NFL playoff bracket: Rams draw Vikings on Wild Card Weekend

The Los Angeles Rams have drawn a familiar foe in the Minnesota Vikings on Wild Card Weekend.

Minnesota’s loss to the Lions on Sunday Night Football dropped them to fifth in the conference, allowing Detroit to secure the NFC’s top seed. Los Angeles, on the other hand, was projected to face the Commanders last week, yet because Seattle beat them at home, the Rams will now host the NFC North powerhouse on Monday, Jan. 13.

Here is a full schedule of Round 1 matchups including dates, times and where to view each game:

Wild Card Round

Saturday, Jan. 11

Chargers at Texans, 1:30 p.m. PT (CBS, Paramount+)

Steelers at Ravens, 5 p.m. PT (Amazon Prime Video)

Sunday, Jan. 12

Broncos at Bills, 10 a.m. PT (CBS, Paramount+)

Packers at Eagles, 1:30 p.m. PT (FOX, FOX Deportes)

Commanders at Buccaneers, 5 p.m. PT (NBC, Peacock, Universo)

Monday, Jan. 13

Vikings at Rams, 5 p.m. PT (ESPN/ABC/ESPN+/ ESPN Deportes; “ManningCast” - ESPN2/ESPN+)

The Rams not having to play until Monday could work against them considering Sean McVay had rested most of his starters in Week 18. However, LA is fortunate not to face Washington as rookie sensation Jayden Daniels would have presented the defense with a unique challenge. Chris Shula’s unit has struggled mightily in containing mobile quarterbacks this season.

However, Minnesota isn’t a team to overlook since they are the first 14-win wild card team in NFL history. When these teams last faced off, Matthew Stafford had arguably his best game of the season after throwing 4 touchdowns against Brian Flores’ defense in a 30-20 victory. Plus, that game marked the first time Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua played on the same field together since the season opener at Ford Field.

With LA playing at home, this is a much better situation than they were put in at this time last year. The Rams have a perfect opportunity to continue their hot stretch and defend their turf. All the pressure will be on Stafford and the offense to perform if the team hopes to advance. Barely hanging on against mediocre squads like the 49ers and Cardinals is not going to cut it versus a top-tier Vikings team. The offense must figure out how to score or it’ll be another quick playoff trip in Hollywood.