GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams faced off in an unusual scenario, with many thoughts directed towards Southern California, where destructive wildfires have impacted the Los Angeles area.

The Rams appeared fueled by the spirit of their home city, securing a comfortable 27-9 win.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns, while the Rams’ defense recorded nine sacks on Vikings QB Sam Darnold, equaling an NFL playoff record. They also forced two turnovers during the game.

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua caught a 27-yard pass from Stafford on the very first play. This was part of an impressive start in which Stafford completed his first 10 passes, propelling the Rams to a quick 10-0 lead.

Darnold was stripped of the ball by Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon in the second quarter, allowing Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse to recover and score, pushing the lead to 17-3.

Los Angeles maintained their offensive momentum in the closing moments of the second quarter after Minnesota turned the ball over on downs. Stafford quickly led the Rams down the field in five plays, culminating in a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Davis Allen, ending the half with the Rams ahead 24-3. The Rams defense had already piled up six sacks and two turnovers by halftime.

The Rams defense forced the Vikings to punt to start the second half. Los Angeles then executed an 11-play drive that concluded with a 44-yard field goal from kicker Joshua Karty, increasing their lead to 27-3.

With a significant gap to close, the Vikings struggled to keep up for the remainder of the game, and many Minnesota fans exited the stadium during the fourth quarter.

This victory sends the Rams to Philadelphia for the divisional round of the playoffs, where they will face the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

The final wild-card round game took place in Glendale, following the NFL’s decision last Thursday to move the playoff contest from SoFi Stadium to State Farm Stadium due to safety concerns stemming from the wildfires in Los Angeles. This matchup marked only the second playoff game in NFL history to be relocated, and the first time a postseason game was moved due to natural disasters.

The atmosphere at State Farm Stadium felt distinctly like Los Angeles. The Rams arranged free charter buses for 1,500 season ticket holders to travel to Glendale. Fans tailgated outside the stadium, while players, coaches, and staff wore special Los Angeles Fire Department apparel adorned with the Rams logo. A banner reading “Thank You Firefighters and First Responders” was displayed near the south end zone, and “LA Together” signage in royal blue wrapped the lower bowl of the stadium.

Despite the heavy hearts from the wildfires, the entire Rams organization celebrated their victory in the NFC wild-card round as they advance to Philadelphia.

Follow YSL News Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.