Vikings-Rams preview: Sam Darnold's shot at redemption

• A win Monday night and the Vikings will play the Eagles in Philadelphia on Sunday.

Flashback: Eight days ago against the Detroit Lions, the Vikings had a chance to clinch the top seed and a bye in the NFC playoffs. Instead, Darnold had his worst game of the season, looking shaken while missing wide-open receivers in a lopsided loss.

Yes, but: Darnold has proven himself resilient. Three NFL teams gave up on the quarterback in his first six seasons, but this year he made the Pro Bowl and will likely get votes for MVP.

• He also bounced back from a horrible game the Vikings somehow still won against Jacksonville earlier this year and has shaken off bad interceptions within games.

State of play: Minnesota is a 2.5-point favorite against Los Angeles, which won eight of its last 10 games before clinching the playoffs.

• The Rams beat the Vikings 30-20 in October, taking Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores by surprise by activating star wide receiver Puka Nacua from injury. Nacua torched the Vikings that day, but Flores said he's ready this time.

Storyline to watch: The Rams won the Super Bowl three years ago, and while many of Los Angeles' best players from that team are gone, they're still led by head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford.

• Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell was the offensive coordinator for that team and remains close friends with McVay.

Details: Kickoff is at 7pm and the game will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN and KFAN 100.3FM.