Vikings (3-5) at Chargers (5-3)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Chargers by 2 ⁄2
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Vikings’ keys to victory: They must put the ball in RB Dalvin Cook’s hands to expose a defense that has been susceptible against the run. Doing so will control the time of possession and shorten the field for QB Kirk Cousins. Defensively, Minnesota must do what it does best by generating pressure on QB Justin Herbert to limit the time he has to throw. In particular, it needs to attack the right side of the Los Angeles offensive line.
Chargers’ keys to victory: They need to continue to let Herbert cook. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi must draw up a game plan to put the signal-caller in manageable situations early and often. Defensively, LA has to be stout along the interior to limit Cook from running wild. In addition, the second level of the defense can’t let the back out of its grasp. When Cousins is throwing, the front must get pressure, and CBs Michael Davis and Asante Samuel Jr. must be on their Agames to neutralize WRs Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.
Matchup to watch: Vikings’ Cook vs. Chargers run defense. Cook is one of the most efficient backs in the league, while the Bolts are arguably the worst at stopping the run. If Cook has a field day, it will not only control the time of possession but will wear down the defense enough to let Cousins have his way at distributing the wealth to Jefferson and Thielen.
Who wins? Sitting atop the AFC West, the Chargers return home and win this game after Herbert throws for three touchdowns and the defense does enough to put the Vikings to bed.
Chargers 28, Vikings 21