INGLEWOOD, California -- This week's "Thursday Night Football" game is a compelling NFC matchup featuring a pair of teams defying expectations and heading in different directions. The Los Angeles Rams host the Minnesota Vikings today in a contest that will be broadcast on Prime Video, which has a free trial. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. Eastern.
Prime Video is Amazon's video streaming service and comes with a free trial. The broadcast features play-by-play announcer Al Michaels, game analyst Kirk Herbstreit and sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung.
Note: If you live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul or Los Angeles areas, you can also watch for free on your local Fox affiliate on Fubo, which also has a free trial.
The Vikings (5-1) travel to SoFi Stadium after suffering their first defeat of the season last Sunday, while the Rams (2-4) are coming off a win over the Raiders, which broke a two-game losing streak.
Check out a complete rundown of NFL Week 8 action, including the schedule, predictions, previews, TV information and more.
Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold has revived his career and brought stability to the Vikings' offense after the team lost starter Kirk Cousins to an injury a year ago and then free agency in the offseason. Darnold has seemingly come out of nowhere, leading the Vikings to an impressive start while passing for 1,370 yards, 12 TDs and a 104 rating.
His favorite target has been All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who is on pace for a 94-reception, 14-touchdown season. Former Packers running back Aaron Jones has fit in nicely, averaging 5.2 yards on 14 carries per game. Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips and linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. lead Minnesota's 10th-ranked defense.
The Rams, meanwhile, are in rebuilding mode. Coming off a playoff season a year ago, the team has been without three of its best players for most of the year. Defensive end Aaron Donald retired in the offseason, and star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nakua have hardly played due to injuries, though Kupp could return this week.
The transition has been a struggle. Veteran QB Matthew Stafford has been inconsistent, while the defense has struggled, particularly against the run.
The Rams lead the all-time series between the two franchises, 28-17-2. Los Angeles won the last meeting, a 30-23 road victory in Week 16 of the 2021 season. Minnesota is favored by three points to win on Sunday night.
Vikings: Lost at home to Lions, 31-29, on a last-second field goal.
Rams: Beat Raiders at home, 20-15. Rookie safety Jaylen McCollough had two interceptions.
With two completed passes, Rams QB Matthew Stafford will pass Dan Marino for the ninth-most completions in NFL history.
Vikings: QB Sam Darnold (228 pass. yards per game), WR Justin Jefferson (16.1 yards per catch), RB Aaron Jones (on pace for first 1,000-yard season since 2022)
Rams: RB Kyren Williams (436 rush. yards, 8 TD), WR Cooper Kupp (18 rec. in 2 games), CB Cobie Durant (sack, forced fumble vs. LAS)
About Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video offers a 30-day free trial. If you're an Amazon Prime member, this video service is included at no extra cost with your membership. Joining Amazon Prime costs $14.99/month or $139 annually. The streaming service features blockbuster movies, hit shows, Amazon Originals and sports, including select NFL games for the 2024 season.
About FuboTV
Fubo (free trial and $20 off your first month) has three main packages: Pro costs $79.99/month; Elite is $89.99; Premier is priced at $99.99. Cancel before the free trial ends to avoid being charged. Fubo includes access to more than 185 sports, entertainment and news channels. You can record games, TV shows, movies and more.
For team hats, shirts and more gear: Visit Fanatics, Dick's Sporting Goods, Lids, Champs Sports and New Era.
Information from the AP was included in this report and AI might have been used to assist with this story.