Are the Chargers a Threat to the Vikings?
The Los Angeles Chargers are up next for the Minnesota Vikings, and they currently carry a 4-3 record. They are coming off a 38-24 loss against the Indianapolis Colts, and they have lost three of their past four games. Despite this being the gauntlet portion of the schedule for Minnesota, it’s worth wondering if the Chargers should be considered among that group.
The Minnesota Vikings have the Los Angeles Chargers next, but it’s worth wondering if they should be considered a significant threat.
Jim Harbaugh is a skilled coach who has achieved success at multiple levels. He came back to the NFL after winning a National Championship with Michigan (and J.J. McCarthy). Now he’s trying to get the best out of Justin Herbert and put the Chargers back on the map.
The Vikings Should Be Able to Beat LAC
Facing the Colts last weekend, the Chargers got largely blown out by former Minnesota Vikings backup Daniel Jones. Herbert was forced to throw the ball a whopping 55 times, and he threw a pair of picks. It’s a one-dimensional approach that the offense has essentially been forced into.
While Herbert has looked the part of a very good quarterback, he has also gotten lost at times. Their success will rely on his arm, though, as both Najee Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton are on injured reserve. Kimani Vidal has taken over running back duties, but he was recently elevated from the practice squad.
There’s also the possibility that Los Angeles could be without star tackle Joe Alt again. The Minnesota native and Totino-Grace High School product is an integral part of the offensive line, and his absence would be beneficial to the Vikings’ pass rush.
Minnesota has performed strongly in the secondary this season. Despite allowing Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts a game of perfection, the combination of Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers has done their job with wide receivers. Josh Mettelus and Theo Jackson have held serve alongside Harrison Smith on the back end as well.
Although the Vikings have to head out west to face the Chargers, it’s not as though SoFi Stadium creates a significant homefield advantage either. Many times, opposing fans are equally as loud, and Minnesota plays in one of the most home-tilting venues across the entire league.
It’s not as if the Vikings are going to sleepwalk to a win, but it’s hard to think that the Chargers are a key cog in the gauntlet portion of their schedule. With a 3-3 record, Minnesota needs to take this one and get back on track.
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