INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The Minnesota Vikings continued their first-quarter mastery Thursday night at SoFi Stadium. They gained 70 yards in eight plays on the first possession of their game against the Los Angeles Rams and never faced a third down before quarterback Sam Darnold capped the drive with a five-yard touchdown pass to Josh Oliver.

TD Josh Oliver! Sam Darnold and them @Vikings Offensive make quick work of the first drive 👏#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Will continue to stream #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/j5PtJLEwg8

– NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024

The result was quite predictable. The Vikings had outscored their opponents 58-3 in the first quarter of that game, while the Rams were outscored 35-6. Oliver's touchdown came in the Vikings' final game without starting tight end TJ Hockenson, who is expected to be added to the Vikings' 53-man roster on Friday after a nine-month recovery from right knee surgery.

Darnold, playing in his hometown, completed all four of his passes on the drive, including three for 44 yards to receiver Justin Jefferson.

The Vikings followed with another touchdown on their second possession, another 70-yard drive that ended in a 10-yard touchdown pass – this time from Darnold to receiver Trent Sherfield Sr.

Make that two TDs for @Vikings in the 1st quarter 👀#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Will continue to stream #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/LsLnWvRd9E

– NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024

Darnold now has five games with multiple passing touchdowns this season after playing in four in the last three seasons combined. He finished the first quarter with eight completions on eight attempts for 97 yards and two scores.