Rams vs Vikings: How to watch on TV, livestream, listen on radio, bet, follow on social media, and more

Round 1 of the NFL playoffs, now the real fireworks begin

A tumultuous season for the Los Angeles Rams continues on into the playoffs, where they rematch the Minnesota Vikings. The NFC West champs had earned a home field advantage against the northern invaders, but Mother Nature had the final say. Due to wild fires that are charring the craggy hills that zig-zag through the L.A. basin and surrounds, the game has been moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Kickoff is set for Monday night at 5 p.m. PST.

Reports are that Rams fans are purchasing tickets at a brisk pace, looking to establish a reasonable facsimile of a home field advantage.

State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, is a 5 1⁄2 ride east from L.A. It has a natural grass field and retractable top to ward off inclement weather. The Rams have enjoyed a 12-7 record there since its erection in 2006 and 7-1 since Sean McVay took the reins in 2017. Over that same 19-year timespan, the Vikings have went 1-3 on westward incursions into the desert.

Injury-wise, both teams appear to be in good shape. For the Rams, starting right tackle Rob Havenstein (shoulder) and backup tight end Hunter Long (calf) were designated as limited, but both are expected to be ready for full action on Monday night. Vikes starting running back Aaron Jones (quad) was limited, while two backups, running back Ty Chandler (illness) and edge Patrick Jones (knee) did not practice. Jones was out for the Vikings regular season finale against the Detroit Lions. If he can’t go, his 39 tackles and seven sacks are sidelined with him. Although Chandler hasn’t had much work on offense, he leads Minnesota in kick return and is active on special teams.

Will the Rams offense be resuscitated? Or will the defense have to wear the big-boy pants to move on to Round 2?