Coming off a last-minute defeat at the hands of the Detroit Lions in Week 7, the Minnesota Vikings were scheduled to take on the Los Angeles Rams just four days later on Prime Video's Thursday Night Football.
The Rams did a great job against the Vikings, making the purple and gold play at their pace. Minnesota failed to hold back the dynamic offensive weapons Los Angeles boasts, giving up big numbers to Kyren Williams and Puca Nacua on the way to a 20-30 defeat.
Minnesota's frustrating loss moves the team to 5-2 on the season. Their back-to-back losses put even more importance on Week 9, when the Vikings will host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football.
3 winners (and 2 losers) from the Vikings in Week 8 loss to the Rams
Before looking too far ahead at the matchup with the Colts, let's take a look at five players from the Minnesota Vikings who had notable performances against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football.
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Vikings winner No. 1: Justin Jefferson, wide receiver
Fans tuning into Thursday Night Football to get a look at Justin Jefferson had the opportunity to see some highlight-reel catches. Jefferson was one of the only parts of the passing attack moving the chains, earning him nearly 40 percent of Sam Darnold's targets.
Jefferson had eight catches on nine targets. His 115 receiving yards was the most in the game by any pass catcher in this game and his second-highest receiving total this season behind his effort against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2.
Vikings loser No. 1: Jordan Addison, wide receiver
For how much Justin Jefferson was making things happen and creating opportunities for Sam Darnold to throw him the ball, fellow wide receiver Jordan Addison struggled to make himself available.
The Rams came close to shutting Addison down in Week 8, allowing him just two catches on three targets. Those two grabs accounted for 22 yards of offense in a game where Minnesota was two-for-seven on third down.
Vikings winner No. 2: Will Reichard, kicker
It's time Will Reichard got some love in these articles. Minnesota Vikings fans might have a history of being unable to trust a kicker, but entering Thursday Night Football, he hadn't missed a single field goal or extra point try.
Against the Rams, Reichart continued his excellence. He made field goals from 23 and 35 yards out and connected on both extra point attempts. It may not have been a hugely challenging night for the kicker, but he didn't disappoint.
Vikings loser No. 2: David Quessenberry, offensive line
David Quessenberry had huge shoes to fill against the Rams. After starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw left the game with an injury, Minnesota's backup blocker entered the game and struggled to hold the line.
Darrisaw has until Nov. 3 to rest and heal. If he cannot go against the Colts, the Vikings may once again have to turn to Quessenberry and hope that he can do a solid job of filling in for him in another prime-time contest.
Vikings winner No. 3: Ivan Pace Jr., linebacker
Honestly, the Minnesota Vikings defense got worked against the Rams. Los Angeles' offense was able to move the ball at will against Brian Flores' guys, but there was a linebacker working hard to secure the second level.
Ivan Pace Jr. led the team with 13 combined tackles, including one for a loss of yardage. The purple and gold also struggled to put pressure on Matthew Stafford, but Pace got one of the team's two hits on L.A.'s quarterback.