Will NFL move Vikings/Rams playoff due to LA wildfires?

On By Littum

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Ivan Pace Jr. #0 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after an interception in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 5, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. ((Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images))

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Vikings will face the LA Rams next Monday night in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs.

Mother Nature can have an influence on that and it can force the game to be moved. A massive windstorm hit the LA area earlier this week, with wildfires in the area creating dangerous conditions and creating poor air quality.

3 wildfires continue to grow in Southern California

Firefighters are battling three wildfires in Southern California that have prompted major evacuations affecting thousands of people. Strong winds continue to fuel the flames, which have destroyed schools and homes.

NFL officials say the league “continues to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA.”

What happens then?

What we know: With the playoffs five days away, the NFL will soon have to make a decision on whether the game can be played at SoFi Stadium, located in Inglewood, California. Only 45 minutes northeast, an evacuation order has come for homes around Rosen. Bowl Stadium in Pasadena.

It is highly unlikely that the game would be pushed back. The winner advances to the NFC Divisional Playoffs the following weekend.

Vikings show support for those affected

What they said: The Vikings took to social media Tuesday to show their support for those affected by the LA windstorm and subsequent wildfires.

“We are thinking of our Rams friends, their community and the first responders during this time,” team officials said.

The rematch

Why it’s important: The Vikings went to LA in Week 8 and lost to the Rams 30-20 on Thursday Night Football. It was their second loss in five days and they followed it up with a nine-game winning streak. The game ended with a bit of controversy when the refs missed an obvious facemask on Sam Darnold in the end zone on a play that resulted in a safety.

The Vikings are 14-3 and have lost to just two teams this season: the Lions twice and the Rams.

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