Game story
In Week 16 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-12-26, the Los Angeles Rams took care of business against the Minnesota Vikings, pulling away with a 30–23 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) paced the passing game, with +2.38 total EPA, and +6.9% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, J. Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +7.54 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-19.7% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Los Angeles Rams changed the game: (11:13) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right intended for 89-T.Higbee INTERCEPTED by 55-A.Barr (94-D.Tomlinson) at LA 10. 55-A.Barr to LA 2 for 8 yards (63-A.Corbett).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | 7 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 30 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 0 | 3 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 23 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Jefferson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +7.54 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.63 EPA/play
- 2 C. Kupp · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +5.78 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
- 3 S. Michel · Los Angeles Rams · Rushing · +3.32 total EPA · 27 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
- 4 T. Conklin · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.70 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
- 5 K. Cousins · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +2.38 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
- 6 D. Henderson · Los Angeles Rams · Rushing · +1.31 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.31 EPA/play
- 7 A. Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +0.92 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
- 8 M. Stafford · Los Angeles Rams · Rushing · +0.64 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Jefferson — MIN · Receiving
J. Jefferson posted the highest total EPA (+7.54) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 12 counted snaps, they averaged +0.63 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.02 EPA) came from Los Angeles Rams: (11:13) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right intended for 89-T.Higbee INTERCEPTED by 55-A.Barr (94-D.Tomlinson) at LA 10. 55-A.Barr to LA 2 for 8 yards (63-A.Corbett).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Rams — S. Michel
- Minnesota Vikings — A. Mattison
- Los Angeles Rams — B. Powell
- Los Angeles Rams — O. Beckham (M. Stafford pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — K. Osborn (K. Cousins pass)
Field goals
- Los Angeles Rams — M. Gay
- Minnesota Vikings — G. Joseph
- Los Angeles Rams — M. Gay
- Minnesota Vikings — G. Joseph
- Los Angeles Rams — M. Gay
- Minnesota Vikings — G. Joseph
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 7–0. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q1 52:18) — (7:18) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 25-S.Michel up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q1 52:13) — 8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 6–3. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the MIN 14 (Q2 36:40) — (6:40) 8-M.Gay 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the LA 4 (Q2 32:38) — (2:38) 1-G.Joseph 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the MIN 13 (Q2 30:14) — (:14) 8-M.Gay 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker..
The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–7. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the LA 2 (Q3 26:07) — (11:07) 25-A.Mattison left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q3 26:01); Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the LA 79 (Q3 22:22); Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q3 22:06) — 8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the LA 6 (Q3 16:34) — (1:34) 1-G.Joseph 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 10–10. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the MIN 7 (Q4 11:42) — (11:42) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 3-O.Beckham for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 11:37) — 8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the LA 6 (Q4 8:25) — (8:25) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 17-K.Osborn for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q4 8:21) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the MIN 6 (Q4 2:05) — (2:05) 8-M.Gay 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the LA 26 (Q4 0:36) — (:36) 1-G.Joseph 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q3 26:13) — (11:13) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right intended for 89-T.Higbee INTERCEPTED by 55-A.Barr (94-D.Tomlinson) at LA 10. 55-A.Barr to LA 2 for 8 yards (63-A.Corbett).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 22:22) — (7:22) 3-J.Berry punts 40 yards to LA 39, Center-42-A.DePaola. 19-B.Powell for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on MIN-22-H.Smith, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 45:17) — (:17) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left intended for 17-K.Osborn INTERCEPTED by 32-T.Howard (11-D.Williams) at LA -2. 32-T.Howard pushed ob at LA 17 for 19 yards (17-K.Osborn).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 34:11) — (4:11) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right intended for 25-S.Michel INTERCEPTED by 55-A.Barr at LA 14. 55-A.Barr to LA 11 for 3 yards (25-S.Michel).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 19:20) — (4:20) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 18-J.Jefferson to LA 23 for 34 yards (24-T.Rapp).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q3 26:13) — (11:13) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right intended for 89-T.Higbee INTERCEPTED by 55-A.Barr (94-D.Tomlinson) at LA 10. 55-A.Barr to LA 2 for 8 yards (63-A.Corbett).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 22:22) — (7:22) 3-J.Berry punts 40 yards to LA 39, Center-42-A.DePaola. 19-B.Powell for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on MIN-22-H.Smith, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 45:17) — (:17) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left intended for 17-K.Osborn INTERCEPTED by 32-T.Howard (11-D.Williams) at LA -2. 32-T.Howard pushed ob at LA 17 for 19 yards (17-K.Osborn).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 34:11) — (4:11) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right intended for 25-S.Michel INTERCEPTED by 55-A.Barr at LA 14. 55-A.Barr to LA 11 for 3 yards (25-S.Michel).
Quarterback report card
K.Cousins led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- K.Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 43 dropbacks · 62.8% completion · +6.9% CPOE · +0.06 EPA/play · +2.38 total EPA
- M.Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) · 38 dropbacks · 55.3% completion · -10.1% CPOE · -0.24 EPA/play · -9.01 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Rams | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.032 | -0.166 |
| Offensive success rate | 47.7% | 38.3% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.237 | +0.055 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.197 | -0.325 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.166 | +0.032 |
| Defensive success rate | 61.7% | 52.3% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Los Angeles Rams generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.03 vs -0.17), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Los Angeles Rams: 12 drives, -2.71 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 12 drives, -13.41 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Los Angeles Rams leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- J. Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- K. Cousins (MIN) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- M. Stafford (LA) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q1 52:18 · MIN 1 · Score 6-0
(7:18) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 25-S.Michel up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q1 52:13 · MIN 15 · Score 7-0
8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 36:40 · MIN 14 · Score 10-0
(6:40) 8-M.Gay 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 32:38 · LA 4 · Score 10-3
(2:38) 1-G.Joseph 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 30:14 · MIN 13 · Score 13-3
(:14) 8-M.Gay 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 26:07 · LA 2 · Score 13-9
(11:07) 25-A.Mattison left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 26:01 · LA 15 · Score 13-10
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. PENALTY on LA-33-N.Scott, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q3 22:22 · LA 79 · Score 19-10
(7:22) 3-J.Berry punts 40 yards to LA 39, Center-42-A.DePaola. 19-B.Powell for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on MIN-22-H.Smith, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q3 22:06 · MIN 15 · Score 20-10
8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q3 16:34 · LA 6 · Score 20-13
(1:34) 1-G.Joseph 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q4 11:42 · MIN 7 · Score 26-13
(11:42) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 3-O.Beckham for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q4 11:37 · MIN 15 · Score 27-13
8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 8:25 · LA 6 · Score 27-19
(8:25) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 17-K.Osborn for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 8:21 · LA 15 · Score 27-20
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 2:05 · MIN 6 · Score 30-20
(2:05) 8-M.Gay 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 0:36 · LA 26 · Score 30-23
(:36) 1-G.Joseph 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Rams vs Minnesota Vikings?
The Los Angeles Rams beat the Minnesota Vikings 30-23 in Week 16, 2021 on 2021-12-26.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Rams vs Minnesota Vikings?
The final score was Los Angeles Rams 30, Minnesota Vikings 23 (LA 30-23 MIN) in Week 16, 2021 on 2021-12-26.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Rams vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: Los Angeles Rams 7, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q2: Los Angeles Rams 6, Minnesota Vikings 3; Q3: Los Angeles Rams 7, Minnesota Vikings 10; Q4: Los Angeles Rams 10, Minnesota Vikings 10; Final: Los Angeles Rams 30, Minnesota Vikings 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Rams vs Minnesota Vikings?
Los Angeles Rams touchdown — S. Michel (Q1 52:18) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Mattison (Q3 26:07) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — B. Powell (Q3 22:22) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — O. Beckham (M. Stafford pass) (Q4 11:42) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Osborn (K. Cousins pass) (Q4 8:25) Los Angeles Rams field goal — M. Gay (Q2 36:40, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — G. Joseph (Q2 32:38, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — M. Gay (Q2 30:14, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — G. Joseph (Q3 16:34, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — M. Gay (Q4 2:05, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — G. Joseph (Q4 0:36, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Rams vs Minnesota Vikings?
K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 62.8% completion, +6.9% CPOE, +0.06 EPA per dropback, +2.38 total passing EPA. M. Stafford (Los Angeles Rams), 55.3% completion, -10.1% CPOE, -0.24 EPA per dropback, -9.01 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Rams vs Minnesota Vikings?
J. Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +7.54 on receiving plays. across 12 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.02 EPA): (11:13) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right intended for 89-T.Higbee INTERCEPTED by 55-A.Barr (94-D.Tomlinson) at LA 10. 55-A.Barr to LA 2 for 8 yards (63-A.Corbett).. The biggest win-probability swing was -19.7%.
Was Los Angeles Rams vs Minnesota Vikings a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Los Angeles Rams won 30-23 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Rams
Entered 10-4 Now 11-4 W
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 7-7 Now 7-8 L
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