5 keys to a Rams win against the Vikings on Thursday night

The Rams found new life last week with a win over the Las Vegas Raiders, and given the current state of the NFC West, it remains more than possible for the Rams to snatch the division title from their rivals. However, there is one daunting task standing in the way: the 5-1 Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings looked like one of the best teams in football entering 2024, with former Rams OC Kevin O'Connell reviving the career of Sam Darnold and Vikings DC Brian Flores leading one of the most aggressive defenses in football.

The Vikings were brought back down to earth last week, suffering their first loss of the season against Detroit. As Minnesota looks for redemption, a short week could give the Rams an opportunity to catch them in their sleep.

Here are five keys to a Rams win over the Vikings.

1. Take control of Puka Nacua

Puka Nacua will play for the first time since suffering a lingering knee injury in Week 1, and while convention dictates taking it slow, the Rams can't afford to leave their No. 1 on the field.

The only way to beat this Vikings defense is to keep them on their toes, and Nacua will make defensive backs think twice about stopping the run.

2. Run the football

Kyren Williams is built for the big moments and Blake Corum is built to get around defenses built like the Vikings. Williams is averaging nearly four yards per carry this season and has shown he can beat run defenses with a combination of inside runs and stretch plays.

Corum is small and shifty, often getting lost in mesh points and popping up for big games. Corum is most effective at pulling guards, so keep that in mind as well. Running the ball, especially on second down, will result in a third-and-short. It will also set up the play-action.

3. Double Justin Jefferson

As far as Jefferson is concerned, there isn't much to expand on. He is the best receiver in football and while the Vikings may be able to beat the Rams in other ways, the team must take advantage of this opportunity.

Jefferson has 531 receiving yards in six games, and knowing O'Connell, he's currently picking zone hits for him. Take Jefferson out of the game plan, make him frustrated and force Darnold to look elsewhere.

4. Play the press coverage

As much as I have criticized DC Chris Shula, the man has guts and will choose risky coverages to create turnovers. Byron Young has continued to impress and Jared Verse is the clear Defensive Rookie of the Year so far. Bet these young pass rushers come home and put Darnold on his butt.

Minnesota gave up four sacks last week and Darnold can't get the ball into tight windows under pressure. Play the press coverage and let the men on the sidelines get to work.

5. Perform a six-man guard

Matthew Stafford has been a sitting duck in the backfield and the Rams defense will have to adjust. Not only do they have to run six-man protections, but the tight end also has to block chips. Either Minnesota needs to use more defenders or Stafford will have the time to beat the defense.

Brian Flores is known for obfuscating his reporting. The extra two seconds afforded by the six-man defense will be needed by Stafford to analyze the Vikings' defense. With Puka Nacua, the Rams have the receiving core to get the job done.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 5 keys to a Rams win against the Vikings on Thursday night