The Rams might be without both of their top cornerbacks. But the Vikings won't have Everson Griffen, and with Riley Reiff and Dalvin Cook both questionable for the game, they'll have a tough time handling the Rams' formidable front. Mike Zimmer will have his bunch fired up to beat the odds on the West Coast, but the Vikings will come up short.
THREE BIG STORY LINES
Lining up without Griffen
With Everson Griffen out for the game, the Vikings will try to slow down the NFL's third-ranked offense without their most accomplished pass rusher. Stephen Weatherly, who had his first career sack Sunday, figures to start at left end once again.
Tough task for Elflein's return
Center Pat Elflein will start for the first time this season, after returning from offseason shoulder and ankle surgeries. Elflein will face one of the league's toughest defensive tackle tandems, with reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald lining up next to Ndamukong Suh.
Hitting the road on a short week
The Vikings have played a Thursday road game after a Sunday game in each of Mike Zimmer's five seasons as head coach. They flew to California on Tuesday night to get used to the two-hour time difference before Thursday's game.
TWO KEY MATCHUPS
Vikings LBs/DBs vs. Rams RB Todd Gurley
