The Los Angeles Chargers kick off Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 10:00 a.m. PT.
Who is going to come out victorious?
Buy Chargers TicketsHere is a look at the predictions from each of our writers at Chargers Wire:
Gavino:
I expect this to be a high-scoring affair, as both offenses have shown to light up the scoreboard while their defenses have been suspect. This will likely come down to the last drive and I can see it now. It’ll be 27-27 with less than two minutes to play. The Vikings have the ball and easily scamper up the field to set up Greg Joseph for a 41-yard game-winning field goal. The ball splits the uprights and “Chargering” remains alive and well.
Vikings 30, Chargers 27
Alex K:
It seems fitting that a game between two deeply chaotic franchises would end with a scorigami – a final score never seen before in NFL history. Between LA’s inability to stop the pass and Minnesota’s inability to stop the run, both offenses should have free reign on Sunday. Unforced errors will be the deciding factor in the game – whether that be turnovers, missed kicks, or inopportune penalties. Ultimately, the evidence through two games says to trust the Chargers to make less of those, albeit barely.
Chargers 32, Vikings 26
Alex I:
In theory, this should be a winnable game for the Chargers. Minnesota’s defensive line doesn’t seem like it has the ability to win in the trenches against the Chargers. Justin Herbert and the receivers should be capable of taking successful, interspersed deep shots with a successful ground game.
But while LA will put up points, there is real, tangible fear about the state of their secondary. That’s ultimately what is preventing me from picking the Chargers. Brandon Staley’s unit leads the league in explosive plays allowed and has given up the most yards in the NFL through two games.
It would be awesome for this to be the game where the defense puts it together. But in earnestly projecting this game, I’m struggling to see a world where Michael Davis, Asante Samuel Jr., and J.C. Jackson figure out the Justin Jefferson conundrum. They also have to worry about Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson.
It’ll be a shootout in Minnesota, but it’s difficult to see the Chargers coming up with critical third-down stops in this one.
Vikings 30, Chargers 27
Juliette:
I’m predicting an exciting game with an overall disappointing ending. The Chargers have struggled consistently with their passing defense, and the Vikings wide receiver corps is not to be trifled with. Vikings WRs Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison should have a reasonably easy day finding separation from the Chargers cornerback room, who can’t seem to lock anyone up. The Vikings have also started their season 0-2 thanks to their poor defensive performances, so the Chargers should be able to carve their way through the Vikings’ defensive ranks and keep up for the first half of the game. With the current state of the 4th quarter Chargers, I don’t have much hope in them being able to close out the game against an opponent with such a problematic offense to contain. The only way that the Chargers can hold them back is if the defensive line and edge rushers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa can pressure Kirk Cousin, forcing some mistakes and turnovers. I’m predicting a 34-24 loss to the Vikings, which will land the Chargers at the bottom of their division with a 0-3 record.
