Vikings @ Chargers

[MaroonBells]

Chargers -3

This isn’t the same Charger team we expected when the schedule came out. But neither are the Vikings. Chargers have the 3rd ranked passing offense and a mid-tier running game, further weakened by the loss of Harris and Hampton. Defensively, they’re remarkably similar to the Vikings. Vikings rank 7th in pass defense, Chargers 8th. Vikings rank 18th in run defense, Chargers 19th.

I see a bit of a comeback game for Wentz in this one mostly because he should get a little better protection. Tart and Caldwell have been good in the middle for them, but Caldwell’s questionable with an illness and Tart is no Jalen Carter. After trading Bosa, the Chargers are left with a rotation of 36-year-old Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree. The Vikings have seen better edge rushers. Darrisaw and O’Neill win this one.

What concerns me is Justin Herbert. This is the best QB the Vikings have faced this year. With all the inuries to the OL, the Chargers have struggled to protect him but he’s still moving the ball well, on pace for 4,500 yards and 32 TDs. If the Vikings aren’t able to get pressure on Herbert (and he may get Joe Alt back for this one), this could be a loooong Thursday night. Bet the over.

[purplefaithful]

I think Wentz will play better in this one too...Hopefully O'Neil will play, I believe he was held out of practice?

[MaroonBells]

I think Wentz will play better in this one too...Hopefully O'Neil will play, I believe he was held out of practice?

I think that's just maintenance for his previous injury. Or at least I hope it is.

[JustInTime]

I think that's just maintenance for his previous injury. Or at least I hope it is.

It’s all walkthroughs this week. Almost positive it’s maintenance.

[Knucklehead]

Chargers -3

This isn’t the same Charger team we expected when the schedule came out. But neither are the Vikings. Chargers have the 3rd ranked passing offense and a mid-tier running game, further weakened by the loss of Harris and Hampton. Defensively, they’re remarkably similar to the Vikings. Vikings rank 7th in pass defense, Chargers 8th. Vikings rank 18th in run defense, Chargers 19th.

I see a bit of a comeback game for Wentz in this one mostly because he should get a little better protection. Tart and Caldwell have been good in the middle for them, but Caldwell’s questionable with an illness and Tart is no Jalen Carter. After trading Bosa, the Chargers are left with a rotation of 36-year-old Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree. The Vikings have seen better edge rushers. Darrisaw and O’Neill win this one.

What concerns me is Justin Herbert. This is the best QB the Vikings have faced this year. With all the inuries to the OL, the Chargers have struggled to protect him but he’s still moving the ball well, on pace for 4,500 yards and 32 TDs. If the Vikings aren’t able to get pressure on Herbert (and he may get Joe Alt back for this one), this could be a loooong Thursday night. Bet the over.

Given the state of their OL, I expect that LAC will use a short passing attack just as we saw in the Pittsburgh game.

[JustInTime]

Looks like Alt will be back.

[Kentis]

No worries, Wince is 7-0 on Thursday night games & 6-0 against the spread! 

[JimmyinSD]

It’s all walkthroughs this week. Almost positive it’s maintenance.

whats the logic on holding out a guy from walk throughs if he isnt at much of a risk of contact/injury?  if he is good enough to play,  I would think he could participate in walk through.

[JustInTime]

whats the logic on holding out a guy from walk throughs if he isnt at much of a risk of contact/injury?  if he is good enough to play,  I would think he could participate in walk through.

So he can sit in the training room and get treatment and further recovery time.

[JimmyinSD]

So he can sit in the training room and get treatment and further recovery time.

I wouldnt go that way, but im not the coach so....