Braden Fiske (back) were benched.

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FREE PICK: MATTHEW STAFFORD OVER 235.5 PASSING YARDS

Cooper Kupp is expected to be in the Rams lineup tonight. So is offensive lineman Joe Noteboom. Perfect timing. Both will help Stafford surpass this prop. The Vikings live and die by the blitz. They have the highest pressure rate in the NFL, but they leave themselves susceptible. In their past three games, the Vikings have allowed 389, 244, and 280 passing yards. Stafford has only hit this number twice this season. The first time was with Kupp when he passed for 317 yards against the Lions. With Kupp back in the lineup, expect another big night.