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NFL · Week 16 · December 26, 2021 · 12 min read

Los Angeles Rams vs. Minnesota Vikings: 2021 Week 16 Recap

Rams defeat Vikings 30–23 in Week 16

Jordan Jefferson led Fantasy Impact as Rams prevailed in a 30–23 Week 16 finish.

Los Angeles Rams 30 11–4 Winner
Final 30–23
Minnesota Vikings 23 7–8
Winner
Los Angeles Rams
Final score
30–23
Halftime
Los Angeles Rams 13–3 Minnesota Vikings
Top passer
Kirk Cousins
FantasyHQ MVP
Jordan Jefferson
Game date
December 26, 2021

Top fantasy performers · Rams

  • Cooper Kupp
    Cooper Kupp 10 REC · 109 YDS +5.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Sony Michel
    Sony Michel 27 CAR · 131 YDS · 1 TD +3.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Darrell Henderson
    Darrell Henderson 1 CAR · 17 YDS +1.3 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • Jordan Jefferson
    Jordan Jefferson 8 REC · 116 YDS +7.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Tyler Conklin
    Tyler Conklin 4 REC · 44 YDS +2.7 Fantasy Impact
  • Kirk Cousins
    Kirk Cousins 27/43 · 312 YDS · 1 TD +2.4 Fantasy Impact
View Rams vs Vikings box score View all 2021 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
LA
Final score
LA 30–23 Minnesota Vikings
Halftime
LA 13–3 Minnesota Vikings at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Jordan Jefferson
Top passer
Kirk Cousins
Biggest EPA play
(11:13) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right intended for 89-T.Higbee INTERCEPTED by 55…
Game date
2021-12-26

Game summary

The LA beat the Minnesota Vikings 30–23 on 2021-12-26. Jordan Jefferson posted a game-high +7.54 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 20 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
LA76710030
Minnesota Vikings031010023

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

LALA
MINMinnesota Vikings

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

16 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. LALA
    Q1 7:18TD
    Sony Michel

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 1
    Score
    6-0

    (7:18) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 25-S.Michel up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  2. LALA
    Q1 7:13XP
    Matt Gay

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    7-0

    8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.

  3. LALA
    Q2 6:40FG
    Matt Gay

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 14
    Score
    10-0

    (6:40) 8-M.Gay 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.

  4. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 2:38FG
    Greg Joseph

    Points+3

    Yard line
    LA 4
    Score
    10-3

    (2:38) 1-G.Joseph 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.

  5. LALA
    Q2 0:14FG
    Matt Gay

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 13
    Score
    13-3

    (:14) 8-M.Gay 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.

  6. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q3 11:07TD
    Alexander Mattison

    Points+6

    Yard line
    LA 2
    Score
    13-9

    (11:07) 25-A.Mattison left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  7. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q3 11:01XP
    Greg Joseph

    Points+1

    Yard line
    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.

  8. LALA
    Q3 7:22TD
    Brandon Powell

    Points+6

    Yard line
    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, enforced between downs.

  9. LALA
    Q3 7:06XP
    Matt Gay

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    20-10

    8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.

  10. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q3 1:34FG
    Greg Joseph

    Points+3

    Yard line
    LA 6
    Score
    20-13

    (1:34) 1-G.Joseph 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.

  11. LALA
    Q4 11:42TD
    Odell Beckham Jr.

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 7
    Score
    26-13

    (11:42) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 3-O.Beckham for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  12. LALA
    Q4 11:37XP
    Matt Gay

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    27-13

    8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.

  13. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 8:25TD
    K.J. Osborn

    Points+6

    Yard line
    LA 6
    Score
    27-19

    (8:25) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 17-K.Osborn for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  14. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 8:21XP
    Greg Joseph

    Points+1

    Yard line
    LA 15
    Score
    27-20

    1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.

  15. LALA
    Q4 2:05FG
    Matt Gay

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 6
    Score
    30-20

    (2:05) 8-M.Gay 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.

  16. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 0:36FG
    Greg Joseph

    Points+3

    Yard line
    LA 26
    Score
    30-23

    (:36) 1-G.Joseph 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Jordan JeffersonJordan Jefferson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +7.54 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.63 EPA/play
  2. 2Cooper KuppCooper Kupp · LA · Receiving · +5.78 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
  3. 3Sony MichelSony Michel · LA · Rushing · +3.32 total EPA · 27 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
  4. 4Tyler ConklinTyler Conklin · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.70 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
  5. 5Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +2.38 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
  6. 6Darrell HendersonDarrell Henderson · LA · Rushing · +1.31 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.31 EPA/play
  7. 7Adam ThielenAdam Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +0.92 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
  8. 8Matthew StaffordMatthew Stafford · LA · Rushing · +0.64 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Jordan Jefferson

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Jordan Jefferson — MIN · Receiving

Jordan Jefferson posted the highest total EPA (+7.54) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Minnesota Vikings. Across 12 counted snaps, they averaged +0.63 EPA per play.

Jordan Jefferson's top snap (+2.74 EPA): (6:25) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 18-J.Jefferson to MIN 29 for 21 yards (21-D.Deayon, 4-J.Fuller).

Biggest single play (-6.02 EPA): Matthew Stafford — (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).

Quarterback report card

Kirk Cousins led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 43 dropbacks · 62.8% completion · +6.9% CPOE · +0.06 EPA/play · +2.38 total EPA
  • Matthew StaffordMatthew Stafford (LA) · 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.

StatLAMinnesota Vikings
Offensive EPA/play-0.032-0.166
Offensive success rate47.7%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 rate61.7%52.3%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, LA generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.03 vs -0.17), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • LA: -0.03 EPA/play (43rd percentile vs. 2021 team-game averages)
  • Minnesota Vikings: -0.17 EPA/play (17th percentile vs. 2021 team-game averages)
  • LA: 12 drives, -2.71 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
  • Minnesota Vikings: 12 drives, -13.41 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Sony MichelLA — Sony Michel (Q1 7:18)
  • Alexander MattisonMinnesota Vikings — Alexander Mattison (Q3 11:07)
  • Brandon PowellLA — Brandon Powell (Q3 7:22)
  • Odell Beckham Jr.LA — Odell Beckham Jr. (Matthew Stafford pass) (Q4 11:42)
  • K.J. OsbornMinnesota Vikings — K.J. Osborn (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q4 8:25)

Field goals

  • Matt GayLA — Matt Gay (Q2 6:40)
  • Greg JosephMinnesota Vikings — Greg Joseph (Q2 2:38)
  • Matt GayLA — Matt Gay (Q2 0:14)
  • Greg JosephMinnesota Vikings — Greg Joseph (Q3 1:34)
  • Matt GayLA — Matt Gay (Q4 2:05)
  • Greg JosephMinnesota Vikings — Greg Joseph (Q4 0:36)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: LA won the period 7–0. LA found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q1 7:18) — (7:18) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 25-S.Michel up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; LA added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q1 7:13) — 8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker..

The second quarter: LA won the period 6–3. LA connected on a field goal from the MIN 14 (Q2 6:40) — (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 2:38) — (2:38) 1-G.Joseph 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.; LA connected on a field goal from the MIN 13 (Q2 0:14) — (: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 11:07) — (11:07) 25-A.Mattison left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q3 11:01); LA found the end zone from the LA 79 (Q3 7:22); LA added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q3 7:06) — 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 1:34) — (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. LA 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.; LA 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.; LA 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.

  • LA (Q3 11:13) — (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). [WPA -19.7% · EPA -6.02]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 7:22) — (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. [WPA -14.7% · EPA -6.02]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 0:17) — (: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). [WPA -11.0% · EPA -4.66]
  • LA (Q2 4:11) — (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). [WPA -10.8% · EPA -4.30]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 4:20) — (4:20) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 18-J.Jefferson to LA 23 for 34 yards (24-T.Rapp). [WPA +10.7% · EPA +2.61]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • LA (Q3 11:13) — (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). [WPA -19.7% · EPA -6.02]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 7:22) — (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. [WPA -14.7% · EPA -6.02]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 0:17) — (: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). [WPA -11.0% · EPA -4.66]
  • LA (Q2 4:11) — (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). [WPA -10.8% · EPA -4.30]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. LA TD (+6) — Q1 7:18 · MIN 1 · Score 6-0
    (7:18) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 25-S.Michel up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. LA XP (+1) — Q1 7:13 · MIN 15 · Score 7-0
    8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  3. LA FG (+3) — Q2 6:40 · MIN 14 · Score 10-0
    (6:40) 8-M.Gay 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  4. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 2:38 · LA 4 · Score 10-3
    (2:38) 1-G.Joseph 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
  5. LA FG (+3) — Q2 0:14 · MIN 13 · Score 13-3
    (:14) 8-M.Gay 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  6. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 11:07 · LA 2 · Score 13-9
    (11:07) 25-A.Mattison left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 11:01 · 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.
  8. LA TD (+6) — Q3 7:22 · 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, enforced between downs.
  9. LA XP (+1) — Q3 7:06 · MIN 15 · Score 20-10
    8-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-42-M.Orzech, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  10. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q3 1:34 · LA 6 · Score 20-13
    (1:34) 1-G.Joseph 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
  11. LA 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.
  12. LA 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. LA 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.
  16. 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.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • LA earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • Jordan Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Kirk Cousins (MIN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won LA vs Minnesota Vikings on 2021-12-26?

The LA beat the Minnesota Vikings 30-23 in Week 16, 2021.

What was the score by quarter in LA vs Minnesota Vikings?

Q1: LA 7, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q2: LA 6, Minnesota Vikings 3; Q3: LA 7, Minnesota Vikings 10; Q4: LA 10, Minnesota Vikings 10; Final: LA 30, Minnesota Vikings 23.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in LA vs Minnesota Vikings?

LA touchdown — S. Michel (Q1 7:18) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Mattison (Q3 11:07) LA touchdown — B. Powell (Q3 7:22) LA touchdown — O. Beckham (M. Stafford pass) (Q4 11:42) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Osborn (K. Cousins pass) (Q4 8:25) LA field goal — M. Gay (Q2 6:40, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — G. Joseph (Q2 2:38, 3 pts) LA field goal — M. Gay (Q2 0:14, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — G. Joseph (Q3 1:34, 3 pts) LA 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 LA vs Minnesota Vikings?

Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 62.8% completion, +6.9% CPOE, +0.06 EPA per dropback, +2.38 total passing EPA. Matthew Stafford (LA), 55.3% completion, -10.1% CPOE, -0.24 EPA per dropback, -9.01 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in LA vs Minnesota Vikings?

Jordan Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +7.54 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 12 snaps. Their top snap (+2.74 EPA): (6:25) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 18-J.Jefferson to MIN 29 for 21 yards (21-D.Deayon, 4-J.Fuller)..

Was LA vs Minnesota Vikings a close game?

Yes — the margin was 7 points. LA won 30-23 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Los Angeles Rams

Entered 10-4 Now 11-4 W

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 7-7 Now 7-8 L

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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