Why Los Angeles Chargers will beat Vikings, why they won’t, and a prediction

The Chargers are slowly, mercifully getting healthier. Left tackle Joe Alt appears to be on his way back and star edge rusher Khalil Mack is back and increasing his snap counts by the week. Despite some ugly-looking turnovers recently, Justin Herbert isn’t that far removed from playing like an MVP while outdueling the likes of Patrick Mahomes near the start of the season. Some small game plan tweaks and a little more time could get him right back to that level of play. This is also a home game against a visitor that needs to travel far and on short notice.  

Why Chargers won’t beat Vikings

Brian Flores is once again the author of an elite defense, this time a Vikings squad that allows just 30.1 percent of its third-down conversions. He’ll throw a ton of exotic looks at an injured Chargers offensive line to fluster Herbert. While the Vikings have concerns at quarterback with J.J. McCarthy injured, their running game still averages 4.4 yards per carry and wideouts like Justin Jefferson can do much with very little from their passers. The Chargers’ defense has been unexpectedly middling under Jesse Minter this year, too. 

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Vikings vs. Chargers prediction

Will the Chargers come out flat and struggle with things like tackling again? Or will there be a sense of urgency as falling to 4-4 is a very real risk? Hard to say, but the Chargers are favorites for a reason in this one, and not just because they’re at home. Minter’s defense has struggled, but should be able to look respectable against a backup passer. And at the end of the day, the Chargers have the far better quarterback, with Herbert playing at home and surrounded by a roster steadily getting healthier. 

Prediction: Chargers 23, Vikings 20