Thursday Night Football Picks: Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers

by Mike Allen - 10/21/2025

The NFL regular season rolls with another Thursday Night Football matchup this time to kick off Week 8. Yes, it’s been nearly two months of competitive football already. Maybe somebody out there is having a slow September and October 2025, but for me, it’s flying.

It feels like just yesterday when the Minnesota Vikings had J.J. McCarthy out there slingin' the rock from under center. Now, instead of time flying by, we find ourselves in some alternate reality where quarterbacks once thought to be gone forever, like Joe Flacco and now Carson Wentz, are starting for their teams again.

The latter, surprisingly only 32 years old, took over for McCarthy as the Vikings’ starting QB in a triumphant 42-10 return opposite the Cincinnati Bengals. Wentz is 2-2 with tough losses to the Steelers and last week to the Eagles.

It'll be interesting to see how they travel to the West Coast on a short week after playing one of the more physical teams in the NFL just across the pond on Sunday. While the travel may be rough, at least Minnesota won't have to deal with a strong home-field advantage in LA.

This game is crucial, however, for the Vikings, as they currently sit solely in the cellar of the NFC North Division at 3-3. Their schedule for the second half of the regular season is demanding.

As for the Chargers, they live and die with the presence of their phenom of a left tackle, Joe Alt. Don't let the babyface or his 22 years of age fool you. This 6'9" savage is already one of the best at his position in the league.

He's actually from Minnesota. The Chargers are 3-0 with him and 1-3 without the monster. The only team they've been able to beat without him is the Miami Dolphins. I wanted to get some word on his return, but lips are sealed in Los Angeles. He has returned to practice, though, albeit in a limited capacity.

Doc’s Sports offers NFL expert picks for every game on our NFL predictions page.

Minnesota Vikings (+3) at Los Angeles Chargers (-3)

Before the Monday Night Football games, this line was sitting at (-2.5) for LA. I wanted to get that bet out to you guys, but I knew it wouldn’t last. When they re-released the line the week of the game, it was (-3), and I’m even seeing (-3.5) in several books.

If you like the (-3) for LA, take it now because it doesn’t appear the public or the smart money has any faith in the Vikings traveling well from London to Minnesota to LA on a short week.

Point Total: 45

We opened up at 42.5, and money has poured in on the over, pushing us up to 45. There are some 44.5’s out there, so shop around to get the best price.

I’m staying away from the point total here. The return of Alt weighs heavily on my decision to go over or under the point total here. If Alt plays, I think LA controls the clock and the score. This could lead us toward the under cashing. Without him, this game could turn into a back-and-forth SoCal shootout with potential strip sacks and tip-drill interceptions shortening the field for offenses.

Moneyline Odds

Vikings: +152

Chargers: -186

Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Chargers Betting Analysis

We mentioned this Thursday night being a must-win for Minnesota. The same argument can be made for the Los Angeles Chargers, though. They’re just 4-3, dealing with the return of the Kansas City Chiefs as well as battling the Buffalo Bills for a wild card spot in the playoffs.

Thursday Night Football is almost always a tough bet with all the variables involved. There are a couple of measures I like, though.

I try to bet on the better team on the short week. Perhaps more importantly, a bet on the better team is the play to make.

Are the Chargers really better, though? I would argue yes. I’m telling you guys. If the Chargers are remotely as healthy in January as they were in September, watch out. This team beat the Chiefs and Broncos in the first 3 weeks of the season, while the Vikings have yet ot beat anyone.

Minnesota took out the Bears in Week 1, but I rate the Week 8 Bears a much better team than they were in the first game of the season.

I do fear the coaching staff of Minnesota on the short week, but take the (-3) while it's still available, and let's hope we get Alt back at left tackle. Even without him, we have a better team, a better quarterback, and zero travel compared to Europe to the West Coast of America.

Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Chargers Betting Pick

Pick: Los Angeles Chargers (-3)

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Thursday Night Football Picks: Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Chargers

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