Cooper Kupp returns to the field for Thursday Night Football in what could be his final game for the Los Angeles Rams.
The pregame narrative: Trade rumours involving Kupp are swirling, but he’s a Ram for now. I think Kupp and Tutu Atwell will both factor into the receiving game for L.A., while Minnesota Vikings tailback Aaron Jones should find daylight in a plus matchup.
Check out my Vikings vs. Rams same-game parlay predictions for Week 8 below.
Vikings vs. Rams same-game parlay predictions
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Parlay: Kupp over 49.5 rec. yards + Jones over 59.5 rush yards + Atwell over 24.5 rec. yards + Over 44.5 points (+350)
Kupp over 49.5 receiving yards (-295): Did you know that Kupp and Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford have a show together on the Rams’ official website?
I learned of it this week when a clip circulated of Kupp explaining how he locked down 11-year NBA vet Zach LaVine in a high school state basketball tournament.
The clip reminds us of two important things about Kupp:
- He’s an elite athlete and always has been
- He has a fantastic rapport with Stafford
Tonight marks Kupp’s first game back since Week 2, and I expect Stafford to link up with his pal in the passing game. As a straight wager, I’d happily consider the over on Kupp’s standard yardage line (67.5).
Minnesota’s defence has been elite in terms of points prevention, but the yardage totals — especially in the passing game — aren’t nearly as impressive. The Vikings allow the third-most passing yards per game (260.3).
Kupp had 110 yards on 21 targets in Week 1, which was the last time he was fully healthy. Expect the former Triple Crown winner to get his.
Other parlay picks
Jones over 59.5 rushing yards (-195): The Rams’ defence has been suspect in both facets of the game, but its rush defence is particularly porous.
L.A. has allowed 151.7 rush yards per game, which ranks 30th in the NFL. The team is also 25th in yards allowed per rush (4.7) and 28th in opponent rush success rate (44.8%).
After being a game-time decision a week ago, Jones turned in a 93-yard effort on 14 carries. It’s a short week, but he logged a full practice on Wednesday and shouldn’t have any concerns.
All six teams who’ve faced the Rams so far had a tailback finish with 60-plus rush yards.
Atwell over 24.5 receiving yards (-200): The return of Kupp (and the possible return of Puka Nacua) isn’t a positive sign for Atwell’s output. But even with some regression, I’d be shocked to see him fall short of this number.
As stated, Minnesota isn’t impenetrable as a pass defence. So there should be room for more than one Ram to make a mark.
And why not Atwell? He had a team-high nine targets last week and has 45-plus receiving yards in five straight games.
Even if his target volume drops, Atwell can cash this bet with merely a catch or two. He has six receptions of 20-plus yards in his past five games.
Over 44.5 points (-175): Scoring has been an issue for the Rams this season, but they’ve largely played without their top two wideouts.
At least one of those guys returns tonight, which gives me some hope that Los Angeles can keep up with Minnesota’s dynamic offence.
It’s still difficult to believe, but Sam Darnold has guided the Vikings to the NFL’s No. 6 scoring offence (28.0 PPG). Two-time Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson could make his season debut tonight, but even if he doesn’t, there are several other weapons in place.
The Rams have allowed 24-plus points in five of six games, while the Vikings’ game total hit the 60-point mark in two of their past three.
Picks made at 11:30 a.m. on 10/24/24.
Jordan enjoys writing data-driven game previews and analysis articles — especially for MLB markets or NFL/NBA props. And as a proud Ohio University grad, he’ll always have a soft spot for college sports (especially if the Bobcats are involved). Previous stops include mlb.com, Sportsnet and The Athletic.