NFC Wild Card Game Relocated to Arizona Due to California Wildfires

The NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams, originally scheduled to take place in Los Angeles, has been moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to ongoing wildfires in Southern California. The game is set for Monday, January 13, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN+.

The decision to relocate the game was made to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans. The Rams, who clinched the NFC West with a 10-7 record, will face the 14-3 Vikings, who narrowly missed securing the NFC North title after a Week 18 loss. The matchup marks a rematch of their Week 8 encounter, where the Rams emerged victorious with a 30-20 win.

Minnesota enters the game as 2.5-point favorites, according to the SportsLine Consensus, with an over/under set at 48 points. The Vikings are led by quarterback Sam Darnold, who finished the regular season ranked fifth in passing yards (4,319) and touchdowns (35). Wide receiver Justin Jefferson, a key playmaker, recorded 103 catches for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

On the Rams’ side, quarterback Matthew Stafford has been a consistent force, throwing for 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns. Running back Kyren Williams adds depth with 1,299 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, while rookie receiver Puka Nucua has emerged as a reliable target, averaging 90 receiving yards per game.

SportsLine’s predictive model, which simulates games 10,000 times, projects a high-scoring affair, leaning toward the over on the point total. The model has a strong track record, boasting a 69% success rate on top-rated NFL picks this season.

Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the change in venue impacts the game, with both teams vying for a spot in the divisional round of the playoffs.