How have the Rams and Vikings changed since regular season matchup?

Which key players are in/out of the starting lineup in wildcard round?

We are just days away from the postseason rematch between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings. These teams last met in Week 8.

But things change quickly in the NFL. While the Rams came out on top of the first matchup 30-20, there have been several changes in each teams’ starting lineup that could sway the outcome in the playoffs.

These are the players in and out of the lineup since the last meeting:

OUT – Christian Darrisaw, Vikings LT

The Vikings blindside protector suffered a season-ending injury in Week 8 versus the Rams. In replacement, Minnesota acquired Cam Robinson in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars shortly thereafter.

Robinson is a passable starting option at tackle; however, Darrisaw is one of the best, young pass protectors at his position. While the Vikings were able to bring in a veteran capable of holding water in Darrisaw’s absence, we should be honest that this is still a notable downgrade.

Even with Darrisaw in the lineup the first time, rookie OLB Jared Verse was dominant in the regular season matchup. He individually notched five pressures according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). His running mate at EDGE defender, Byron Young, also had three pressures and the game-sealing sack on Sam Darnold for a safety.

IN – Steve Avila, Rams LG

Avila replaced rookie UDFA Justin Dedich at left guard in this game. This should be a significant upgrade for LA, especially in the run and screen games where Avila excels in getting downfield. Dedich held his own in his limited time as a starter, but he’s limited by his slight frame and size.

IN – Blake Cashman, Vikings MLB

It’s been an interesting career for former Minnesota Golden Gopher Blake Cashman since he was drafted in the fifth round by the New York Jets in 2019. His career didn’t get off the ground with the Jets, but in his fifth season—the second with the Houston Texans—he established himself as a capable starting off-ball linebacker.

Last year with the Texans, Cashman was one of the better pass coverage linebackers in the NFL. He allowed just 44 catches on 60 targets for 347 yards, 2 TD’s, 1 INT, 3 PBU’s, and a passer rating of 91.5.

Despite playing 30 more coverage snaps in 2024, in his first year with the Vikings, Cashman allowed 40 receptions on 51 targets for 402 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions, 4 PBU’s, and a passer rating of 99.5.

Cashman’s presence could make life in the passing game more difficult for Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford.

IN – TJ Hokenson, Vikings TE

Hockenson made his return in Week 9 (just after the Rams matchup) from a season-ending knee injury in 2023.

Despite playing roughly half a season, he still hauled in 41 receptions for 455 yards in a crowded room of Minnesota pass catchers. Between Justin Jefferson, Hockenson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor, the Vikings have a lot of options through the air.

IN – Tyler Higbee, Rams TE

Higbee likely won’t bring as big of a boost to the Rams offense as Hockenson does for the Vikings, but he’s likely still an improvement over the tight end trio that LA attempted to replace him with short-term.

Will Higbee start in this game? The answer seems unclear after he was playing late into last week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks when the team was resting key starters. It’s understandable that LA would want to get Higbee reps as he works his way back into the offense, but this could also be a sign that they plan to use him as more of a role player than every-down TE.