The Minnesota Vikings faced a disappointing defeat against the Los Angeles Rams, losing 27-9 on Monday night, marking their third consecutive loss to quarterback Matthew Stafford since he joined the Rams. The Vikings had previously held a winning record against Stafford during his tenure with the Detroit Lions, but his performance showcased a stark contrast.

Stafford threw for a remarkable 124 yards in the first quarter alone, contributing to the Rams' early 10-0 lead. The Vikings defense struggled to contain him, managing only to sack him once throughout the game. Stafford’s completion rate against the Vikings reached 72%, with a total of six touchdowns scored over their last three encounters.

In terms of offensive struggles, the Vikings’ quarterback Sam Darnold faced relentless pressure, ultimately leading to a franchise-worst nine sacks allowed in a playoff game. The offensive line's inability to protect Darnold significantly hindered their scoring capabilities, with their first touchdown coming late in the third quarter. This loss raised concerns about the Vikings' defensive and offensive strategies moving forward.