Both of those receivers could return for the Rams’ game Thursday night against … the Vikings. And that’s where all the silliness gets even more complicated.
Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that there is actually a less-than-zero chance the Vikings would consider a Stafford trade.
If the Vikings win Thursday, it would increase the likelihood that the Rams (who would then be 2-5) would trade him. But it would also quite possibly mean Darnold played well and re-instilled the Vikings’ confidence in him (if the offense breaks out) and/or show them that Stafford isn’t the answer (if Minnesota wins a low-scoring affair during which he plays poorly).
If the Vikings lose Thursday, it might decrease the likelihood the Rams (who would then be 3-4) would trade Stafford while either: 1) Making the Vikings more interested in a trade or 2) Making the Vikings realize they aren’t just a different QB away from being a true Super Bowl contender (even if Stafford did win a Super Bowl with the Rams three years ago when Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was his offensive coordinator).
The plot is great. The subplots are even better. I think we all know we’ll be watching Thursday night.
