The set-up: The Vikes are 1-1-1 and they'll be laying everything on the line on the short week to try and score the upset here and avoid the 1-2-1 hole. LA is 3-0 and it'll be out to avoid any letdowns here and to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish. I think points are going to be plentiful.

The teams: The Vikes beat the 49ers 24-16 at home in Week 1 and then followed that up with a hard-fought 29-29 tie with Green Bay on the road. But Minnesota comes into this one off a terrible 27-6 home loss to Buffalo, a game in which it was a 17 point favorite. Two critical first half fumbles didn't help their cause obviously. Another loss here and Minnesota's season is "on the ropes" essentially.

The Rams would love nothing more than to deliver the "knock out blow" as well. LA beat the Raiders 33-13 on the road on MNF in Week 1, then followed it up with a 34-0 destruction of Arizona in Week 2 and then last week it pulled away for the 35-23 home victory over the Chargers. QB Jared Goff had 354 yards and three TD's last week.

The pick: Minnesota can't sit back and hope things work out. The Vikes' offense has to produce tonight, or they're going to get left behind by the high-powered Rams. LA's greatest strength early it seems is that it can play any style of game. Wide open, defensive battle, either way it's adapted its style early and done well in every scenario. I'm anticipating a more wide open affair today. Play the "over."