With Kupp and Nacua back from injury, Stafford throws 4 TD passes in Rams’ 30-20 win over Vikings

INGLEWOOD, CA – Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua made their long-awaited returns, transforming the Los Angeles Rams’ struggling season. Their presence was palpable in a prime-time matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, where they provided the spark the Rams had been missing.

Kupp made an immediate impact, catching a touchdown, while Nacua racked up 106 receiving yards, showcasing his talent after missing five games. Quarterback Matthew Stafford thrived with his star receivers back, throwing for 279 yards and four touchdowns in the Rams’ 30-20 victory.

Demarcus Robinson emerged as a key player, grabbing two touchdown passes from Stafford. With this win, the Rams (3-4) celebrated back-to-back victories for the first time this season, as their offense fired on all cylinders, accumulating 386 yards.

Nacua’s return was especially impressive, with seven catches, marking his eighth career game over 100 receiving yards. Kupp also made his presence felt with five receptions for 51 yards, including a crucial 27-yard catch late in the fourth quarter.

Kyren Williams contributed significantly as well, rushing for 97 yards and catching an early touchdown pass. Robinson’s second touchdown, a 10-yarder with 6:17 remaining, put the Rams ahead 28-20. A late safety by Byron Young, who sacked Sam Darnold and grabbed his facemask, clinched the win.

This game marked Rams coach Sean McVay’s first victory over Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, who had served as his offensive coordinator during the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning season three years prior. Darnold passed for 240 yards for Minnesota (5-2), who faced a disappointing defensive effort after suffering their first loss of the season. The Vikings also lost starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a knee injury late in the first half.

Justin Jefferson was a standout for Minnesota, catching eight passes for 115 yards, while Josh Oliver and Trent Sherfield each scored a touchdown from Darnold. However, Minnesota managed just two field goals in the last three quarters.

Both teams started strong, scoring touchdowns on their opening drives in front of a sellout crowd at SoFi Stadium. Darnold completed his first eight passes, while Stafford clearly relished having Kupp and Nacua back on the field. Williams scored on a short pass, marking a touchdown in his 10th consecutive game. The Rams had struggled to score in the first quarter all season, while the Vikings had yet to allow a touchdown during that time.

Byron Murphy intercepted an overthrown pass from Stafford in the third quarter, helping Minnesota momentarily take a 17-14 lead after a remarkable one-handed catch by Jefferson extended their drive.

Up Next
Vikings: Host Indianapolis in a Sunday night game on Nov. 3.
Rams: Travel to Seattle on Nov. 3.