Matthew Stafford threw two touchdown passes and the Los Angeles Rams overwhelmed the Minnesota Vikings, sacking Sam Darnold an NFL playoff record-tying nine times to win 27-9 Monday night in an NFC wild-card game that was moved out of Southern California because of devastating wildfires.
Rookie Jared Verse returned a fumble for a 57-yard score for the Rams (11-7), who looked comfortable in their adopted home of State Farm Stadium from the first snap. LA drove for a touchdown on the opening drive and built a 10-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The game was moved to the Phoenix suburbs — nearly 400 miles east of the Rams' home in Inglewood, California — because of the wildfires that continue to burn in the Los Angeles area. LA's next game will be on the East Coast against the No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m.
Verse's touchdown with 4:35 left in the second quarter gave the Rams a 17-3 lead. Darnold was under pressure from blitzing cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon when he lost the ball. The 24-year-old Verse scooped it up and ran down the field untouched, somersaulting into the end zone.
The play sent the Rams' faithful into a frenzy — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said some 45,000 fans made the trek from California for the game, and the 63,400-seat stadium appeared full.
It was the lowlight of a brutal first half for Darnold, who was making his first NFL playoff appearance. He was sacked five times before the break and threw an interception when Cobie Durant picked off a pass intended for Jordan Addison.
Minnesota (14-4) had a chance to earn the NFC's top seed in the final game of the regular season, but Darnold struggled in a loss at Detroit. His poor finish raises questions about his long-term future with the Vikings after he played this season on a one-year deal.
See a full recap of the game below.
Rams defeat Vikings 27-9
The Los Angeles Rams are moving on to the divisional round of the playoffs after beating the Minnesota Vikings 27-9.
Rams CB Ahkello Witherspoon doubtful to return, team says
Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon is doubtful to return after suffering a thigh injury, according to the team.
Hockenson scores for Vikings; Team fails 2-point conversion
Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson scored a 26-yard touchdown reception with 5:05 left in the third quarter.
Minnesota failed to convert a 2-point attempt and trail the Rams 27-9.
Rams' Karty kicks 44-yard field goal
Rams kicker Joshua Karty now has two field goals on the night after kicking a 44-yard field goal with 7:19 left in the third quarter.
Los Angeles leads the Minnesota Vikings 27-3.
Tyler Higbee ruled out for rest of the game, team says
According to the Rams, tight end Tyler Higbee will not return to Monday's game due to a chest injury.
Rams lead Vikings 24-3 at the half
The Los Angeles Rams lead the Minnesota Vikings 24-3 at halftime.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is 11 of 12 for 124 yards and a touchdown.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is six of six for 61 yards and has been sacked six times.
Rams QB Stafford throws 13-yard TD pass to TE Allen
Rams tight end Davis Allen caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford with 15 seconds left in the second quarter.
The Rams lead the Vikings 24-3.
Rams LB Verse returns fumble 57 yards for touchdown
The Rams lead 17-3 after a fumble by Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was recovered by linebacker Jared Verse, who returned it 57 yards for a touchdown.
Officials reverse Oliver fumble call
Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom recovered what was initially ruled by officials as a fumble by Vikings tight end Josh Oliver, but a replay official ruled Oliver was down before fumbling the ball.
Rams TE Higbee doubtful to return, team says
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee is doubtful to return, the team says.
The Rams list Higbee as having a chest injury.
Vikings QB Darnold intercepted by CB Durant
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was intercepted by Rams cornerback Cobie Durant with 10:21 left in the first half.
Durant, who returned the interception for one yard, had one interception during the regular season.
Officials reverse Stafford fumble call to incomplete pass
Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman recovered what was initially ruled by officials as a fumble by quarterback Matthew Stafford and ran the ball 26 yards for a touchdown with 14:17 left in the second quarter.
After a review by a replay official, however, the play was reversed and called an incomplete pass.
Vikings score field goal, trail Rams 10-3
Vikings kicker Will Reichard put Minnesota on the board with 14:17 left in the second quarter after putting through a 34-yard field goal.
The Vikings trail the Rams 10-3.
Rams' Karty kicks field goal; Los Angeles leads 10-0
Rams kicker Joshua Karty hit a 34-yard field goal with 10:22 left in the first quarter.
Los Angeles leads 10-0 over the Vikings.
Rams score TD on first drive, lead 7-0
On the first drive of the game, the Rams running back Kyren Williams scored a 5-yard touchdown reception.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford was 6 of 6 on the drive.
The Rams lead 7-0 over the Vikings.
Signs supporting wildfire relief efforts spread throughout State Farm Stadium
Signs saying "LA Together" and "Thank you firefighters and first responders" were displayed throughout State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona Monday night, referring to devastating wildfires in southern California.
The NFL made the decision to move the game to Glendale on Thursday as a result of the ongoing fires.
Vikings-Rams matchup features stout defenses, dynamic receivers and more
For a preview of Monday's playoff matchup, streaming anchor Maria Lisignoli spoke with CBS Los Angeles sports anchor Darren Haynes.
See the full conversation here.