Thursday Night Football in Week 8 features the Minnesota Vikings (3-3) and the Los Angeles Chargers (4-3). Here are the predictions, odds, and free expert picks for Vikings vs. Chargers.
Vikings vs. Chargers: Game Information
The #Vikings have activated @Showtyme_33 from IR and waived LB Kobe King.
G Henry Byrd has been elevated to the active roster for tonight's game. pic.twitter.com/lRRfhEvr1r
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 23, 2025
- 🏈 Game: Vikings vs. Chargers
- 🗓️ Date: Oct. 23
- 🕗 Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- 🏟 Location: SoFi Stadium — Inglewood, California
- 💻 Live Stream: Prime Video, NFL+
Vikings vs. Chargers Predictions and Odds
From @GMFB: Key injury updates for the #Vikings–#Chargers TNF game, with an emphasis on big-time offensive linemen. pic.twitter.com/RSAgqbkr1Z
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2025
Is J.J. McCarthy injured, or is this another example of a “soft benching”?
Whatever your beliefs might be, McCarthy will serve as the third-string emergency quarterback for the second consecutive week.
Carson Wentz makes his fifth start (2-2) of the season for Minnesota, which might not be a bad thing. Wentz is 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS on Thursday Night Football. In two of those Thursday night games where Wentz was listed as an underdog, he won outright each time.
Say what you want about Wentz. The former No. 2 pick has two games this season in which he passed for more than 310 yards.
The Vikings will get reinforcements in the backfield, as Aaron Jones returns from injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 2.
After a 3-0 start, the Chargers have lost three of their last four games, including Week 7’s 38-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
The Chargers’ defense has struggled of late. After failing to allow more than 21 points in each of the first four games, Los Angeles has surrendered at least 27 points in Weeks 5-7.
Injuries on both sides of the ball have decimated the Chargers, especially on the offensive line. However, left tackle Joe Alt will likely start for the first time in over a month. Against a Vikings’ defense with a 38% blitz rate (second highest in the league), the Chargers need all the help they can get to protect Herbert.
This game comes down to a choice. Either you trust the Chargers’ line to protect Herbert, or you don’t believe in Wentz, aka Mr. Thursday Night.
With Alt returning to the lineup, I’ll side with the home team on short rest.
Pick: Chargers -3 (-120)
Vikings vs. Chargers Prop
Even with Jones back in the lineup, Jordan Mason remains the top running back in Minnesota.
Mason has scored a touchdown in two consecutive games and in three of the last four.
Mason now faces a Chargers’ defense that has allowed opposing running backs to score at least two touchdowns in each of the last three games.
Pick: Jordan Mason Anytime Touchdown (+129)
*Odds as of Oct. 23. Lines are subject to change. Confirm with your sportsbook before placing bets.
