THURSDAY NIGHT
Minnesota (+3.5) at L.A. Chargers, o/u 44.5
Thursday, 8:15 p.m. EDT
The Vikings have had a "one step forward, one step back" kind of season, leaving them 3-3 and in the NFC North basement after last week's loss to the Eagles. Minnesota's secondary, which hadn't allowed even 200 net passing yards through the first five weeks, got ambushed by Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, a worrying trend heading into a clash with Justin Herbert and the Chargers' trio of star wideouts, not to mention emerging rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden. The Vikes are getting healthier, though. While Carson Wentz will get at least one more start under center, Aaron Jones could return Thursday night to bolster the rushing attack, taking some pressure off a passing game that's badly missed Sam Darnold. The team's biggest issue, though, has been turnovers — toss out a rout over an unserious opponent in the Bengals, and the Vikings' offense has coughed up the ball seven times, while the defense has only stolen it twice, with zero takeaways since Week 3. That will need to change of Kevin O'Connell's crew is going to climb back into the playoff picture.
Turnovers have also been an issue for the Chargers, as they've committed at least one giveaway in six consecutive games, and seven times in total in their recent 1-3 stumble. The injuries in the backfield have drawn the headlines, but it's the ones along the offensive line that have forced Herbert to be a little more reckless — his six INTs this season are already double the number he threw in 17 games in 2024. Having less time in the pocket has also impacted where the ball was going. While Quentin Johnston was thriving as a deep threat early, Ladd McConkey and Gadsden have seen their target volume rise on aDOTs of 8.4 and 7.6. The good news for Week 8 is that tackles Joe Alt and Trey Pipkins might both suit up, but if they remain sidelined, Herbert — who's also getting sacked about three times a game — could be in for another stressful night.
Key Info
MIN injury report: QB J.J. McCarthy (questionable, ankle), RB Aaron Jones (IR, hamstring), LT Christian Darrisaw (questionable, knee), C Ryan Kelly (IR, concussion), RT Brian O'Neill (questionable, knee), EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel (out, neck)
LAC injury report: RB Omarion Hampton (IR, ankle), RB Najee Harris (IR, Achilles), RB Hassan Haskins (out, hamstring), LT Rashawn Slater (IR, knee), LT/RT Joe Alt (questionable, ankle), RT Trey Pipkins (questionable, knee), S Elijah Molden (questionable, thumb)
Strong lean: RB Jordan Mason / Aaron Jones (LAC 30th in rushing DVOA, 28th in YPC allowed, 31st in rushing TDs allowed)
Strong lean: WR Ladd McConkey (MIN 32nd in DVOA vs. WR1)
Strong fade: WR Jordan Addison (LAC first in DVOA vs. WR2)
Slight fade: WR Quentin Johnston (MIN fifth in DVOA vs. WR3)
NFL weather report: indoors
The Scoop: Jones plays, but Mason leads the MIN backfield with 70 yards and a touchdown. Wentz throws for 240 yards and two TDs, both to Justin Jefferson, but he also tosses a pick-six to Derwin James. Kimani Vidal grinds out 60 yards. Herbert throws for 210 yards and two scores, one each to McConkey and Keenan Allen. Vikings 27-24
Last week's record: 11-4, 10-5 ATS, 10-5 o/u
2025 record: 71-36-1 (.664), 59-47-2 ATS (.557), 49-58-1 o/u (.458)
