Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers Picks and Prediction, Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
The West Coast plays host to Thursday Night Football and we’re making sure you are locked in with our Vikings vs. Chargers predictions. Minnesota (3-3 SU, 3-3 ATS) fell at home against Philadelphia on Sunday, 28-22, as +2.5 underdogs. Los Angeles (4-3 SU, 2-4-1 ATS) also lost at home on Sunday, 38-24, against Indianapolis as -2.5 favorites. Kickoff from SoFi Stadium is scheduled for 8:15 EST and get a jump on the weekend action with our award-winning NFL Predictions.
It's all ebb and flow for Vikings
The Vikings have yet to string together wins to this point, but they’ve also not had back-to-back losses either as they’ve alternated results each week. In their loss to Philadelphia, they were down 14-6 at halftime and were unable to make up the difference in the second half. Minnesota’s offense turned the ball over twice and went for 387 yards and 21 first downs in the loss, while their defense allowed 361 yards and 176 first downs.
The Minnesota offense ranks 15th in the league in scoring, averaging 24.2 points per game. They are 20th in yardage, gaining 318.7 per game and their passing game produces 214.8 of those yards each week. Carson Wentz, who threw for 313 yards against Philly, has been filling in for J.J. McCarthy under center for the last four weeks and is expected to again get the call in this game, despite dealing with a left shoulder injury. He will start this game despite being limited in practice, while McCarthy (ankle) will once again be inactive. Justin Jefferson has 34 catches with a touchdown, and his 528 receiving yards are the sixth most in the NFL. The Vikings’ rushing game is producing 103.4 yards per game, led by rookie Jordan Mason, who has rushed for 380 yards and 4 four TDs on 84 carries.
On the defensive end, the Vikings are giving up 20.8 points per game, tied for 10th in the league. They are giving up 301.7 total yards per game, and against the pass, they are seventh, allowing 184 yards to go with 16 sacks and two interceptions. Against the run, they give up 117.7 yards per game, 18th in the NFL. Eric Wilson leads the team with 41 tackles and has 1.5 sacks and three tackles for loss. Jalen Redmond has a team-high three sacks and five tackles for loss.
Injury report
- FB C.J. Ham (hand) DNP
- T Brian O’Neill (knee) DNP
- QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) limited
- RB Zavier Scott (wrist) limited
- LB Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) limited
- QB Carson Wentzz (shoulder) limited
- DL Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (hip) full
- G Donovan Jackson (wrist) full
Offense not enough for Chargers
The Chargers have come back to earth since their 3-0 SU start, going 1-3 SU over their last four games. The 38 points allowed against the Colts this past weekend were their worst defensive effort of the season. Despite going for 445 yards and 25 first downs, Los Angeles coughed up two turnovers and surrendered 401 yards and 24 first downs.
The Chargers’ scoring offense is averaging 21.6 points per game, 20th in the NFL. They rank fourth in yardage, picking up 372.7 yards a week. Their passing attack ranks third in the league, averaging 261.6 yards per game. Justin Herbert had a season-high 420 passing yards in Sunday’s loss to Indianapolis. The Chargers’ QB leads the league with 1,913 yards and is tied for sixth with 13 touchdowns. He’s also tossed six picks and has been sacked 20 times. Four players have over 300 receiving yards, and Keenan Allen leads the team with 44 catches and 435 yards. Omarion Hampton is pacing a rushing game that averages 111.1 yards per game by rolling for 314 yards on 66 carries.
Los Angeles on defense is giving up 23.3 points per game, 18th in the NFL. They are giving up 315.9 total yards and 123.6 rushing yards per game. Versus the pass, the Chargers have given up an average of 192.3 yards per game, eighth in the league. The team has been able to get to the opposing QB for 17 sacks while also forcing six interceptions. Tony Jefferson has two of those interceptions to go with his 24 tackles. Tuli Tuipulotu has a team-high five sacks and seven tackles for loss.
Injury report
- OT Joe Alt (ankle) limited
- OT Austin Deculus (ankle) limited
- LB Troy Dye (thumb) limited
- RB Hassan Haskins (hamstring) DNP
- LB Kyle Kennard (knee) full
- OT Trey Pipkins (knee) limited
- G Jamaree Salyer (knee) full
Vikings vs. Chargers predictions
Spread Pick for Vikings vs. Chargers
- Chargers -3 (5 units)
These two teams last met in 2023 when the Chargers won by four in Minnesota as +1 underdogs. This will be the first game that the Vikings are playing in an opposing team’s stadium since they played in Chicago in Week 1. Three of their last five games were at home, and two in the UK. So, they haven’t faced a truly hostile crowd in a while. Minnesota’s QB situation is still an ever-evolving thing, but now Wentz is a bit banged up as well. Minnesota does have a good passing defense, but they don’t put a lot of pressure on the opposing quarterback. The one thing they don’t want to do is give Herbert time in the pocket because he will find his man, which I fully expect him to do here. He’s already made sure five players have 20+ receptions, so options are plenty for the Chargers’ signal caller. With the short week and the travel, and the injury issues, Minnesota is in trouble.
Take the Chargers giving the points.
Over/Under Pick for Vikings vs. Chargers
- Over 45 (5 units)
These two combined for 52 points when they last met, skirting just under the 52.5-point total. Both offenses sit in the middle of the league in scoring, similar defensively. Despite some of the injuries that they’ve been working through, the Vikings have scored under 21 points in a game only once this season, and they’ve averaged 28 points per game over their last four tilts. The Los Angeles offense had a bit of a lull in back-to-back losses, scoring 18 points and 10 points, respectively. However, in their last two games, they averaged 26.5 points, and, on the year, they’ve put up at least 23 points on four occasions. Between the two teams, the over is 8-5 this season.
Take the over.