Game Details:
- Matchup: Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Chargers
- Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
- Time: 8:15 PM EST
- Venue: SoFi Stadium
- TV: Prime Video
- Spread: Chargers -3.5
- Total: 44.5 (Over/Under)
Primetime Problems: Banged-Up Vikings Visit Chargers for Thursday Night Clash
Week 8 of the NFL season kicks off with a pivotal Thursday Night Football matchup as the Minnesota Vikings travel to SoFi Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams enter this mid-season contest with playoff aspirations, but mounting injuries could be the deciding factor. The Chargers are favored by 3.5 points at home in a game that could be defined by which team’s depth can overcome its key absences.
Minnesota Vikings Outlook
The biggest story for the Vikings heading into this game is the health of their offensive line. According to the final injury report for Week 8, star left tackle Christian Darrisaw was a late addition to the list. Darrisaw was also listed as questionable with a knee injury earlier in the season, suggesting this could be a lingering issue. His status is critical for an offense that will face a formidable Chargers pass rush.
Earlier reports from this season also highlighted potential concerns at center and safety, with C Ryan Kelly and S Harrison Smith appearing on injury reports. If the Vikings are compromised in the trenches, particularly at left tackle, it could be a long night for their offense and disrupt their ability to establish a rhythm.
Los Angeles Chargers Outlook
The Chargers have had their own battles with the injury report this season. While they were sitting at a perfect 3-0 back in Week 4, the team was already dealing with what was described as “big concerns” on the injury front.
For this specific matchup against the Vikings, the Chargers will be without a key player, as Haskins has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. While the Chargers have talent on both sides of the ball, missing players chips away at the depth necessary for a deep playoff run. At home and coming into a short week, the Chargers’ primary goal will be to leverage their defensive front against a potentially weakened Vikings offensive line and put points on the board early.
Prediction
This game hinges on one key matchup: the Vikings’ offensive line versus the Chargers’ pass rush. The late-week addition of Christian Darrisaw to Minnesota’s injury report is a massive red flag. Protecting the blindside is paramount in the NFL, and even a limited Darrisaw could spell trouble for the Vikings’ entire offensive game plan.
The Chargers are playing at home and, despite their own injury issues, appear to be the healthier team in the most critical area for this matchup. A -3.5 point spread is small enough for a home team to cover by simply controlling the line of scrimmage. Expect the Chargers’ defense to create pressure and force a few key mistakes. With the Vikings’ offense potentially struggling to find its footing, points may be at a premium, making the under an attractive play.
The Pick: Chargers -3.5
Total: Under 44.5
Predicted Final Score: Chargers 23, Vikings 17
Sources:
Vikings Injury Report | Minnesota Vikings – vikings.com
Minnesota Vikings Injury Status – ESPN
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