Vikings vs. Rams NFL Week 1: TV Schedule, Betting Lines, Prediction

By RantSports Staff
Vikings vs. Rams 2014
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

TV Schedule: Sunday, Sept. 7, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX

Stadium: Edward Jones Dome

Weather: 78 high, 55 low

Line: Saint Louis (-3.5)

The start of the season is a very exciting time for most fanbases. Although I am sure St. Louis fans are happy the season is here, it has to be disheartening that they already lost their quarterback for the season. For the second year in a row, Sam Bradford is out thanks to an ACL injury.

That is where Shaun Hill comes in. Hill is a more than capable QB, but it would be very hard to see him leading this team to the playoffs.

Hill and the rest of the offense stepping up is one thing, but the defense being able to stop Adrian Peterson and Co. will be the key to winning this football game.

Peterson’s numbers dropped off quite a bit from 2012, but he still managed to rush for 1,000+ yards and 10 scores. What Minnesota needs is a good quarterback. Hopefully for the Vikings’ sake, Matt Cassel will be their guy. If not, rookie Teddy Bridgewater would likely be more than happy to take over, which should eventually be the case anyways.

For what it’s worth, the Vikings went a perfect 4-0 during the preseason.

If Cassel steps up, AP does his thing and the defense does its part, Minnesota could finish better than many people are expecting. However, making the playoffs doesn’t seem that likely entering the season. Not when the team plays in the same division as Green Bay, Detroit and Chicago.

With that said, Minnesota isn’t playing any of those teams in Week 1. It is playing the Bradford-less Rams, who enter this game with high expectations on the defensive side of the ball.

In the end, Peterson comes up big, Hill isn’t able to help the Rams put enough points on the board and Minnesota comes away with the victory.

PREDICTION: Vikings 24, Rams 17

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