Week 8’s “Thursday Night Football” matchup features a pair of NFC teams that have defied their initial 2024 expectations — but in much different ways.

The Vikings will visit the Rams to begin the week’s action, with each team currently trending in opposite directions through their first six games. For Minnesota, it opened the new season potentially entering a transition year. Having drafted rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the first round, the team had enough talent to compete for a playoff spot but had major quarterback questions as it transitioned from Kirk Cousins to a potential combination of McCarthy and Sam Darnold.

Instead, the Vikings have looked like one of the best teams in their conference. McCarthy’s season ended before it began, but Darnold has found a major career resurgence throwing passes in the Vikings’ offense — through six games, he’s led his team to a 5-1 record while throwing for 1,370 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions.

MORE: Week 8 NFL Power Rankings | Week 8 NFL picks | Week 8 NFL picks against the spread

Despite a close Week 7 loss to Detroit, the team’s first loss of the season, Minnesota looks ready to compete for a playoff spot in the NFC. Darnold has a deep group of weapons, including star receiver Justin Jefferson, running back Aaron Jones, and tight end T.J. Hockenson, who’s soon set to return from a long-term knee injury, and the Vikings’ defense has been strong, currently allowing just 17.8 points per game.

The Rams, meanwhile, entered 2024 looking to return to the playoffs after claiming a wild-card spot in 2023. However, injuries have held back Los Angeles’ offense, and its defense has struggled with legendary DT Aaron Donald now retired. Both of the Rams’ star receivers, Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee), have missed extended time with injuries, though both are getting closer to their returns to action.

Entering Week 8 at 2-4, time is running out for Matt Stafford and the Rams to turn their season around. With a win last week over Las Vegas and their receivers nearing full health though, Los Angeles remains a dangerous team that’s no easy opponent for the Vikings to handle this week.

The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights from “Thursday Night Football” between the Vikings and Rams. Follow along with the action below.

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Vikings vs. Rams score 

Vikings vs. Rams updates, highlights from Week 8 ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup

(All times ET)

9:25 p.m. — Once again, Minnesota punts, this time after a three-and-out. The Rams will have a chance to score before getting the ball back to start the second half.

9:23 p.m. — Jared Verse sacks Darnold on the first play of the Vikings’ drive.

.@JaredVerse1 with the sack (and the celebratory SKOL) 👀🐏#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Q2T3EiDEgc

— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024

9:19 p.m. — Los Angeles punts. Flags hurt the Rams on that series more than they helped them, and Minnesota will get another opportunity.

9:16 p.m. — Penalties are once again giving the Rams extra chances on third down. They’re still deep in their own territory to begin the drive.

9:09 p.m. — It took until the second quarter, but one of these two teams has finally punted. Minnesota ends the streak of four straight touchdown drives, giving the ball back to the Rams.

Vikings 14, Rams 14

9:02 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Neither offense can be stopped right now. We could be headed for a shootout in Los Angeles, as Stafford makes an impressive move to escape a sack then finds Cooper Kupp for a seven-yard touchdown.

COOPER KUPP TD!!! 🙌#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/CsD4OicMUT

— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024

8:59 p.m. — The Rams are inside the Vikings’ 10-yard line, looking to tie it at 14 with Nacua continuing to dominate Stafford’s targets.

8:56 p.m. — A holding call on the Vikings kept Los Angeles’ drive alive, and Stafford uses the opportunity to hit Nacua once again for a 14-yard play.

End of first quarter: Vikings 14, Rams 7

8:51 p.m. — Nacua picks up his third catch already, and he’s up to 50 receiving yards. A high-scoring first quarter comes to a close with the Rams set for a 3rd & 7.

Vikings 14, Rams 7

8:45 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Another drive, another touchdown to begin this game. Darnold connects with Trent Sherfield for a 10-yard score, and Minnesota reclaims the lead. Darnold is 8-for-8 with 97 passing yards and two touchdowns so far.

Sam Darnold’s 2nd TD toss of the night goes to @Channel__10

📺: @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/J9Vc9I0wT7

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 25, 2024

8:42 p.m. — Minnesota is moving the ball well once again. Jones has had a few decent pickups, and Darnold has found Jefferson and Jordan Addison for a pair of 14+ yard plays.

Vikings 7, Rams 7

8:35 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Matt Stafford finds Kyren Williams for a five-yard touchdown grab on 3rd & Goal. The Rams tied things up pretty quickly, and both offenses are clicking in the first quarter.

Stafford finds Kyren Williams in the end zone! #RamsHouse#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/psUbkoyPrn

— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024

8:32 p.m. — Nacua doesn’t look limited in any fashion so far. He gets another 21 yards to put Los Angeles in the red zone on its first drive.

8:29 p.m. — Puka Nacua is on the board with his first catch in weeks. He picks up 13 yards, then Kyren Williams gets another 13 on the ground.

Vikings 7, Rams 0

8:26 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Darnold makes it look easy, throwing to tight end Josh Oliver for a score. Minnesota coasted through its first drive, with the Darnold-Jefferson connection already on fire.

Sam Darnold and @JoshO_3 getting us started with a score!

📺: @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/3fQePPVvnc

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 25, 2024

8:24 p.m. — Jefferson sets up 1st & Goal with another catch, his third already.

8:21 p.m. — Sam Darnold has the Vikings’ offense moving well to begin. Aaron Jones had a pair of nice gains, and Justin Jefferson makes his second catch of the drive for a 17-yard pickup.

Darnold with a 🎯 to @JJettas2 #MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Cq6PWEV8u6

— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024

8:17 p.m. — They’re under way at SoFi Stadium. The Vikings will get the ball first.

7:48 p.m. — One of the game’s best wide receivers will be on the field tonight. Justin Jefferson’s numbers through six games for the Vikings so far: 33 receptions, 531 receiving yards, five touchdowns. 

Primetime @JJettas2 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/4g7hWOWyf0

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 24, 2024

7:44 p.m. — Here’s a look at the Vikings’ inactive list against the Rams. Tight end TJ Hockenson, who’s been nearing his return from a long-term injury, is out. 

Tonight’s #Vikings inactives pic.twitter.com/18E6AcLCjY

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 24, 2024

7:41 p.m. — Around 30 minutes from game time on “Thursday Night Football.” Good news for the Rams: Both of their star receivers, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, are available tonight.

Rams WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua both are active tonight vs. Vikings. pic.twitter.com/T3SPQDdedz

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 24, 2024

Vikings vs. Rams start time

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 24
• Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET

The Vikings and Rams will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday. The game will be at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

What channel is Vikings vs. Rams on today?

• Date: Thursday, October 24
• TV channel: N/A (U.S.) | TSN, CTV2 (Canada)
• Live stream: Amazon Prime Video | NFL+ | DAZN NFL (Canada)

Thursday’s game between the Vikings and Rams won’t be broadcast nationally in the U.S., with the only viewing options accessible through streaming on Amazon Prime and NFL+.

Canadian viewers can watch live on TSN or CTV2, or livestream the game through DAZN NFL.

Vikings schedule 2024

Here’s a look at Minnesota’s upcoming schedule after its matchup against the Rams.

Rams schedule 2024

Here’s how the next few weeks of action look for the Rams following Thursday’s game.