• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 20, 2025

As Fires Devastate L.A. Area, NFL Moves Vikings-Rams Game

A tragic and fast-changing situation in Southern California presents challenges for the NFL that are both familiar and new.

Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

Update: Monday night’s wild-card matchup between the Rams and Vikings is officially moving to Glendale, Ariz. Read more about the NFL’s decision here.

While hardly the most serious factor in the ongoing Southern California wildfires, the NFL and Rams continue to weigh whether to move Monday’s wild-card playoff game against the Vikings from SoFi Stadium to a safer location—arguably the most notable sports-related issue connected to the disaster. 

As of Thursday afternoon, a final decision on the status of the Vikings-Rams contest had not been made as five separate wildfires continue to devastate parts of the Los Angeles area. The league, however, did acknowledge a contingency plan late Wednesday, saying the game would be moved, if needed, to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., home of the Cardinals, and played at the same time.

“As with all games, there are contingency plans in the event a change in location is needed,” the league said. 

The Rams, meanwhile, added Thursday afternoon that “as of now,” the wild-card game remains set for SoFi Stadium, adding “we hope to see you Monday night.”

“The safety of the Los Angeles community is our top priority, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fires in the area,” the team said. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of first responders who continue to protect our city and community, as well as individuals who continue to help our neighbors in need.”

Past and Present

The league grappled with a similar situation more than 21 years ago as it moved a Monday Night Football game between the Dolphins and then–San Diego Chargers to Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., also then the Cardinals’ home, due to Southern California wildfires. 

The Rams resumed practice Thursday after an off day Wednesday, though with unhealthy levels of air quality for both that team and the neighboring Chargers, also competing in a playoff game Saturday in Houston. The Rams have their headquarters and training facility in Woodland Hills, about 13 miles north of Pacific Palisades—the hardest-hit area—with the Santa Monica Mountains in between the two locales.

As that happened, the NBA also postponed a Lakers home game scheduled for Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena, with a new date to be announced at a later date. 

The potential placement of the Vikings-Rams game at State Farm Stadium, meanwhile, arrives as the insurance giant and facility naming rights sponsor is one of many carriers to have reduced homeowners’ coverage in the areas hit, including ceasing sales of new policies in the state.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Indiana

Indiana Is the Center of the Sports World—Again

After successful NBA and WNBA seasons, Indiana’s football teams are thriving.
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) hands off the ball in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.

Mac Jones, Daniel Jones Cash In on Big Incentive Money

Both quarterbacks have hit big contract incentives just halfway through the season.

Beyond Ohio State, It’s Another Massive Shake-Up in the CFB Top 25

Nine of the top 10 teams changed positions in Week 9.

Jannik Sinner’s $6M Saudi Payday Tops Any Grand Slam Purse

The other five participants received $1.5 million.

Featured Today

@chef__tezz/Instagram

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.

Steelers’ Shared Stadium With Pitt Comes Under Fire for Bad Turf

The conditions at Acrisure Stadium have been subpar this season.
October 13, 2025

Browns, Cleveland Reach $100M Deal to Clear Team’s Move to Suburbs

The surprise truce includes financial payments and the dismissal of lawsuits.
October 15, 2025

Bears Hit Another Speed Bump for New $5B Stadium in Suburbs

A new state bill would impose several conditions on the NFL team.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Nov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of a Cleveland Browns helmet on a time out against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome.
October 7, 2025

Cleveland Takes New Shot at Blocking Browns’ $2.4B Stadium

A new lawsuit challenges a permit for the NFL team’s planned stadium.
October 7, 2025

Rays Owner Eyes New ‘Forever Home’ Like Atlanta’s Battery

The club’s new owners target a new ballpark opening in 2029.
Sep 23, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars forward Adam Erne (76) looks on during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center
exclusive
October 3, 2025

Dallas Stars Eyeing Possible Move to Plano in 2031

The team needs to figure out where they’ll play starting in 2031.
Chicago Bears stadium rendering
October 1, 2025

Bears Want $855M in Public Money for Suburban Stadium

The NFL team details an updated ask for public money.