Recap & Form
The Minnesota Vikings will host the Chargers after both teams lost at home to the Eagles and Colts respectively. Both defenses have been conceding points lately even with the expectation they would be stronger. The Vikings have given up an average of 23 points per game over their last 3 weeks and the Chargers have given up at least 20 points in 5 straight games. In fact, the point total has gone over in each of the Vikings last 4 games and 2 straight games for the Chargers.
Injuries
With a quick turn around for both teams Thursday Night Football always has significant injury news and this week’s matchup is no different. The Chargers O-line has been decimated by injuries with 4 of their starters less than 100% due to various injuries. Their RB room has also been hurt with rookie Omarion Hampton still on IR and backup Hassan Haskins suffering a hamstring injury in their last game. The Vikings have injuries to major contributors as well with RB Aaron Jones still a limited participant in practice as well as LB Andrew Van Ginkel and 2nd year QB JJ McCarthy.
Analysis & Reasoning
Despite being hit on an NFL-leading 62 dropbacks, Chargers QB Justin Herbert is the league leader in passing yards with 1,913 yards. He will face a Vikings defense that was just roasted by the Eagles last week allowing 326 pass yards and 304 receiving yards to Devonta Smith and AJ Brown combined. The Vikings have actually been improved on offense since Carson Wentz took over and seems to be the starter for now over JJ McCarthy although he is still “injured”. Wentz will face a Chargers defense that gave up a mind numbing 38 points to Daniel Jones and the Colts in a game that was 23-3 at halftime. The point total is set at 45 and I think there is a good chance this game is high scoring with a quick turn around for 2 defenses that just gave up a combined 66 points to their opponents last week. If the Chargers O-lineman Joe Alt is able to suit up then I like their chances at home in this one even with a beatup backfield. So I’ll be taking the over at 45 points and the Chargers to cover as 3 point home favorites. A player props I’ll be targeting is Kimanin Vidal to score a TD as he is the Charger’s RB1 without Hampton and Haskins. I also like Carson Wentz to get more than 223.5 passing yards as he has racked up a staggering 36.9 attempts per game this year.
The Bookie of Eli 
Leave a comment