Los Angeles Rams 30-20 Minnesota Vikings: Matthew Stafford shines with four touchdown passes as Puka Nacua makes his return

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Matthew Stafford completed 25 of 34 passes for 279 yards and threw four touchdowns as the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Minnesota Vikings 30-20. The game marked the return of star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua from injury. Kupp caught a touchdown pass, while Nacua tallied 106 receiving yards, showcasing their impact on the lineup. Stafford’s performance was central to the Rams’ success, passing for four touchdowns and leading an offense that amassed 386 yards. Demarcus Robinson also caught two touchdowns, helping the Rams (3-4) secure back-to-back victories for the first time this season.

After a five-game absence, Nacua posted his eighth 100-yard game with seven catches. Kupp, returning after four games out, had five catches for 51 yards, including a crucial 27-yard reception in the fourth quarter. “It was a blast,” Kupp commented. “The offense was clicking, and everyone did their part.” Kyren Williams contributed with 97 rushing yards and an early touchdown catch. Robinson added a 25-yard touchdown in the third quarter and later a 10-yard touchdown catch, putting the Rams up 28-20 with just over six minutes remaining.

Rams Win 30-20 Over Vikings: Key Moments, Return of Star Players, and Matthew Stafford’s Impressive Performance

In a thrilling Thursday night NFL matchup, the Los Angeles Rams secured a 30-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, bolstered by the return of star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua and a strong showing by quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford completed 25 of 34 passes for 279 yards, throwing four touchdown passes, and demonstrated his veteran leadership in leading the Rams to back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Kupp and Nacua, returning from injury, made significant contributions, including a touchdown catch for Kupp and 106 receiving yards for Nacua.

Demarcus Robinson caught two touchdowns, and Kyren Williams added 97 rushing yards along with an early touchdown catch, helping the Rams offense amass 386 yards. This high-powered performance saw the Rams improving their record to 3-4 and climbing back into competitive form. Stafford’s four-touchdown night marked the 16th time in his career he’s hit that benchmark, and his continued excellence pushed him past Dan Marino into ninth place for total completions in NFL history.

In the closing moments, Byron Young sacked Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold for a safety, clinching the win. Though Young appeared to grab Darnold’s facemask, officials did not call a penalty, allowing the Rams to secure a second win within five days. This performance was another testament to the resilience head coach Sean McVay has fostered within the team. With this game, McVay notched his 80th win, making him the most successful coach in Rams history by win count. “I believe in this group,” McVay said after the game. “I saw resilience and confidence in them.”

The Vikings, now 5-2, were forced to make adjustments after losing starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a knee injury. Darnold finished with 240 passing yards, but Minnesota’s offense struggled, managing only two field goals over the final three quarters. Despite Justin Jefferson’s standout 115 receiving yards on eight catches and touchdown receptions from both Josh Oliver and Trent Sherfield, Minnesota couldn’t regain control. Darnold commented, “Offensively, we’ve got to be more consistent. We put ourselves in tough spots, and we need to avoid situations like that facemask play.”

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