by Rod Pearson
Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025
Game Time: 8:15 pm ET, Thursday, October 23, 2025
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Vikings +3.5, Chargers -3.5; Over/Under: 44.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Vikings +3, Chargers -3; Over/Under: 44.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Vikings +3, Chargers -3; Over/Under: 44.5 points
Season Record
Minnesota Vikings: 3-3 (4th place, NFC North)
Los Angeles Chargers: 4-3 (2nd place, AFC West)
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Recent Form
Minnesota Vikings: lost their last game at home against the Philadelphia Eagles 28-22.
Los Angeles Chargers: lost their last game at home against the Indianapolis Colts 38-24.
Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers Preview and Analysis
The Vikings are entering this game with a 3-3 record overall and they have a 1-0 record in their divisional games too. They are 1-2 in their home games, 1-0 in their road games, and they are also 1-1 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be on the road for this game. They lost their last game against the Philadelphia Eagles 28-22. Carson Wentz was the starting QB and he completed 26/42 passes for 313 passing yards, 0 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Jordan Mason led the team in rushing yards with 57 and 1 TD. Jordan Addison led the receivers with 128 receiving yards on 9 receptions. Harrison Smith led the defense in that game with 4 solo tackles and 0 assisted tackles while Eric Wilson led the defense in sacks with 1.5. No one on the defense came away with an interception for them in that one.
The Chargers are entering this game with a 4-3 record overall and they have a 3-0 record in their divisional games too. They are 1-2 in their home games, 2-1 in their road games, and they are also 1-0 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be at home for this game. They lost their last game against the Indianapolis Colts 38-24. Justin Herbert was the starting QB and he completed 37/55 passes for 420 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Justin Herbert led the team in rushing yards with 31. Oronde Gadsden II led the receivers with 164 receiving yards on 7 receptions and 1 TD. Tony Jefferson led the defense in that game with 5 solo tackles and 1 assisted tackle while Khalil Mack led the defense in sacks with 1. No one on the defense came away with an interception for them in that one.
Vikings vs Chargers Prediction
The current betting odds have the Chargers listed as a 3.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Chargers have looked good in their games this season with their 4-3 record overall which has them right near the top of the AFC West. They had a hot start to the season and haven't looked as good lately, coming off a 38-24 loss at home to the Colts in their last one too, but they will be looking to bounce back after a rough stretch. They got themselves down in an early hole last week, but their offense has looked really good all season with Herbert playing great. Meanwhile, the Vikings haven't looked great in their games this season with their 3-3 record overall which has them right at the bottom of the NFC North. They are off a 28-22 loss at home to the Eagles in their last one and they also had a stretch where they played 2 international games, but they haven't looked good in these games over the last week. Their offense didn't look great in their 2 international games and they didn't look any better last week either. They do have a good defense to lean on, but even their defense hasn't looked great lately as they have gone into early holes to start their last few games, needing a late comeback. The Chargers haven't looked great on defense lately, but the pieces are still there for them to be really good and they do have the more consistent offense at the moment too. This is a good situation for the Chargers to bounce back at home against a struggling Vikings team. The best way to place a bet here is on the Chargers to cover the spread in this game.
Vikings Chargers Prediction: Our NFL Pick for Thursday, October 23, 2025 (8:15 pm ET start time) is Chargers 24 Vikings 17.
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NFL Betting Trends
Minnesota Vikings: 10-4 ATS in road games. 6-3 ATS in a road game where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points. 9-4 ATS after playing a game at home. 6-3 OVER as a road underdog. 10-4 OVER when playing against a team with a winning record.
Los Angeles Chargers: 16-22 ATS against NFC North division opponents. 3-10 ATS versus good offensive teams - averaging 5.65 yards/play or more. 7-15 ATS at home after 3 or more consecutive losses against the spread. 4-0 OVER off an upset loss as a home favorite. 4-1 OVER after a loss by 14 or more points.
Key Injuries
Minnesota Vikings: C. Ham (FB) Injured - Hand. Z. Scott (RB) Injured - Wrist. C. Wentz (QB) Injured - Shoulder. B. O'Neill (OT) Injured - Knee. A. Van Ginkel (LB) Injured - Neck. J. McCarthy (QB) Injured - Ankle. T. Ingram-Dawkins (DL) Injured - Hip. D. Jackson (OG) Injured - Wrist.
Los Angeles Chargers: A. Deculus (OT) Injured - Ankle. O. Ogbonnia (DL) Injured - Elbow. H. Haskins (RB) Injured - Hamstring. T. Dye (LB) Injured - Thumb. E. Molden (CB) Injured - Thumb. J. Salyer (OG) Injured - Knee. T. Pipkins III (OG) Injured - Knee. J. Alt (OT) Injured - Ankle. K. Kennard (LB) Injured - Knee.
Notable Quotes
“Don’t throw it right to his chest. That would be great. But I think they had a good call. I’ve got to be better and just progress or quite frankly take the sack there.” - Carson Wentz after their loss against the Eagles in their last game.
“I was proud of the way the guys fought. They never gave up. We always thought we were in it.” - Justin Herbert after their loss against the Colts in their last game.
Starting Lineups
Minnesota Vikings
WR Jefferson, Justin
WR Addison, Jordan
WR Nailor, Jalen
TE Hockenson, T.J.
QB Wentz, Carson
RB Mason, Jordan
FB Ham, C.J.
Los Angeles Chargers
WR Johnston, Quentin
WR Allen, Keenan
WR McConkey, Ladd
TE Gadsden, Oronde
QB Herbert, Justin
RB Vidal, Kimani
FB Matlock, Scott
Statistical Leaders
Minnesota Vikings
Passing: Carson Wentz (1,072)
Rushing: Jordan Mason (380)
Receiving: Justin Jefferson (528)
Touchdowns: Jordan Mason (4)
Los Angeles Chargers
Passing: Justin Herbert (1,913)
Rushing: Omarion Hampton (314)
Receiving: Keenan Allen (435)
Touchdowns: Quentin Johnston (5)
Coaches:
Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O'Connell (4th season)
Los Angeles Chargers: Jim Harbaugh (2nd season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
