The Rams’ defense dominates to help beat the Vikings 29-9 in their Wild Card Playoff Game

Minnesota Vikings #14 Sam Darnold (QB) was sacked nine times by the Los Angeles Rams defense.

Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1.

GLENDALE, ARIZ - The Los Angeles Rams (11-7) defense was on a mission and sacked Sam Darnold nine times for 82 yards in the first round of the NFC Wild Card Playoffs, and the Minnesota Vikings (14-4) lost 29-9.

Matthew Stafford had a solid game, completing 19 of his 27 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns, and Darnold 25 of 40 passes for 245 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

"This time of year, it doesn't really reward you to be timid," Stafford said. "You've got to go out there and make plays. Gotta go win games in the playoffs, not just hope that things fall your way."

Kyren Williams carried the football 16 times for 76 yards, three catches for 16 yards, and one touchdown, Puka Nacua five catches for 44 yards, Tyler Higbee five catches for 58 yards, and Davis Allen one catch for 13 yards and one touchdown.

Los Angeles Rams #23 Kyren Williams (RB) catching a five-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford.

Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1.

The Rams got off to a good start by scoring the first touchdown of the quarter after Matthew Stafford started their first drive with a 27-yard reception by Puka Nacua, moments later, Tyler Higbee made a diving a diving catch for 23 yards, and threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Kyren Williams, capping off a 65-yard drive on 10 plays.

Los Angeles added to their lead 10-3 after Stafford took the Rams downfield 62 yards, and Joshua Karty kicked a 34-yard field goal.

The Vikings trailed 10-3 in the second quarter after their kicker, Will Reichard, nailed a 34-yard field goal, thanks to Sam Darnold taking their offense downfield for 54 yards on 10 plays. Tyler Higbee their tight-end would have to leave the game with a chest injury and would miss the second half.

The Rams dodged a bullet when Stafford appeared to fumble the football, and Minnesota recovered the football and ran it back for a touchdown that would have tied the game, but after a review, Stafford threw a forward pass toward Nacua, who was in the area of the pass while being tackled.

Los Angeles Rams #9 Matthew Stafford (QB) threw two touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings’ defense.

Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1.

Los Angeles’ cornerback Cobie Durant would pick off Darnold's pass intended for Jordan Addison at their 42-yard line with 10:21 left before halftime.

Ahkello Whitherspoon forced Darnold to fumble the football at the Rams ' 43-yard line, and Jared Verse picked the football up and ran it back for a 57-yard touchdown making the score 17-3 with 3:49 left in the second quarter.

"I was going to dunk on the field goal post, but I was too tired," Verse said, laughing.

Los Angeles Rams #56 Christian Rozeboom (ILB) and his teammate #0 Byron Young (OLB) coming to help make a tackle on the Minnesota

Vikings #33 Aaron Jones Sr (RB). Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1.

The Rams went into halftime leading 24-3 after tight-end Davis Allen caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Stafford.

Minnesota would trail 27-9 when Darnold threw a 26-yard touchdown to his tight-end T.J.Hockerson, and the final score of the game as the Rams advanced to the second round to take on the Eagles in Philadelphia.

Hockenson finished the game with five catches for 64 yards one touchdown, and Jefferson five catches and 58 yards.