Game Details
- Match-up: St. Louis Rams (0-0), Minnesota Vikings (0-0)
- Location: Edward Jones Dome, St.Louis, Missouri
- Date: Sunday, 07 September 2014
- Time: 12:00pm CDT
- TV: FOX
The Vikings have played the Rams 8 times since they relocated to St.Louis, they are 4-4 against them with their last win coming in a pivotal game in 2012 that helped put the Vikings in the playoffs. Adrian Peterson went off for 212 yards and 1 TD.
Key Match-up
The Trenches, St. Louis boasts an up and coming elite defensive line and they will put Minnesota’s offensive line to the test. Matt Kalil will be tested early this year versus Robert Quinn, after having a pro bowl year in 2011 Matt Kalil struggled in 2012 and is looking to regain his pro bowl level of play at Left Tackle.
Players to Watch
For the Vikings, 10th year veteran Matt Cassel who will be the starting for the Minnesota Vikings is coming off a quietly good preseason, where consistency has been the key. If the Vikings offense can find rhythm early it could spell disaster for the Ram’s defense. Defensively all eyes will be on the 9th overall pick of this years draft Anthony Barr (55), the rookie has shown in the preseason why he was drafted so high, he is an athletic freak. Anthony Barr will make his first start on the road in a dome his test will be to maintain his assignments and not make to many rookie errors. It will also be our first chance to see what Defensive Coordinator turned head coach Mike Zimmer will be able to do come game day.
For the Rams, All eyes shifted from Sam Bradford who suffered a season ending ACL Tear in the preseason to journeyman back up Shaun Hill. Shaun Hill has made multiple stops during his NFL career, but has only started a handful of games in 2012 when Matt Stafford went down with an injury for Detroit. Keep an eye out for Robert Quinn, the Rams Right End had 18 sacks last year setting a new St. Louis record he is going to give Matt Kalil probably more than he can handle on sunday.
Prediction
Even though the Rams get home field they are still reeling from the loss of their starting Quarterback Sam Bradford, I don’t think their offense can make up that lost time. Minnesota 27, St.Louis 14