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Will the NFL move the Vikings/Rams playoff game due to L.A. wildfires?

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Published  January 8, 2025 7:10pm EST
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FOX 9
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Ivan Pace Jr. #0 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after an interceptions during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 05, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.  ((Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images))

The Brief

    • The Vikings and Rams meet in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs next Monday night while wildfires rage in the L.A. area
    • The NFL is closely monitoring the situation as conditions worsen and possibly create poor air quality
    • The game likely can't be pushed back, with the winner advancing to next weekend's Divisional Playoffs; It could be moved for safety concerns

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vikings are set to face the L.A. Rams next Monday night in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs.

Mother Nature might have a say in that, and it could force the game to be moved. A massive wind storm hit the L.A. area early this week, with wildfires in the area making for dangerous conditions and creating poor air quality.

3 wildfires continue to grow in Southern California

Firefighters are battling three wildfires in southern California, prompting large evacuations that have affected 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."

NFL announces contingency plan

What we know: With the playoff game five days away, the NFL will need to make a decision soon on if the game can be played at SoFi Stadium, which is in Inglewood, Calif. Just 45 minutes northeast, there’s been an evacuation order for residences around the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena.

Tuesday night, NFL officials announced a contingency plan that if SoFi Stadium cannot host the Vikings/Rams game for whatever reason, it will be moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. That's the home of the Arizona Cardinals. It's not yet clear when that call will be made.

That could present an advantage to the Vikings, as Minnesotans are known to be "snowbirds" and make southern states like Arizona their home for the winter.

The game will be played Monday night regardless of location. The winner advances to the NFC Divisional Playoffs the following weekend.

Vikings show support for those impacted

What they said: The Vikings took to social media on Tuesday to show their support for those impacted by the L.A. windstorm and subsequent wildfires.

"We're thinking of our Rams friends, their community and the first responders during this time," team officials said.

The rematch

Why it matters: The Vikings went to L.A. 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 that with a nine-game win streak. The game ended with a bit of controversy, as the referees missed a blatant 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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