Vikings at Chargers 

Thursday Night Football 

Oct 23, 2025  8:15 PM ET

Vikings 3–3 vs Chargers 4–3

line / total

Chargers -3; total ~44.5 

Minnesota’s identity all season has been defensive toughness and situational excellence 

the Chargers lean on a high variety of plays and concepts, playmaking driven offense led by Justin Herbert.

The Chargers are at home and have the slightly better record, but the Vikings  pass rush and situational defense will make this a great matchup for Thursday night.

Aaron Jones  Activated off IR and listed as available for Week 8 after missing multiple games 

 his presence changes Minnesota’s backfield usage and will keep the Chargers front seven honest. 

Vikings Oline concerns

Minnesota has been dealing with Oline soreness/availability issues all month that’s still the storyline heading into tonight. 

matchups 

Chargers OL vs Vikings pass rush 

Minnesota ranks among the league leaders in hurry/sack rates and excels on third down defense

if the Chargers can’t protect Herbert, they’ll be forced into quick game plans and fewer downfield opportunities. 

Vikings winning this battle keeps the Chargers one dimensional. 

Herbert vs Vikings second level coverage 

 Herbert runs and designed QB plays have been more frequent

 if he’s forced out of rhythm by coverage and pressure, the Chargers efficiency drops. 

Aaron Jones & Vikings running game vs Chargers front 

Jones coming back changes Minnesota's play calling. If Jones draws significant carries, he can help shorten drives and keep Herbert off the field 

Third down & redzone efficiency 

 Vikings are elite in third down defense and red zone defense 

the Chargers must convert early in drives or the scoreboard stays tight. 

Expect Minnesota to run different packages on third down.

X Factors

Special teams & field position

 TNF games swing on a tight margin 

short punts, returns, or a late special teams errors can flip the script.

Turnover luck 

 The Chargers are a creative offense but prone to turnovers when pressured

 the Vikings defense has shown it can force mistakes. 

Kevin O’Connell 

lean on defense

control clock with Jones, and use disguise blitzes to force Herbert into quick decisions.

Jim Harbaugh

 scheme Herbert open underneath and attack with play action if the Vikings stack the box for Jones. 

Short to intermediate passing and QB mobility should be emphasized.

Betting

Chargers -3 is the market line

home favorite and higher ceiling offense

 but Minnesota’s situational defense makes the spread attractive for Vikings backers depending on live injury confirmations.

Team total vs spread

 If Jones plays meaningful snaps, Vikings time of possession props improve

 if he’s limited, expect more passing volume.

Prediction 

Chargers 27, Vikings 23 

 close, Chargers win by a field goal margin. 

 home edge + offensive upside for the Chargers 

but Vikings’ pass rush and red zone defense keep it tight. If Aaron Jones takes a regular workload tonight, the Vikings chance to flip this increases. 

History 

Minnesota leads the all time series vs. the Chargers 8-7. 

the Chargers have been favored at home in this spot and carry some recent momentum at their stadium.

The historical edge slightly favors the Vikings, giving them a subtle psychological edge even as underdogs.