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Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers Preview
The Minnesota Vikings (3-3) head west to face the Los Angeles Chargers (4-3) on Thursday Night Football, October 23, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 PM ET, streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
This matchup features veteran Carson Wentz getting his fifth straight start for the Vikings while rookie J.J. McCarthy continues recovering from an ankle injury. Across the field, Justin Herbert and the Chargers are looking to rebound after dropping three of their last four games.
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Line Movement and Odds
Early action leaned toward Los Angeles, but sharp bettors have started buying the Vikings at +3.
Current Odds:
- Minnesota Vikings Moneyline: +150
- Los Angeles Chargers Moneyline: -179
- Spread: Chargers -3.0 (-110) / Vikings +3.0 (-110)
- Total: Over/Under 44.5 (Over -110 / Under -110)
The total has climbed from 43.5 to 44.5, indicating confidence in both offenses finding rhythm indoors at SoFi Stadium.
Matchup Breakdown
The Vikings
The Vikings are walking a fine line between staying competitive and waiting for McCarthy’s return — but Wentz has kept them alive at .500. Despite last week’s 28–22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, he threw for 313 yards, pushing his season total to 1,072 yards with five touchdowns.
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Minnesota’s air attack remains its strength. With Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison combining for explosive plays, the Vikings rank among the top 10 in passing yards per game. Jefferson remains the X-factor — averaging 96.8 yards per game — while rookie running back Jordan Mason provides needed balance on the ground.
Defensively, the Vikings have been quietly sharp, ranking 7th in pass defense (184.0 YPG) and top-10 in sacks. That front seven will be key to disrupting Herbert, who’s been hit more than any QB this year.
If Minnesota can generate pressure without blitzing and protect Wentz long enough to hit intermediate routes, they can pull off the upset.
Final. pic.twitter.com/krMHkrGCEu
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 19, 2025
| Minnesota Vikings Injury Report | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Carson Wentz (QB) | Probable | Left Shoulder |
| J.J. McCarthy (QB) | Out | Ankle |
| C.J. Ham (FB) | Questionable | Hand |
| Aaron Jones Sr. (RB) | Questionable | Hamstring |
| Brian O’Neill (OT) | Questionable | Knee |
| Andrew Van Ginkel (LB) | Questionable | Neck |
| Zavier Scott (RB) | Questionable | Wrist |
| Ryan Kelly (C) | Out | Concussion |
| Ty Chandler (RB) | Out | Knee |
| Rondale Moore (WR) | Out | Knee |
| Matt Nelson (OT) | Out | Bicep |
| Gavin Bartholomew (TE) | Out | Lower Back |
The Chargers
The Chargers have one of the most explosive passing attacks in football, and that starts with Justin Herbert. Despite a 38–24 loss to Indianapolis, Herbert threw for 420 yards and three touchdowns — raising his league-leading total to 1,913 yards.
Tight end Oronde Gadsden II exploded for 164 yards and a touchdown, while Keenan Allen remains one of the most reliable targets in the NFL. Head coach Jim Harbaugh continues to evolve the offense around Herbert’s arm talent, even as the running game remains inconsistent.
Getting protection help back would be critical. Left tackle Joe Alt could return from an ankle injury after missing three games, a huge boost for an offensive line that’s allowed Herbert to be hit an NFL-high 62 times.
If Herbert gets time to throw, the Chargers’ passing attack can pick apart even Minnesota’s disciplined secondary.
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— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 19, 2025
| Los Angeles Chargers Injury Report | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Alt (OT) | Questionable | Ankle |
| Trey Pipkins III (OT) | Questionable | Knee |
| Austin Deculus (OT) | Questionable | Ankle |
| Troy Dye (LB) | Questionable | Thumb |
| Elijah Molden (DB) | Questionable | Thumb |
| Hassan Haskins (RB) | Questionable | Hamstring |
| Josh Harris (LS) | Out | Undisclosed |
| Da’Shawn Hand (DE) | Out | Groin |
| Rashawn Slater (OT) | Out | Knee |
| Otito Ogbonnia (DL) | Out | Elbow |
| Deane Leonard (DB) | Out | Undisclosed |
| Najee Harris (RB) | Out | Achilles |
Betting Trends
- Minnesota Vikings are 4–0 to the Over this season.
- Vikings are 3–0 ATS in away games this year.
- Vikings are 3–0 straight up following a loss.
- Los Angeles Chargers are 6–2 to the Over in home games since 2023.
- Chargers are 7–3 straight up in their last 10 regular-season games.
- Chargers are 3–0 SU when totals close at 42 or under.
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Prediction and Analysis
Both teams feature elite passing talent but contrasting momentum. The Chargers are slumping, while the Vikings are quietly resilient. Wentz may not have McCarthy’s upside, but his experience gives Minnesota a fighting chance against a defense that’s struggled in coverage.
Expect Herbert to rack up yardage again — but with the Vikings’ top-10 pass defense and the Chargers’ O-line still banged up, turnovers could swing this game. Minnesota’s receivers have been more consistent than L.A.’s depth options, and that might be the edge on Thursday night.
Projected Score: Chargers 24, Vikings 23
Best Bet: Vikings +3 (-110)
Over/Under Lean: Over 44.5 (-110)
Prop to Watch: Justin Jefferson Anytime TD (+125)
Betting Insight
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You can also follow team stats, depth charts, and injury updates on the NFL teams page or review betting systems and strategy in the NFL expert betting guide.
