NFL WEEK 3 MATCHUPS
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Chargers by 1
Chargers’ keys to victory: Can Los Angeles take advantage of the Vikings in the running game? If it can, it’s a likely win. Minnesota allowed an astounding 259 yards rushing to the Eagles in Week 2, with 175 of them to Detroit Lions castoff D’Andre Swift. Austin Ekeler missed the game last week against the Titans with an ankle injury, and his presence could lead the Chargers to another top-10 success rate in the running game.
Vikings’ keys to victory: If Minnesota can just hold onto the football. The Vikings have seven turnovers in their first two games, and eliminating just one per game could easily have them at 2-0. Some football people point to a regression in one-score games after the Vikings went 11-0 in 2022. The Vikings’ troubles are not that simple, but that statement is true. QB Kirk Cousins and WR Justin Jefferson have already combined for 309 yards receiving on 20 receptions and Kevin O’Connell’s passing concepts are taking advantage of defenses. If they can eliminate the mistakes, the Vikings can turn this around.
Matchup to watch: Vikings WR Justin Jefferson vs. Chargers CB J.C. Jackson. Jefferson is the best receiver in the NFL and has started the season with backto-back games of 150 or more receiving yards. If the Vikings want to win the game, they will need another great performance from Jefferson.
Who wins? This is a battle of teams that desperately need a win to prevent a 0-3 start. The Vikings get the edge because they are playing at home.
Vikings 27-21