The NFL is on high alert with a contingency plan in place for the playoff showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings, as California's raging wildfires threaten to disrupt the game.

The inferno has already claimed five lives, destroyed over 100,000 structures, and forced more than 100,000 residents to flee their homes, marking it as Los Angeles' most devastating fire to date.

The crisis led the Los Angeles Kings to defer their NHL match against the Calgary Flames, sparking concerns that the NFL encounter, set for Monday at SoFi Stadium, might face a similar fate.

However, the NFL remains committed to proceeding with the game, though it's yet to be determined if SoFi Stadium will host the event. The league is ready to relocate the fixture to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, if necessary.

In a statement, the NFL expressed its concern for the community, saying: "The NFL's priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community. We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the first responders. Our hearts are with Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires."

The league further clarified its stance on the upcoming game, stating: "We continue to prepare to play the Vikings-Rams game as scheduled Monday night at SoFi Stadium. As with all games, there are contingency plans in the event a change in location is needed. In this instance, the game would be played on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, if necessary.

"We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFLPA."

This statement was released just hours after NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy stated: "The NFL continues to closely monitor developments and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA."

The NFL playoffs are set to kick off this weekend with the wild card round. In the NFC, the No. 6 Washington Commanders will face off against the No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles will host the No. 7 Green Bay Packers.

Both games are scheduled for Sunday. Over in the AFC, the No. 5 Los Angeles Charges will take on the No. 4 Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon, followed by the No. 3 Baltimore Ravens welcoming the No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers later in the day.

The final AFC wild card game is slated for Sunday afternoon, featuring the No. 2 Buffalo Bills and the No. 7 Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium. The Kansas City Chiefs (AFC) and Detroit Lions (NFC), having secured the No. 1 seed in their respective conferences, won't see action again until the divisional round. The Super Bowl is set to take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9.