Desperation usually shows up early on Thursday nights, and both the Los Angeles Chargers and Minnesota Vikings will bring plenty of it to SoFi Stadium.
The Chargers (4-3) are coming off a humbling loss to the Indianapolis Colts that exposed the team’s lingering issues on offense. The Vikings (3-3) haven’t fared much better, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that continued their season-long pattern of inconsistency.
Going into the season, Thursday’s game was looked at as a reunion between Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy and his former college coach, Jim Harbaugh. However, with McCarthy still out with an ankle injury, it’ll be veteran Carson Wentz making his fifth start for Minnesota. The matchup also reunites Harbaugh and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, who both spent time in San Diego two decades ago — Harbaugh as head coach at the University of San Diego and O’Connell as the quarterback at San Diego State.
After a 3–0 start, Los Angeles has dropped three of its past four games, which is largely the byproduct of a regression on offense. Justin Herbert threw for 420 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s loss to Indianapolis, but two interceptions and three sacks highlighted the issue of carrying an injury-thinned roster.
With Kimani Vidal bottled up on the ground and protection breaking down up front, Herbert was forced to play hero ball, so much so that he even led the team in rushing. That could spell trouble against a Minnesota defense led by coordinator Brian Flores, who blitzes more than almost anyone in the league.
If Herbert wants to end the slide, he’ll need quick answers in the passing game, and tight end Oronde Gadsden II could be one of them. The rookie exploded for 164 yards and a score against the Colts and might again serve as a safety valve if the Vikings’ pressure starts closing in.
Carson Wentz has quietly stabilized the Vikings’ offense since taking over for McCarthy. He’s split his four starts evenly between wins and losses.
In his wins, Wentz has completed over 70% of his passes and avoided turnovers. In his losses, however, his accuracy dips and his mistakes multiply. Still, Minnesota’s passing attack remains dangerous with Justin Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson both remaining effective . Second-year receiver Jordan Addison is also coming off a career game against Philadelphia last week with nine catches for 128 yards.
They’ll test a Chargers secondary that, outside of last week’s stumble, has been one of the stingiest in the league. Los Angeles ranks third in opposing quarterback rating this season, and its physical corners could make life difficult for Jefferson if the pass rush can hold up.
Both teams enter Thursday battered along the offensive line, which could dictate how this one unfolds.
Wentz has been sacked 14 times in his four starts. Minnesota’s protection has especially struggled inside, allowing more interior pressure than any team in football.
The Chargers have similar problems. Injuries to tackles Joe Alt and Trey Pipkins have forced constant adjustments, leaving Herbert vulnerable against heavy blitz looks.
Both teams are capable of putting up points, but neither has found a consistent rhythm. Expect a back-and-forth matchup defined by pressure and field position more than explosive offense.
If Herbert can limit turnovers and get just enough help from his supporting cast, the Chargers should have the edge at home and be able to squeak out a win.