INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Cooper Kupp made a triumphant return, catching a touchdown pass, while Puka Nacua racked up 106 receiving yards in their comeback from injuries, leading the Los Angeles Rams to a 30-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night. Matthew Stafford threw for 279 yards and four touchdowns in a performance that showcased the Rams’ explosive offense, which finally had its top two receivers back on the field.
Demarcus Robinson emerged as a key player, catching two touchdown passes from Stafford, contributing to the Rams’ (3-4) consecutive victories for the first time this season with a total of 386 offensive yards. Nacua returned after missing five games, making seven receptions and achieving his eighth 100-yard game early in his career, while Kupp, returning from a four-game absence, added five catches for 51 yards, including a crucial 27-yard grab late in the fourth quarter.
Kyren Williams also played a pivotal role, rushing for 97 yards and catching a touchdown early in the game. Robinson’s contributions included a 25-yard touchdown reception that gave Los Angeles the lead late in the third quarter, followed by a 10-yard touchdown reception with 6:17 left in the game, extending the lead to 28-20.
On the defensive side, Byron Young sacked Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold for a safety with just 1:36 remaining in the contest, although Darnold’s facemask was grabbed during the play, which did not draw a penalty flag from officials. This win marked the Rams’ third straight victory over the Vikings.
Darnold managed to pass for 240 yards for the Vikings (5-2), who struggled defensively after suffering their first loss of the season. Their troubles were compounded by a knee injury sustained by starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw late in the first half. Justin Jefferson had a strong showing with eight receptions for 115 yards, and his teammates Josh Oliver and Trent Sherfield each caught touchdown passes from Darnold. However, Minnesota’s offense could only manage two field goals through the last three quarters of the game.
Stafford achieved the milestone of throwing at least four touchdown passes for the 16th time in his career, including four with the Rams. This was a notable improvement, as he had only thrown three touchdowns in the first six games of the season. Rams head coach Sean McVay also celebrated his first victory over Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, who was previously his offensive coordinator during their Super Bowl-winning season three years ago.
Both teams started strong, scoring touchdowns on their initial two drives in front of a packed house at SoFi Stadium. Darnold completed all eight of his passes during those drives, while Stafford was clearly in his element with his two primary targets back in play. Williams scored a touchdown on the Rams’ opening drive, marking his scoring streak at ten consecutive games. Prior to this match, the Vikings had not allowed a touchdown in the first quarter throughout the season, and the Rams had not scored on their initial drive until this game.
Darnold targeted Jefferson five times during those opening drives but capped them off with throws to Oliver and Sherfield, the latter marking a touchdown for his fifth NFL team. An interception by Byron Murphy off a misthrown pass by Stafford in the third quarter allowed Minnesota to take a brief lead at 17-14 after a spectacular one-handed catch by Jefferson kept their drive alive. Los Angeles responded swiftly with another 70-yard touchdown drive, finished off by Robinson’s catch.
In the injury department, the Vikings were without tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) and guard Dalton Risner (back), while Darrisaw’s injury occurred during a clock management attempt at the end of the first half. The Rams had rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington inactive due to a shoulder issue, and safety Kam Curl returned after injuring his knee in the opening quarter.
Looking ahead, the Vikings are set to host Indianapolis in a Sunday night game on November 3, while the Rams will be visiting Seattle on the same date.