NFL shares contingency plan for Rams-Vikings wild-card game amid Palisades fire

The NFL is poised to move one of its wild-card round games as wildfires continue to rage in Los Angeles County.

The Rams-Vikings game is scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and as of Wednesday night, the NFL plans to play the game as scheduled, although it has a contingency in place should it be moved. .

This change would include moving the game to Arizona.

“The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community,” the statement read. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of first responders. Our hearts go out to Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires.

The Rams will play Monday night against the Vikings. Getty Images

“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFLPA.”

Three fires – Pacific Palisades, Eaton and Hurst – have caused chaos and destruction throughout the Los Angeles metro area this week, leaving at least five dead and thousands of structures damaged.

Firefighters battle flames from the Palisades fire on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana winds are burning across Los Angeles County. Getty Images
Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a church on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Getty Images

ESPN reported that no Rams players have been affected by the fires and that the Chargers — who share SoFi but have a playoff game in Houston this week — adjusted their practice Wednesday to limit the time players spent outside.

The Rams are scheduled to practice Thursday.

It is not clear if they will practice at their Woodland Hills facility yet.

Star Rams receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp both thanked first responders on social media, echoing the sentiment team account shared on X.


Stay up to date with NYP’s coverage of the terrifying fires in the LA area


“Thank you to all the first responders! God bless the affected families!” Nacua wrote.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires,” Kupp added. “Thank you to the firefighters, first responders and everyone else doing their best in unimaginable circumstances.”

The Chargers announced Wednesday that they will donate $200,000 in “targeted” wildfire relief funds to the “American Red Cross, LA Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon and pet rescue organizations protecting animals displaced by the fires.”

Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a home on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
General view of action as Patrick Taylor Jr. #32 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes the football against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on January 5, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. Getty Images

The team also urged fans planning to attend a playoff vigil Saturday at the Hermosa Beach Pier to bring supplies to evacuation centers in Southern California.