Rams–Vikings rivalry
Los Angeles Rams
Minnesota Vikings
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| First meeting | November 5, 1961 Rams 31, Vikings 17 |
|---|---|
| Latest meeting | December 26, 2021 Rams 30, Vikings 23 |
| Next meeting | 2024 |
| Statistics | |
| Meetings total | 47 |
| All-time series | Vikings, 27–18–2 |
| Postseason results | Vikings, 5–2
Rams 49, Vikings 37 |
| Largest victory | Rams, 39–3 (1967) |
| Longest win streak | Vikings, 6 (1987–1998) |
| Current win streak | Rams, 2 |
The Rams–Vikings rivalry is an NFL rivalry between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings.[1][2][3]
The rivalry was most heated in the 1970s when the Vikings and Rams faced off in many consequential playoff games.[4][5][6][7][8] To-date, the Vikings are the Rams second most played playoff opponent with seven games and the Rams are tied with the Cowboys as the most played playoff opponent for the Vikings.[9]
The Vikings lead the all-time series 27–18–1 and are 5–2 in the playoffs.
Notable moments and games
- The 1972 game was the highest-scoring game of the year for both of those teams, as Fran Tarkenton of the Vikings threw for 319 yards and four touchdowns. For his part, Roman Gabriel of the Rams would complete 25 passes in the game, which at that time was his second-highest career total ever in that category.
- Playing inside a mud-soaked Los Angeles Coliseum in the divisional round of the '77 playoffs, the Vikings jumped out to a 14–0 lead before holding on for a 14–7 victory. Despite the mud, both teams found considerable traction in their running games. Rams running back Lawrence McCutcheon and Vikings running back Chuck Foreman each rushing for over 100 yards.[10]
- In 1985, it was a defensive battle, as all of the first half scoring came on two Rams field goals to give them a 6–0 lead. Eric Dickerson then scored a touchdown in the third quarter to make it 13–0. The Vikings mounted a bit of a comeback, scoring on a Ted Brown touchdown run and a Jan Stenerud field goal, but it wasn't quite enough as the Rams held on to win 13–10.
- In 2015, the Vikings defeated the Rams 21–18 in overtime following an illegal hit to Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater by Rams' cornerback Lamarcus Joyner.[11] Mike Zimmer famously declined receiving the ball in overtime after winning the toss due to favorable wind conditions for a possible game-winning kick. The Vikings ended up stopping the Rams, getting the ball, and kicking a game winning field goal.
Connections between the two teams
Shortly after the Rams won Super Bowl LVI, the Vikings hired their offensive coordinator, Kevin O'Connell, to serve as their new head coach following the firing of Zimmer at season's end.[12] O'Connell brought several assistants from the Rams to work with him in Minnesota, with the most notable one being current Vikings offensive coordinator and former Rams tight end coach Wes Phillips.
Game results
| Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams vs. Minnesota Vikings season-by-season results | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1960s (Vikings, 9–6–1)
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1970s (Vikings, 6–5–1)
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1980s (Vikings, 3–1)
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1990s (Vikings, 3–1)
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2000s (Rams, 3–2)
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2010s (Vikings, 4–1)
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2020s (Rams, 1–0)
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Summary of results
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References
- ^ Songco, Dijo (May 19, 2020). "Los Angeles Rams' top 5 rivals of all time, ranked". Clutch Points.
- ^ DeArdo, Bryan (September 21, 2021). "Biggest Rivalries of 1970's". CBSSports.
- ^ "Rams, Vikings renew old rivalry Sunday". Hawaii Tribune-Herald. 4 October 1985. p. 2. Retrieved 16 May 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Vikings, Rams resume rivalry in TV contest". Arizona Republic. October 24, 1977. p. 8. Retrieved 2023-05-16 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Vikings-Rams Resume Rivalry". Indianapolis Star. August 6, 1977. p. 25. Retrieved 2023-05-16 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Rams vs. Vikings". Centre Daily Times. October 11, 1978. p. 27. Retrieved 2023-05-16 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Rams, Vikes Rekindle Old Rivalry". Sacramento Bee. November 29, 1979. p. 12F. Retrieved 2023-05-16 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Rams Seek to Change Viking's Playoff Spell". Daily Oklahoman. December 25, 1977. p. C2. Retrieved 2023-05-16 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Los Angeles Rams Top 5 Rivals of All Time ranked". 19 May 2020.
- ^ Florio, Mike (November 15, 2015). "Rams, Vikings rekindle major 1970s rivalry". NBCSports.
- ^ "Lamacrus Joyner fined for hit on Bridgewater". Bleacher Report.
- ^ "Minnesota Vikings Face Familiar Foe As Stafford, 10-4 Rams Offer Major Challenge". Forbes.
