GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Matthew Stafford threw two touchdown passes and the Los Angeles Rams overwhelmed the Minnesota Vikings, sacking Sam Darnold for an NFL playoff record nine games, 27-9 in an NFC wild-card round game on Monday night won that was relocated from Southern California due to devastating wildfires.

Rookie Jared Verse returned a fumble for a 57-yard score for the Rams (11-7), who looked comfortable from the first snap in their adopted home of State Farm Stadium. LA scored a touchdown on its first drive and built a 10-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The game was moved to the suburbs of Phoenix — nearly 400 miles east of the Rams’ home in Inglewood, Calif. — because of wildfires that continue to burn in the Los Angeles area. LA’s next game is on the East Coast on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Verse’s touchdown with 4:35 left in the second quarter gave the Rams a 17-3 lead. Darnold was under pressure from lightning-quick cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon when he lost the ball. Verses, 24, grabbed the ball and ran down the field untouched, somersaulting into the end zone.

The game sent Rams fans into a frenzy – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said about 45,000 fans traveled from California for the game and the 63,400-seat stadium appeared to be full.

It was the culmination of a brutal first half for Darnold, who was making his first appearance in the NFL playoffs. He was sacked five times before halftime and threw an interception when Cobie Durant intercepted a pass intended for Jordan Addison.

Minnesota (14-4) had a chance to clinch the NFC’s No. 1 seed in its final game of the regular season, but Darnold struggled with a loss in Detroit. His poor finish raises questions about his long-term future with the Vikings after playing this season on a one-year deal.