Sean McVay, Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams paid tribute to “those at home” affected by Southern California’s tragic wildfires Monday night as they beat the Minnesota Vikings in the playoffs.

The NFL decided last week to move Monday’s game from SoFi Stadium, nearly 400 miles away, to State Farm Stadium in Arizona as the fire continued to spread.

That prompted a stellar performance from McVay’s Rams, who sacked Sam Darnold nine times for a playoff record, en route to a 27-9 victory and a divisional round game against the Philadelphia Eagles the next week.

“We knew we weren’t just playing for ourselves,” Stafford said. “We’re playing for people back home who need something to watch and enjoy.”

That night, Stafford threw two touchdown passes to Kyren Williams and Davis Allen. Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Voss completed a 57-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Bryant · Durant completed a sack and an interception, and Kobe Turner knocked down Darnold twice in a crazy offense. exhibit.

The Rams’ decisive five-game winning streak in December, which included a 44-42 victory over the Buffalo Bills on their way to the NFC West title, was another reminder that The Rams’ unsung threat in the playoffs.

“Everything that’s been going on in our community, everything these guys have been through, I think they epitomize and represent this city in the right way,” head coach McVay said.

“You talk about sports providing a platform for people to temporarily relieve stress, and I think that’s exactly how our team played tonight.

“To stay connected, to stay together, just the fight and the toughness and all the different things, those are great traits that this team has really built up through the challenges they’ve been through this season. I’m really proud and I’m happy to be able to move on.”

Rams players wore shirts and hats emblazoned with LAFD (Los Angeles Fire Department) during pregame warmups, and the gear will be auctioned to aid the American Red Cross.

“We carried the whole city on our backs this week,” defensive lineman Turner said. “I’m so excited that we’re getting a voiceover. McVeigh has been talking to us all week about how we’re building for this.

“Everything we’ve been through from this season to now has prepared us for this moment.”

The Rams take on the Eagles in the divisional round on Sunday at 8 p.m., live Sky Sports NFL.