Rams ‘playing for LA’, crush Minnesota Vikings in NFL wild card

The Los Angeles Rams beat the Minnesota Vikings from start to finish Monday, Jan. 13, in the final game of the NFL’s Wild Card Weekend. The final score was 27-9, and after the game, the players and coaches talked about their motivation—”Playing for LA.”

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford summed it up best with the first answer in his postgame press conference, saying, “It has been a difficult week, so proud of this group and happy that we could play the way we did tonight, give the people back home something to cheer about for a little bit.“

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Rams head coach Sean McVay also praised his players and coaches. “With everything that has gone on with our community, everything that these guys have gone through, I thought they epitomized and represented the city the right way,” McVay said. “You talk about sports offering a platform for people to come together, offer a little bit of temporary relief and I thought the way that our team competed tonight was what it looked like.”

The league moved the game to Arizona on Thursday, Jan. 9, because of the threat of wildfires in and around Los Angeles. During pregame ceremonies, the team honored the firefighters and first responders still battling the flames back home. Former Rams captain Andrew Whitworth, now retired, addressed the fans and the city.

“We will rebuild LA, hand in hand together, for as long as it takes, whatever it takes, we will rebuild together. Los Angeles, I love you, we love you, and we are with you “ Whitworth said.

"We will rebuild LA. Hand in hand, together. For as long as it takes and whatever it takes. We will build it together. Los Angeles, I love you. We love you and we are with you.” pic.twitter.com/5EfllG4ESt

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 14, 2025

It seemed the fans needed no motivation. Over the weekend, the NFL, the Rams and the Arizona Cardinals helped move nearly the entire Rams organization and their families—more than 400 people—to Glendale, just outside Phoenix. The fans soon followed, filling flights and making the six-hour drive by car or by busload.

It all paid off, as the Rams came out fast and left little doubt. Linebacker Michael Hoecht couldn’t say enough about the atmosphere: “It was awesome. I’m so thankful for every single one of them that came here, all of them. Hope they are all safe and making it through a tough time.“

Ramily showin' out! pic.twitter.com/qP2EfCZoye

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 13, 2025

The Rams have advanced to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. They have just six days to prepare for the Philadelphia Eagles. If they’re unable to practice in Los Angeles because of the lingering fires or poor air quality, they may travel to the East Coast a few days early.