Los Angeles Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings: Prediction, Best Bets, Odds, Depth Charts (9/24/23)

The Los Angeles Chargers head to Minnesota to take on the Vikings in this inter-conference battle. Barring a tie, one of these teams has to finally win! Stay tuned below for the Chargers-Vikings preview which will detail the odds, prediction, and best bet, (Vikings +1).

Los Angeles Chargers Vs. Minnesota Vikings Prediction & Best Bet

Los Angeles Chargers Vs. Minnesota Vikings Prediction & Best Bet: Vikings +1
Both the Chargers and the Vikings have shown an uncanny way to lose games this year. The Chargers have continued their notorious ways of blowing leads. Despite constant highlight level plays from Justin Herbert and his receivers, the defense has let the team down. It was one thing to let the Dolphins’ dynamic offense destroy the defense while putting up 536 total yards of offense, but another to allow the Titans previously non-existent pass attack to come alive and ultimately win 27-24 in overtime.

Meanwhile, the Vikings have switched the flip from last year when they went 11-1 in one-score games. Though it’s early in the season, Minnesota has lost two games they had a chance in versus the Eagles and Bucs. Despite Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson putting up all-star numbers, the Vikings fumbled away their chance at a win versus Philadelphia.

Now, one of these two teams has to put it together. Both teams have talented quarterbacks and receivers with suspect defenses. The pass defense may be the big weakness for the Chargers, but the Vikings run defense has seen better days. D’Andre Swift came to life running against the Vikings on Thursday Night Football when he carried the ball 28 times for 175 yards and a touchdown. The good news for the Vikings though is they might not have to go up against Austin Ekeler, who is been questionable with an ankle injury.

Despite question marks on both teams, I’m taking the Vikings to pull off the slight upset. With Ekeler unlikely to be at 100%, the game will more than likely come down to the passing offenses. The Vikings defense has struggled against the run, but played steady against the pass, holding both Baker Mayfield and Jalen Hurts to under 200 yards passing. Hebert may surpass the 200-yard mark, but it won’t be enough to overtake the Vikings. The Vikings will claim their first win while Brandon Staley’s hot seat continues to boil.

Los Angeles Chargers Vs. Minnesota Vikings Betting Odds

This is one of the toughest games to pick this week given that both the Vikings and Chargers have not been able to close out win this season. Vegas doesn’t seem to have a strong indication of where this game will go either since they have the Chargers favored, but by just one point. They are expecting a high-scoring contest with the over/under set at 54.

Los Angeles Chargers Vs. Minnesota Vikings Key Injuries

The Chargers are unsure if they will have Austin Ekeler, who did not practice with an ankle injury. Linebackers Eric Kendricks and Khalil Mack also did not practice while Joey Bosa was limited. Both Vikings center Garrett Bradbury and outside linebacker Marcus Davenport did not practice Wednesday while dealing with injuries. Tackle Christian Darrisaw and linebacker Jordan Hicks were limited with leg injuries.

Los Angeles Chargers vs Minnesota Vikings Key Matchups

Outside of turnovers, expect the Chargers pass defense to be a big factor in who gets the win Sunday.

Justin Jefferson Vs. Chargers secondary

The Chargers have gotten burned this year. Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill torched them during week 1, when he put up 11 receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns. The next week they gave up a huge 70-yard touchdown to Titans receiver Treylon Burks, which helped the Titans offense pick up.

Now the Bolts have to figure out a way to control darn-near unstoppable Justin Jefferson, who has had back-to-back 150 yard games to open the season. Jefferson already played out of his mind last year when he went caught 128 passes for 1,809 yards while winning Offensive Player of the Year. He currently has 300 receiving yards through two games, and if JC Jackson and the Chargers secondary can’t figure out how to slow him down, his numbers will only continue to balloon.

Also watch for Kirk Cousins to connect with rookie WR Jordan Addison if Jefferson is covered. Cousins and Addison have already connected for a 40+ yard touchdown in each of his first two games.

Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart

QB: Justin Herbert
RB1: Austin Ekeler
RB2: Joshua Kelley
LWR: Mike Williams
RWR: Quentin Johnston
SWR: Keenan Allen
TE1: Gerald Everett

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart

QB: Kirk Cousins
RB1: Alexander Mattison
RB2: Ty Chandler
LWR: Justin Jefferson
RWR: Jordan Addison
SWR: KJ Osborn
TE1: TJ Hockenson

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