The NFL playoffs, already a cauldron of unpredictability, just got a little spicier. The Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams, set to square off in a pivotal NFC Wild Card matchup, will now be doing so in…Arizona? Yes, you read that right. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the Rams’ supposed home turf, has been swapped for State Farm Stadium in Glendale, home of the Arizona Cardinals. With the LA wildfires raging, the NFL, decided to switch venues.
While the Rams technically retain “home-team” status, the advantage seems negligible at best. State Farm Stadium, a familiar setting for big games (having hosted multiple Super Bowls), becomes neutral territory. Will this level the playing field or create unforeseen difficulties for both teams? The Vikings, after a nail-biting loss to Detroit in their final regular-season game, just missed snagging the NFC’s top seed.
Adding a touch of personal history to this relocated showdown, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell served as the Rams’ offensive coordinator under Sean McVay in 2020 and 2021. Now, he faces his former mentor and team in a win-or-go-home scenario, albeit in a rather unexpected location. The game kicks off Monday, January 13, 2025, at 8:15 PM ET on ESPN. Let’s just say, the pre-game analysis suddenly has a lot more to unpack. One thing’s for sure: the desert air will be thick with tension. Arizona, get ready for some uninvited playoff football.
Tune in to ESPN at 8:15 PM ET this Monday, January 13, to witness the relocated NFC Wild Card battle between the Vikings and Rams.