Sam Darnold added another exploit to his career-altering season, passing for a personal-best 377 yards and three touchdowns as the Minnesota Vikings hung on to beat the Green Bay Packers 27-25 for their ninth consecutive victory.

Aaron Jones and Cam Akers had touchdown runs in the second half to complement a smothering performance by the Minnesota defense, and the Vikings moved into a tie for first place in the NFC North by beating the Chicago Bears 30-12 for their seventh consecutive victory.

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The run-deficient Minnesota Vikings have acquired running back Cam Akers in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams.

The Los Angeles Rams routed the Denver Broncos 51-14 for their second victory since mid-October.

Baker Mayfield threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Van Jefferson with 10 seconds to play to cap a 98-yard drive, and the Los Angeles Rams’ brand-new quarterback led two TD drives late in the fourth quarter of a shocking 17-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Los Angeles Rams are used to making the NFL’s boldest moves and getting the big-name players they want.

Running back Cam Akers has abruptly departed the Los Angeles Rams.

The Los Angeles Rams’ honeymoon from their Super Bowl championship didn’t even last until the first Sunday of the next regular season.

With the Super Bowl almost here, The Associated Press offers a guide to the basics of betting on the big game.

Cam Akers wasn’t supposed to be here right now.

No team in the NFL is built like the Los Angeles Rams because nobody else would dare.

Kevin O’Connell realizes there are going to be plenty of questions about his next steps after the Super Bowl.

Across both Super Bowl rosters, there is a great divide.

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills pitched a near perfect game in their playoff victory against the New England Patriots.

Matthew Stafford passed for 202 yards and two touchdowns in his first playoff victory and the Los Angeles Rams roared out of the wild-card round with a 34-11 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

The San Francisco 49ers clinched a playoff spot with a 27-24 overtime victory over the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams.

The Los Angeles Rams have acquired running back Sony Michel from the New England Patriots for undisclosed 2022 draft picks.

Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers is out indefinitely after tearing his Achilles tendon in an offseason training session.

Without Donald in peak form, the NFL’s top defense simply couldn’t slow down the league’s highest-scoring offense. The Green Bay Packers scored on their first five series and beat the Rams 32-18 in the NFC divisional playoffs. “I love Aaron Donald,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. Yet this heavyweight matchup between the Packers’ offense and the Rams’ defense was more like a mismatch for much of the day. You have to defend every inch as far as laterally.”The Rams also had some uncharacteristic mistakes on defense to help Green Bay out.

Rodgers threw two touchdown passes and also ran for a score as the top-seeded Green Bay Packers beat the Los Angeles Rams 32-18 in an NFC divisional playoff game Saturday. The Packers didn't allow any sacks despite playing without injured All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari, while Green Bay sacked Jared Goff four times. Rodgers called the Packers' offensive linemen “the stars of the game tonight.”“Definitely not happy,” Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers said. For Green Bay, Dillon injured his quadriceps when he fumbled. UP NEXTThe Rams' season is over.

They watched less than two weeks ago as the Seattle Seahawks loudly celebrated a division title the Rams felt they gave away. No team was better at limiting yards or points than the Rams (11-6) and they continued to torment Wilson and the Seahawks (12-5). The victory sent the Rams into next week’s divisional playoff round, likely at top-seeded Green Bay unless Chicago upsets New Orleans. His heart, his passion for the game is special,” Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth said. Seahawks: will head into an offseason filled with questions after winning the division but experiencing another early playoff exit.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods, left, catches a pass against Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during the first half of an NFL football game in Inglewood, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021. It ended with the inexperienced quarterback fearlessly leading the Los Angeles Rams back to the playoffs. And though Wolford capably did his part, everybody in the Rams' jubilant locker room realized they owed this achievement to a dominant defense that scored as many points as the Rams' offense — and a couple more than the Arizona Cardinals — in Los Angeles' 18-7 victory Sunday. Wolford passed for 231 yards and rushed for 56 more, producing many moments of excitement in place of injured Jared Goff. Wolford racked up 47 yards rushing in the first half — more than Goff managed in any game of his five-year career.

FILE - In this Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 file photo, Los Angeles Rams quarterback John Wolford (9) gestures during an NFL preseason football game against the Denver Broncos in Los Angeles. Wolford will make his NFL debut for the Rams on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021 against Arizona after nearly two full seasons as a backup in which he never took a snap. “It's a lot of hard work, and I'm confident in the time I've spent that has gotten me here. “I'm confident in John, but I'm also confident in the other 10 players around him. ... Los Angeles also activated LB Micah Kiser from injured reserve, but he won't play this week, McVay said.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)LOS ANGELES – Jared Goff will miss the Los Angeles Rams' season finale against the Arizona Cardinals after undergoing surgery on his right thumb. Goff could return a week later if the Rams make the playoffs, coach Sean McVay said Monday night. Los Angeles will clinch a playoff spot with a victory, or if the Chicago Bears lose to Green Bay. Goff played the rest of the game with the injury, but had surgery to insert screws in his thumb on Monday.

Seattle Seahawks strong safety Jamal Adams (33) reacts to a play against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)SEATTLE – The Seattle Seahawks claimed the NFC West title with a 20-9 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, with Russell Wilson throwing a 13-yard TD pass to Jacob Hollister with 2:51 left for the clinching score. Seattle flustered Jared Goff, shut down the Rams' run game, and held Los Angeles (9-6) to a season low in points. Now, Los Angeles risks missing the playoffs entirely if it loses to the Cardinals and Chicago beats Green Bay next Sunday. Seahawks: Seattle closes the regular season facing San Francisco next Sunday in Glendale, Arizona.

After 51 weeks and 13 games without a win, the Jets finally earned the chance to celebrate with pride. The Jets (1-13) knew their 23-20 victory over the embarrassed Los Angeles Rams on Sunday was never pretty. Moments later, Darnold hit Gore with the short pass over the middle that allowed the Jets to run out the clock. It was an amazing feeling.”With two games left, New York might have ruined its chances at the No. Of the nine teams in NFL history to start 0-13, the Jets were the fourth to win in Week 15.

These Rams even looked good enough to contend for a chance at some actual Super Bowl redemption later this season. “We’ve got a lot of respect for them, but it’s a totally different year,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. New England managed only 220 total yards — just 62 in the second half with a series of misbegotten drives. Akers' yards mostly came in big chunks during the biggest rushing game by an NFL rookie this season and just the ninth 150-yard game against a Belichick-coached defense since 2000. But Young opened the second quarter with an interception by Donald's disruption up front, taking it all the way back for the third-year linebacker's first NFL touchdown.

Jeudy is active for the Bucs game as Denver quarterback Jeff Driskel makes his first start while Drew Lock recovers from a shoulder injury. Cardinals: QB Brett Hundley, WR Christian Kirk, RB Eno Benjamin, OL Mason Cole, OL Josh Miles, DL Leki Fotu. ___CHICAGO AT ATLANTABears: CB Duke Shelley, OG Arlington Hambright, NT Daniel McCullers, WR RIley Ridley, OLB Trevis GipsonFalcons: WR Julio Jones, CB A.J. Browns: WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, CB Greedy Williams, LB Jacob Phillips, Olivier Vernon, Evan Brown and WR Rashard Higgins. Brown, CB Chris Jackson OLB Derick Roberson, C Aaron Brewer, TE Geoff Swaim, DT Matt DickersonVikings: WR Tajaé Sharpe, WR K.J.

Start with running back, where Giants star Saquon Barkley is believed to have torn the ACL in his right knee early in their loss at Chicago. The 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo tried to play through a right ankle injury before Nick Mullens took over for the second half. Tevin Coleman also left San Francisco's win over the Jets with a late knee injury. Along with Lock and Sutton, the Broncos lost defensive end Dre'Mont Jones to a knee injury in their defeat at Pittsburgh. Washington guard Brandon Scherff, who left early in Arizona with a knee injury, was among the offensive linemen hurt around the NFL on Sunday.

Philadelphia Eagles' DeSean Jackson, right, catches a pass against Los Angeles Rams' Troy Hill during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)PHILADELPHIA – Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes to Tyler Higbee and the Los Angeles Rams beat the Philadelphia Eagles 37-19 on Sunday. Goff completed his first 13 passes, including a pair of TDs to Higbee, and the Rams jumped to a 21-3 lead minutes into the second quarter. After the Eagles (0-2) pulled within one score, Goff’s 28-yard TD pass to Higbee in the fourth iced it for Los Angeles (2-0). The Rams took a 7-0 lead on Goff’s 4-yard TD pass to Higbee after Miles Sanders’ fumble on the third play gave them the ball at the Eagles 41.

Dak Prescott passed for 266 yards and a touchdown, but Dallas managed three points on its six drives in the second half. The opening of Rams owner Stan Kroenke's $5 billion stadium project was a historic night for the Los Angeles area, albeit one that should have been much more festive. Elliott tied it early in the second quarter with a 19-yard TD catch during which he ran through most of the Los Angeles defense. Van Jefferson's first career reception was a beautiful 31-yard grab in the second quarter, but it was the promising Rams rookie's only reception. Right tackle Cam Erving and tight end Blake Jarwin both didn't return from knee injuries in the second quarter.

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Jarren Williams throws against Florida State in the second half of a rivalry game, Nov. 2, 2019, at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak S. Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Freshman Jarren Williams threw for a season-best 313 yards and two touchdowns as Miami won its third straight game against Florida State 27-10 on Saturday. AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser Miami Hurricanes running back DeeJay Dallas flashes "The U" symbol after scoring a touchdown against the Florida State Seminoles, Nov. 2, 2019, at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak S. Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser Miami Hurricanes linebacker Michael Pinckney sacks Florida State Seminoles quarterback Alex Hornibrook, Nov. 2, 2019, at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak S. Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. Florida State coach Willie Taggart falls to 0-5 in rivalry games, losing four of them by double digits.

Florida State running back Cam Akers breaks a tackle as he crosses the goal line against Syracuse, Oct. 26, 2019. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Cam Akers ran for 144 yards and tied a school record with four touchdown runs as Florida State routed Syracuse 35-17 on homecoming on Saturday. The junior tailback had his fifth 100-yard rushing game of the season and now has 12 rushing touchdowns in 2019. Akers also took some snaps out of the wildcat formation and completed two passes for 26 yards. Hornibrook completed 15 of 26 passes for 196 yards for the Seminoles, who led 35-3 going into the third quarter.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Cam Akers scored three touchdowns and Alex Hornibrook came off the bench and threw a 60-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter as Florida State defeated Louisville 35-24 on Saturday. Akers ran 29 times for 112 yards for Florida State (2-2, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference), which had 522 offensive yards. Louisville's Malik Cunningham threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as the Cardinals were able to storm back for a short-lived fourth-quarter lead. Hornibrook put the Seminoles ahead for good, 28-24, on a touchdown pass to Tamorrion Terry with 7:25 left in the game. Hornibrook, who had a first-quarter touchdown pass, stepped in and completed 15 of 20 passes for 255 yards.

Joshua Kaindoh #13 of the Florida State Seminoles pressures Bryce Perkins #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half during a game. 25 Virginia hung on, barely, to beat Florida State 31-24 on Saturday night. A three-and-out by the Seminoles and a six-play, 72-yard Virginia drive capped by Taulapapa's 2-yard run gave them the lead. With the game tied at 17, Blackman hit Tamorrion Terry for 17 yards on third-and-10 from the FSU 25, and the Seminoles went up-tempo. UP NEXTFlorida State: The Seminoles return home to face Louisville in their ACC home opener.

Florida State running back Cam Akers breaks free of Louisiana-Monroe's defense to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a 45-44 overtime win, Sept. 7, 2019, in Tallahassee, Florida. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Cam Akers had a program-record 36 carries, the final one a 4-yard touchdown, as Florida State defeated Louisiana-Monroe 45-44 in overtime on Saturday. He also had a 44-yard touchdown reception for Florida State (1-1). ULM (1-1) had four touchdowns and a field goal on its final six drives of regulation to force overtime. Blackman had a pair of first-half touchdown passes as Florida State had scored on its first three drives and led 24-7 at the half.

These 10 Sunshine State players are likely to have the most impact on the fate of their teams this season. He led Florida State in receiving with 744 yards (breaking the school's freshman record) and eight touchdowns, including the game-winning 74-yard catch in a 22-21 upset against No. Zuniga has started 22 games in his career, making him one of the more experienced members of the Florida defense. Pinckney ranked third on the team with 74 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks last season. His lone interception of 2018 came against rival Florida State, helping the Hurricanes rally from a 27-7 deficit in the third quarter to win 28-27.