Sam Darnold put forth a career performance for the Minnesota Vikings this season, ranking among the NFL's top 10 quarterbacks in passing yardage, touchdown throws, passer rating and winning percentage.

Despite having the obstacle of the Rams’ home field advantage removed in tragic fashion, given the tragic and horrific fires in Los Angeles, the Minnesota Vikings will undoubtedly be feeling the need for a team bounce-back after a 31-9 drubbing at the Detroit Lions last Sunday,

A short memory is needed in this game against the Rams that has been moved because of the Los Angeles wildfires to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. SoFi Stadium is not an intimidating home field compared to Ford Field in Detroit or Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, but this move should work out in the Vikings’ favor.

After the Giants cut starting quarterback Daniel Jones, he joined Minnesota's practice squad. It was a wise move, aimed at getting him on a team while maintaining the flexibility to sign with another team's active roster,

Detroit’s defense sent a ton of six- or seven-man pressures and played mostly man coverage. Can the Rams replicate that in the playoffs?

About a week separated the best of Darnold from the worst, and we can’t claim to know which of those the Rams will see.

Sam Darnold is on track to reach free agency in March and understands what's at stake regarding his short- and long-term futures.