Even a debunked Matthew Stafford-Vikings trade rumor can cause intrigue

Both receivers could return for the Rams' game on Thursday night against…the Vikings. And this is where all the silliness gets even more complicated.

For the sake of argument, let's assume that the probability that the Vikings would consider trading Stafford is actually less than zero.

If the Vikings win on Thursday, it would increase the likelihood that the Rams (who would then be 2-5) would trade him. But it would also very well mean that Darnold played well, restoring the Vikings' faith in him (if the offense breaks out) and/or showing them that Stafford isn't the answer (if Minnesota wins a low-scoring game along the way). he plays badly).

If the Vikings lose on Thursday, it could reduce the likelihood that the Rams (who would then be 3-4) would trade Stafford while either: 1) generating more interest in a trade from the Vikings, or 2) making it clear to the Vikings that they're not just another QB who isn't a real Super Bowl contender (even though Stafford won 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.