Vikings vs Chargers: odds, preview and prediction

We’ve got a primetime matchup from the City of Angeles as the Los Angeles Chargers and the Minnesota Vikings meet for a Thursday Night Showdown to kickoff Week 8. Both of these teams were projected to be in the contender conversation, but after a couple of down weeks each of them need a win to turn things around as we approach the midway point of the season.

Preview

It was a hell of a start to the season for the Los Angeles Chargers who beat the Kansas City Chiefs in a game down in Brazil. Just a matter of hours into the season, we were ready to crown the Chargers as the new it team in the AFC and we were ready to write off the Chiefs and call it the end of the dynasty. LA continued to convince through the first three weeks of the season, beating the Raiders and the Broncos to start the season 3-0 in the division.

Then came the injuries and the reality of the NFL. Both of their top running backs suffered long term injuries in a matter of weeks and the offensive line took a couple hits that made protecting their franchise QB awfully tough. Since then the Chargers have lost three of four and have lost their lead in the AFC West. Now they have to look to stop the bleeding against a Vikings team that will be wanting to bounce back following their narrow loss to the Super Bowl champions.

Minnesota have been exchanging wins and losses since the start of the season, but have yet to get a key victory this season. There is a lot of uncertainty around this team, and the short term insecurity around the QB position is starting to affect the offense. They wanted to put J.J. McCarthy in as the QB1 all season, but injury concerns have sidelined him for the last few weeks. Since then Carson Wentz has been getting beat up in the backfield but has led the Vikings to a couple wins in his four starts. He has been named the starter for Thursday game, and will try and deliver a big win against the banged up Chargers defense.

Odds

The Chargers are back at home and are considered 3 point favorites against the Minnesota Vikings in the eyes of the odds makers. The Over/Under is set at 44.5 with both offenses not in peak form coming into the Thursday night game.

Spread: Chargers (-3)

Moneyline: Chargers (-162), Vikings (+136)

Over/Under: 44.5

Prediction

This one for me is almost too close to call. I don’t think there is much between these teams, and I think it’s going to come down to the last second. I’m taking the Vikings with the points, and I think its going under.

Chargers win 24-23.

Related stories

Cowboys

Jerry Jones explains approach to trade deadline - Is Maxx Crosby really in play?

NFL

The Shohei Ohtani-inspired 2025 NFL Week 8 picks

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.