Vikings (9-4) at Chargers (5-8)
Sunday, Dec. 15, 4:05 p.m. ET, Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California
TV: CBS
Danny Sheridan’s by 3
Vikings’ keys to victory: On the offensive side of the ball, Minnesota needs to ride the hot hand with RB Dalvin Cook. Los Angeles’ run defense has been better in recent weeks, but it still is susceptible to giving up big plays on the ground and hasn’t faced anyone on Cook’s level. Despite possessing the fifth-best passing offense in the league, the Chargers have fallen victim to explosive plays. If the Vikings can erase DE Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, QB Kirk Cousins could flourish. On the defensive side of the ball, it’s all about bringing the heat against a struggling offensive line.
Chargers’ keys to victory: The offensive line needs to be at its best against a fearsome Minnesota pass rush. If it can do so, it should be enough for QB Philip Rivers, who’s coming off a strong game, to connect with his pass catchers against a Vikings pass defense that’s struggled in recent weeks. The Chargers need to continue being creative with their play-calling, especially in the red zone, which is where they have struggled. On defense, CB Casey Hayward needs to eliminate WR Stefon Diggs.
Matchup to watch: Vikings’ defensive line vs. Chargers’ offensive line. The outcome of this game could be determined in the trenches. The Vikings will look to pressure Rivers into making mistakes and they’re more than capable of doing so facing an offensive line that’s been inconsistent this season.
Who wins? The Vikings are fighting for their division. That urgency should make the difference.
Vikings, 27-17 line:
Vikings
Vikings schedule
W ......... Atlanta ......... 28-12 L .... at Green Bay .... 21-16 W ........ Oakland ........ 34-14 L ........ at Chicago ........ 16-6 W ...atN.Y.Giants ...28-10 W .... Philadelphia .... 38-20 W ....... at Detroit ....... 42-30 W ...... Washington ...... 19-9 L ...atKansasCity ...26-23 W ........ at Dallas ........ 28-24 W ......... Denver ......... 27-23
BYE
L ....... at Seattle ....... 37-30 W .......... Detroit .......... 20-7 Dec. 15 at L.A. Chrgrs 4:05 Dec.23 ..GreenBay ..8:15 Dec. 29 ....... Chicago ....... 1
Chargers schedule
W ..... Indianapolis ..... 30-24 L ........ at Detroit ........ 13-10 L ......... Houston ......... 27-20 W ........ at Miami ........ 30-10 L .......... Denver .......... 20-13 L ....... Pittsburgh ....... 24-17 L .... at Tennessee .... 23-20 W ...... at Chicago ...... 17-16 W ...... Green Bay ...... 26-11 L ....... at Oakland ....... 26-24 L Kansas City (Mex.) 24-17
BYE
L ........ at Denver ........ 23-20 W .. at Jacksonville .. 45-10 Dec.15 ..Minnesota ..4:05 Dec. 22 ..... Oakland ..... 4:05 Dec. 29 . at Kansas City .. 1