As the Los Angeles Rams prepare to host the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night, the growing wildfire near Los Angeles is starting to become a major concern for the NFL. With the blaze rapidly spreading and air quality deteriorating, the league is keeping a close eye on the situation, ready to make adjustments if needed.
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"The NFL continues to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA," NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy told Pro Football Talk in an email.
While delaying the game seems unlikely—especially given that the outcome will impact playoff positioning for both teams—relocation is a possibility if conditions worsen. The league has already identified Phoenix and Las Vegas as the closest viable options should the fire or air quality become too dangerous for the game to proceed as planned in Inglewood.
As Mike Florio of PFT wrote: "Delaying the game wouldn't seem to be an option, given that the winner will play the following weekend. If the fire gets too close to the venue or if the air quality in Inglewood slips toward unhealthy levels, the game could be moved."
With the game just five days away, the NFL will have to make a call sooner rather than later. As of now, no changes have been made to the game's location, but that could change in the coming days depending on the fire's progress and air quality reports.
For now, both the league and teams are taking a wait-and-see approach, but one thing is clear: the situation is fluid and could change quickly.
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