The final ManningCast of the season airs tonight with the last matchup of Wild Card Weekend as the Minnesota Vikings face the Los Angeles Rams.
Hosted by Peyton and Eli Manning on ESPN2, the broadcast will bring in their perfect combination of expert football insights with their signature humor and on-screen chemistry. Tonight’s lineup of guests promises to enhance the experience with their unique perspectives on the game.
ManningCast Guests for Vikings vs. Rams
The ManningCast episode will be graced by two football aficionados and legends, Bill Belichick and Jared Allen before the show ends for this season.
The legendary former New England Patriots coach and newly appointed head coach of the UNC Tar Heels is a familiar face on the ManningCast. Belichick’s unparalleled football IQ will provide valuable insights into the playoff matchup, while his new role at North Carolina may also bring intriguing conversation into the NFL mix.
Belichick’s transition from coaching to media and then back to coaching will likely limit his future media appearances, making this one of his final guest spots for a while.
The cherry on top, Allen, is a former defensive end and iconic Viking. He will bring a personal connection to the game. Allen spent six amazing seasons with Minnesota, earning four first-team All-Pro selections and setting the franchise’s single-season sack record with 22 in 2011. His playoff experience and big personality make him a perfect fit for the Manning brothers’ dynamic.
Easiest things Jared Allen has ever done?
1. Sack @EliManning with one hand
2. Saying “yes” to being on the ManningCast for Vikings vs. Rams pic.twitter.com/FsLXdZzbu3— Omaha Productions (@OmahaProd) January 13, 2025
The game itself is shaping up to be a must-watch for NFL fans. The matchup has been relocated from SoFi Stadium to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area, prioritizing public safety.
Minnesota enters the playoffs with a 14-3 record, trailing only the Detroit Lions in the NFC North. Despite their strong season, the Vikings find themselves in the Wild Card round, seeking revenge against a Rams team that handed them one of their three losses, a 30-20 defeat back in Week 8.
Meanwhile, the Rams (10-7) turned their season around with a five-game win streak after a shaky 5-6 start.
The ManningCast airs on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. ET, with streaming options available on ESPN+ and Fubo. For those preferring a traditional broadcast, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will cover the game on ABC and ESPN.
Belichick’s expertise, Allen’s Vikings legacy, and the high stakes of the Wild Card round will make tonight’s ManningCast an unforgettable evening of football and entertainment.