The Los Angeles Chargers host the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8:15 PM ET on October 23, 2025. Los Angeles enters the game at 4-3, while Minnesota sits at 3-3 through six games. Both teams are looking to get back on track after recent losses.
The Chargers dropped a 38-24 decision to the Indianapolis Colts last week, while the Vikings fell 28-22 to the Philadelphia Eagles. These teams last met in 2023, with Los Angeles winning 28-24 in a close battle. The current betting line has the Chargers as 3.5-point favorites, with the total set at 44.5. Both teams have played in several high-scoring contests, and the Over has hit in five of six Minnesota games this season.
LAC Preview – Herbert keeps piling up yards
Justin Herbert continues to be one of the NFL’s most productive quarterbacks. He leads the league with 1,913 passing yards and ranks near the top in touchdown passes with 13. He threw for a career-high 420 yards last week against the Colts, though he also had two interceptions. Herbert has been sacked or hit more than any other QB this year, but he continues to attack downfield and spread the ball around to his receivers.
Rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II had a breakout game with 164 yards and his first NFL touchdown last week. His chemistry with Herbert is growing, and he has quickly become a reliable option in the middle of the field. Keenan Allen remains a steady presence on the outside, while Joshua Palmer continues to contribute in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
The offensive line could get a boost with left tackle Joe Alt possibly returning from an ankle injury. He’s missed the last three games, and his presence would help protect Herbert’s blind side. The Chargers’ running game has been inconsistent, averaging 103.8 yards per game, but rookie running back Hassan Haskins remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Defensively, Los Angeles ranks eighth against the pass but has allowed 123.6 rushing yards per game, which ranks in the bottom half of the league.
MIN Preview – Wentz holding things together for now
Carson Wentz will make his fifth straight start for Minnesota as J.J. McCarthy continues to recover from a sprained ankle. Wentz has thrown for 1,072 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions during his time as the starter. His accuracy has been up and down, completing 61.9 percent of his passes in last week’s loss to the Eagles, but he did throw for over 300 yards in that game.
The Vikings’ offense averages 318.7 total yards per game, ranking 20th in the league. They’ve struggled to finish drives, sitting near the bottom in red-zone touchdown percentage. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson continues to be the go-to target, but he has been contained in recent weeks as defenses focus heavily on him. Rookie back Zavier Scott is questionable with a wrist injury, and running back Aaron Jones Sr. could make his return from a hamstring issue after practicing in a limited role this week.
Defensively, Minnesota has been strong against the pass, ranking seventh at 184.0 yards allowed per game. However, their rush defense has been inconsistent, allowing 123.6 yards per contest. The defensive front has struggled to generate pressure, recording just 3.8 sacks per game, one of the lowest marks in the NFL. Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel will miss the game with a neck injury, which could further impact their pass rush.
Betting Trends and Key Stats
The Vikings are 3-3 against the spread this season and 5-1 to the Over. They’ve gone Over the total in seven of their last ten games overall. Minnesota is averaging 24.2 points per game but allowing 23.3, which makes them a consistent Over team. The Chargers are 2-4-1 against the spread and 3-4 to the Over. Los Angeles games have averaged 47.1 total points, slightly above this week’s total.
The Chargers are 2-2 at home this season, while Minnesota has gone 2-1 on the road. The Vikings’ defense allows more points in the second half than the first, giving up an average of 7.0 points in the third quarter, one of the highest marks in the league. That could be a key factor against a Chargers offense that tends to close strong behind Herbert’s late-game passing.
Betting Prediction
This matchup features two teams with capable offenses but inconsistent defenses. Herbert’s arm gives the Chargers an edge, especially if Joe Alt returns to protect him. Wentz can move the ball, but turnovers have been a problem, and Los Angeles ranks near the top of the league in creating pressure off the edge. The Vikings’ pass defense will be tested by a Chargers team averaging 31.6 pass attempts per game.
The total of 44.5 looks low considering both teams’ recent scoring trends. Minnesota’s offense has hit the Over in five of six games, and Herbert’s recent form suggests another high-yardage performance. Expect a back-and-forth contest with both teams finding success through the air. The Chargers should hold serve at home, but the Vikings are capable of covering the spread late.
Projected Score: Chargers 27, Vikings 24
Pick: Over 44.5
