The Vikings’ 2024 season began with a five-game win streak that left them as the NFC’s last unbeaten team and vaulted them into national conversation as the surprise story of the season, before two losses in five days to the Lions and Rams squelched the delirium.

Monday’s night NFC wild card game transpired like a Hollywood movie script as the Rams channeled the devastation from the wildfires into motivation.

The Los Angeles Rams' defense seemed to be starting practically from scratch when it began this season with a rookie coordinator and without retired superstar Aaron Donald. The Rams knew they would have to endure all of the mistakes and setbacks required to rebuild a once-solid unit.