Chargers vs. Vikings: Everything You Need to Know About Thursday Night Football

The Los Angeles Chargers (4-3) host the Minnesota Vikings (3-3) on Thursday Night Football in a Week 8 clash that could define the trajectory of both teams' seasons. After a torrid 3-0 start, the Chargers have lost three of their last four games, including a disappointing 38-24 home loss to the Indianapolis Colts that exposed significant defensive vulnerabilities.

Defensive Concerns Plaguing Los Angeles

The Chargers' defense, once considered a strength, has become a liability at the worst possible time. According to ESPN's analysis, Los Angeles has allowed seven rushing touchdowns over their last three games alone, with running backs finding success at an alarming rate. The team ranks near the bottom of the NFL in several key defensive categories, including 30th in successful run rate allowed (36.8%), 28th in yards allowed per carry (5.1), and 31st in explosive run rate allowed (20.0%).

This defensive collapse has coincided with injury issues along the offensive line. The Chargers have been one of just two teams to allow their quarterback to be knocked down on more than 20% of dropbacks this season. While tackle Joe Alt and Trey Pipkins are expected to return for Thursday's game, the protection issues extend throughout the unit, which currently ranks 30th in PFF's offensive line grades with a dismal 51.5 mark.

Herbert's Aerial Assault Continues

Despite the protection problems, quarterback Justin Herbert has been exceptional in 2025. The former Oregon star leads the NFL with 1,913 passing yards through seven games and tossed a career-high 420 yards in last week's loss to Indianapolis. Herbert has thrown 13 touchdowns against six interceptions while maintaining a strong connection with his receiving corps of Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen, and breakout tight end Oronde Gadsden II.

PFF's analysis notes that Herbert excels under pressure, posting the fourth-highest passing grade (83.9) when blitzed this season. This could be crucial against Minnesota's aggressive defensive scheme under coordinator Brian Flores, which features a league-high 38% blitz rate. In Week 3 of the 2023 season, when these teams last met, the Vikings blitzed Herbert on over 85% of his dropbacks—yet he responded with 40 completions on 47 attempts for 405 yards and three touchdowns.

Vikings' Quarterback Situation Remains Uncertain

Minnesota will turn once again to veteran Carson Wentz under center, with rookie J.J. McCarthy still sidelined with an ankle injury. Wentz has started four games since McCarthy went down, posting a 2-2 record, but inconsistency has plagued the offense. The Vikings rank 22nd in EPA per play over the last month with Wentz at the helm, according to CBS Sports.

However, Minnesota received a significant boost with the activation of running back Aaron Jones from injured reserve. Jones, who has 84 carries for 380 yards and four touchdowns this season, provides a dual-threat capability the Vikings have missed during his four-game absence. With Jordan Mason handling most of the backfield touches, the Vikings have relied heavily on the ground game—a strategy that should find success against Los Angeles's struggling run defense.

Key Matchups to Watch

Justin Jefferson vs. Chargers Secondary

The Vikings' superstar receiver has maintained his elite standard in 2025, posting 34 receptions for 528 yards at an impressive 15.5 yards per catch. Jefferson has recorded five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and will look to exploit a Chargers secondary that has allowed all five of its last defensive touchdowns via the passing game. Daily fantasy experts are high on Jefferson's matchup, with SportsLine's Jimmie Kaylor featuring him prominently in optimal DFS lineups.

Chargers' Rushing Attack vs. Vikings Front Seven

Despite losing Najee Harris to a season-ending Achilles injury and with Omarion Hampton on injured reserve, the Chargers need to establish some semblance of a ground game. Running back Kimani Vidal could see increased opportunities against a Vikings defense that ranks sixth in defensive EPA per play. Minnesota's aggressive blitzing scheme can create running lanes, but it requires decisive execution from the offensive line.

Betting Insights and Expert Predictions

The Chargers opened as 2.5-point favorites but the line has moved to Los Angeles -3.5, with the over/under sitting at 44.5 points. According to USA Today's analysis, this marks a crucial moment for Jim Harbaugh's team, which has gone 0-4 against the spread in its last four games.

CBS Sports experts are split on the outcome, with most picking the Chargers to win but the Vikings to cover the spread. Five of Minnesota's six games have gone over the total this season, including the past four consecutively, suggesting the 44.5-point line may be vulnerable. The Vikings are also 14-6 against the spread on the road since the start of 2023, demonstrating their ability to keep games competitive away from home.

For daily fantasy players, several value plays stand out. Keenan Allen, who has seen at least seven targets in every game played this season, is seven catches away from tying Antonio Gates for the most in Chargers franchise history. Quentin Johnston's deep-threat profile (averaging 11.7 yards downfield three seconds into pass plays) makes him an intriguing GPP option at a reasonable salary.

Broadcast and Viewing Information

Thursday Night Football kicks off at 8:15 PM ET and will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video for national viewers. Local fans in Los Angeles and Minneapolis can watch on Fox 11 (KTTV) and Fox 9 (KMSP) respectively. Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit will handle the commentary, with Kaylee Hartung providing sideline reports.

Final Analysis

This game represents a crossroads for both teams. The Chargers need to stop their slide and prove they can compete with quality opponents outside the AFC West, where they've struggled this season. Minnesota must show that Wentz can manage games effectively while the defense continues its strong play.

The Vikings' defensive scheme presents unique challenges for Herbert, but his track record against Flores's pressure packages suggests he'll find ways to move the ball. The real question is whether Los Angeles's defense can contain Jefferson and slow down Mason and Jones in the ground game. With both teams hovering around .500, Thursday night's winner gains crucial momentum heading into the second half of the season, while the loser faces serious questions about playoff viability.