Vikings-Rams Wild Card game scheduled to play as NFL readies contingency for Los Angeles wildfire
NFL has contingency plan to relocate Vikings-Rams MNF Wild Card round case Los Angeles wildfire continue devastation.
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Vikings-Rams MNF Wild Card round could be relocated due to Los Angeles wildfire (Image via Imago/X)
The Los Angeles wildfire has forced more than 70,000 people to evacuate the area as houses and structures were destroyed. As the fire continues to rage, it has brought the Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams Wild Card round’s viability into question.
The fires in Los Angeles mostly affected the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and it forced residents to evacuate. Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick‘s family had to leave their house as the situation became worse.
SoFi Stadium is in Inglewood, which is about 19 miles from the Pacific Palisades. However, the fires spread to neighboring Santa Monica and there are fears it could spread further. Even if firefighters are trying their best to contain the fire from spreading, a strong wind could make it difficult.
In addition to that, Los Angeles city officials and forces are busy managing the situation. An event of the magnitude of an NFL playoff game requires the assistance of many of those departments. In the event the NFL cannot go ahead with the MNF game, they revealed a contingency plan on their X account.
We continue to prepare to play the Vikings-Rams game as scheduled Monday night at SoFi Stadium. As with all games, there are contingency plans in the event a change in location is needed. In this instance, the game would be played on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, if necessary.
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This will not be the first time the NFL has done this as they moved a game between the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins in October of 2003. The league will monitor the situation and take a call in the days to come.
Vikings-Rams to define Sam Darnold’s contract negotiations
The MNF game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams will be a game of brains and brawns. Both teams possess great defenses who can make it difficult for the opposing quarterback. Matthew Stafford is in a league of his own as was evident when the Vikings themselves were rumored to explore a trade for him.
Therefore, the focus will be on Sam Darnold. The 27-year-old had one of the worst games of his stellar season against the Detroit Lions. Once that unfolded, many questioned if the QB was worth a long-term deal.
That means, his future depends on the Vikings-Rams Wild Card battle. If he plays well, the franchise will likely get all the proof they need. But if he struggles against that Rams defense, there is a chance the Vikings may give Sam Darnold a shorter deal.
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Joseph Varghese
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