NFL shares contingency plan for Rams-Vikings playoff game as Palisades fire surges

NFL shares contingency plan for Rams-Vikings playoff game as Palisades fire surges

The NFL is ready to move one of its wild-card round games as wildfires continue to rage in Los Angeles County.

The Rams-Vikings matchup is slated for 8 p.m. on Monday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and as of Wednesday night, the NFL plans to play the game as scheduled, though it does have a contingency in place in case it does need to move.

That change would include moving the game to Arizona.

“The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community,” the statement read. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the first responders. Our hearts are with Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires.

The Rams are slated to play on Monday night against the Vikings. Getty Images

“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFLPA.”

Three fires — Pacific Palisades, Eaton and Hurst — have caused havoc and destruction throughout the Los Angeles metro area this week, leaving at least five ᴅᴇᴀᴅ and thousands of structures damaged.

Firefighters battle flames from the Palisades Fire on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are burning across Los Angeles County. Getty Images
Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a church on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Getty Images

ESPN reported that no Rams players have been affected by the fires and that the Chargers — who share SoFi but have a playoff game in Houston this week — tweaked their workouts Wednesday to limit the time players spent outside.

The Rams are scheduled to practice Thursday.

It’s not clear if they will practice at their Woodland Hills facility yet.

Star Rams receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp both thanked first responders on social media, echoing the sentiments the team’s account shared on X.

Stay up to date with the NYP’s coverage of the terrifying LA-area fires

“Thank you to all of the first responders! God bless the families impacted!” Nacua wrote.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires,” Kupp added. “Thank you to the firefighters, first responders, and everyone else doing their best in unfathomable circumstances.”

The Chargers on Wednesday announced that they will be donating $200,000 in “targeted” funds to wildfire relief efforts to the “American Red Cross, LA Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon and pet rescue organizations sheltering animals displaced by the fires.”

Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a home on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
General view of action as Patrick Taylor Jr. #32 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes the football against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. Getty Images

The team also urged fans who plan to attend a playoff watch party on Saturday in Hermosa Beach Pier to bring supplies for evacuation centers in Southern California.

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