The Minnesota Vikings are set to take on the Los Angeles Chargers at noon on Sunday afternoon in a battle of 0-2 teams.
The matchup opened with the Chargers as 1.5-point favorites per Bet MGM but that has dropped to Chargers -1.
Buy Vikings TicketsThe game also shows the dichotomy of two higher-powered offenses that are different, as the Chargers have not turned it over at all while the Vikings have turned it over seven times.
Going into the game, we have previewed the game from multiple angles, including looking at different players to watch. Our staff got together and identified four storylines to watch on Sunday.
Manging Editor Tyler Forness: Can the Vikings develop a running game?
The running game has been paltry and that’s being nice about it. The Vikings have rushed the ball 25 times for a putrid 69 yards over their first two games. It’s been so bad that the Vikings signed offensive lineman Dalton Risner and traded for running back Cam Akers. It’s not just on the players, but the scheme and commitment to making it work need improvement as well. Can the Vikings figure it out against a Chargers team that allowed the Dolphins to run at will on them in week one?
Columnist Judd Zulgad: Will Dalton Risner play?
The Vikings made a necessary but desperate investment in the offensive line this week, signing veteran free agent guard Dalton Risner to a one-year contract. Risner wasn’t brought here to serve as a backup, but we don’t know if he will start on Sunday, or if he will be playing left or right guard when he does. It won’t be surprising if he gets into the game.
Risner’s strength is in pass protection more than run blocking, but the Vikings definitely need to see improvement on a run game that is at the bottom of the league and has generated only 69 yards in two games.
Columnist Kevin Fielder: Can the defense stop the run?
It’s no secret that Minnesota’s run defense was non-existent against Philadelphia, as D’Andre Swift finished the game with 175 yards, and the entire team was gashed to the tune of 259 yards. While the Eagles might be the best rushing team they face all season, there are real concerns about the Vikings’ ability to hold up in the run game.
Some of those questions can be answered against the Chargers. With Austin Ekeler out, the Chargers run game struggled against the Titans, rushing for just 61 yards. Josh Kelley drew the start and, despite high expectations, was rather pedestrian, averaging just 3 yards per carry. While Ekeler could return this week, it doesn’t appear to be a likely scenario. If that’s the case, the Vikings will need to be better at neutralizing the run game.
Columnist Saivion Mixson: Chargers defensive struggles
This Chargers defense ranks dead last in Defensive DVOA through the first two weeks. The percentage difference between Los Angeles and the next worst team is the same as the difference between the 31st and 22nd spots. Needless to say, the Los Angeles defense is vulnerable right now. There is blood in the water and a need for a bounce-back. Minnesota may not have a better opportunity as October starts with the Carolina and Kansas City defenses back-to-back.
