Can Minnesota Maintain Momentum? Rams Look for a Home Advantage!

On October 24, 2024, the Minnesota Vikings (5-1) will face off against the Los Angeles Rams (2-4) in a crucial Thursday Night Football matchup at SoFi Stadium. Coming off their first loss of the season against the Detroit Lions, the Vikings are eager to bounce back and solidify their status as contenders in the NFC. Meanwhile, the Rams are looking to build on their recent victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. With Minnesota favored by 3 points, this game promises to be an exciting clash of talent and determination. Will the Vikings reclaim their winning form, or can the Rams pull off an upset at home? Tune in for what is sure to be a thrilling encounter!

Overview of the Game

• Date and Time: October 24, 2024
• Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
• Current Odds: Los Angeles Rams +3; Total Points Over/Under: 48

Team Performance and Standings

• Minnesota Vikings: 5-1 overall, coming off their first loss of the season against the Detroit Lions (31-29).
• Los Angeles Rams: 2-4 overall, recently secured a win against the Las Vegas Raiders (24-21).

Key Injuries

• Minnesota Vikings:
  • Blake Cashman (LB) – out
  • Akayleb Evans (CB) – questionable
• Los Angeles Rams:
  • Troy Reeder (LB) – out
  • Jordan Whittington (WR) – out
  • Neville Gallimore (DT) – questionable
  • Braden Fiske (DE) – questionable

Predictions from Betting Models

Model Predictions

1. BetQL: Predicts a final score of Minnesota Vikings 27, Los Angeles Rams 20.
2. ESPN’s FPI: Projects Minnesota to win by approximately +4 points, with a total score of around 48 points.
3. SportsLine Model: Simulates games multiple times and suggests a total score of approximately 49 points.
4. Dimers.com: Estimates a final score of Minnesota Vikings 26, Los Angeles Rams 21.
5. Rithmm AI Model: Offers a prediction of Minnesota winning with a score of 28-20.

Average Model Prediction

Calculating an average based on the above predictions:

• BetQL: Vikings 27, Rams 20 → Total = 47 points
• ESPN: Vikings win by +4 → Total = ~48 points
• SportsLine: Total = ~49 points
• Dimers.com: Vikings 26, Rams 21 → Total = 47 points
• Rithmm: Vikings 28, Rams 20 → Total = 48 points

Average Score Prediction:

• Minnesota Vikings: 27+26+28+27+28÷5 $=27.2$
• Los Angeles Rams: 20+21+20+21+20÷5 ​= 20.4

Final Average Prediction:

• Minnesota Vikings: 27
• Los Angeles Rams: 20

My Prediction Using Pythagorean Theorem and Strength of Schedule

Using the Pythagorean theorem for football scoring:​

For Minnesota:

• Points Scored per game last season = 26.5
• Points Allowed per game last season = 22.1

For Los Angeles:

• Points Scored per game last season = 23.0
• Points Allowed per game last season = 25.7

Calculating expected wins based on these averages indicates that Minnesota has a significant edge due to their superior scoring and defensive metrics.

Final Prediction Considering All Factors

Taking into account injuries and recent performance (the Vikings are looking to bounce back while the Rams are coming off a win), my prediction aligns closely with model averages:

Final Score Prediction:

• Minnesota Vikings: 28
• Los Angeles Rams: 21

Pick: Take the Minnesota Vikings -3 points. ***LOSE***