Los Angeles Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Justin Jefferson Find the End Zone?
We have two 0-2 teams facing off against each other when the Minnesota Vikings host the Los Angeles Chargers this week. Will Justin Jefferson find the end zone in Week 3? Matthew MacKay answers.
Matt MacKay - September 22, 2023, 10:56 AM EDT
5 minLos Angeles Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Justin Jefferson Find the End Zone?
Two 0-2 teams that few expected to start out slow will face off in a game with the highest point total line in Week 3, as the Minnesota Vikings host the Los Angeles Chargers.
Kirk Cousins is not the problem for the Vikings, as he shredded the Eagles' defense on the road in primetime during Week 2. However, four fumbles, including one from Cousins, derailed any momentum for Minnesota's offense, leaving the defense stretched thin, falling to a 27-7 deficit before mounting a late comeback attempt.
The Chargers, even with a healthy Justin Herbert, have failed to close out both of their first two games this season, losing a shootout to Miami at home while letting the Tennessee Titans score a late touchdown, leading to an overtime loss on the road. This stems back to last year's historic postseason meltdown against the Jaguars, which has head coach Brandon Staley on the hot seat yet again.
Neither defense has looked great so far, giving up massive passing production, so with two offenses capable of scoring in bunches behind quality quarterback play, there are a lot of potential wagers to place in this Week 3 matchup. NFL handicapper Matt MacKay is here to give us his latest prediction and pick for the Chargers vs. Vikings.
Chargers vs. Vikings Start Time, Where To Watch, And Odds
- Date: Sunday, September 24, 2023
- Game Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: FOX
Chargers vs. Vikings Odds
- Spread: Chargers +1.5 (-115), Vikings -1.5 (-105)
- Total Odds: Under 53.5 (-104), Over 53.5 (-118)
- Moneyline Odds: Chargers (-106), Vikings (-110)
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings Injury Report
Chargers
Probable: WR Mike Williams (Ankle)
Questionable: DE Joey Bosa (Hamstring), LB Eric Kendricks (Personal)
Out: RB Austin Ekeler (Ankle)
Vikings
Questionable: OT Christian Darrisaw (Ankle), C Garrett Bradbury (Back), S Josh Metellus (Shoulder), LB Marcus Davenport (Ankle), LB Jordan Hicks (Shin)
Out: N/A
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings Prediction
Oddsmakers at FanDuel Sportsbook have set the moneyline odds as close to a pick'em as possible, giving the Vikings the slightest of edges at -110. They are -1.5 at -105 odds ATS; however, Minnesota has covered the spread in each of their last five games played against the Chargers.
Minnesota has won eight consecutive games SU as home favorites against AFC opponents, but the Chargers have covered the spread as road underdogs against NFC opponents in six consecutive matchups. The Chargers and Vikings have each surrendered at least three receiving touchdowns through two games, while Los Angeles has given up close to 700 passing yards. The Vikings' defense, in comparison, under new DC Brian Flores, have only allowed 344 total passing yards. Neither defense is much better against the run either, allowing three rushing touchdowns a piece, while the Vikings have been gashed for 332 rushing yards.
The absence of Austin Ekeler is the difference-maker in betting on this matchup. The over is set to 53.5, with juice on the over, which fits the over trend, as the Vikings have gone over the point total line in five of their last six home games, while the Chargers have gone over in four of their last five games played, including four of six on the road against the Vikings.
Plenty of prop bets exist in this high-octane game, but none is more obvious than a Justin Jefferson anytime touchdown scorer. The Vikings' star wideout has yet to score this season despite being blanketed with targets, so against a Chargers defense that has given up four touchdowns to wide receivers, Jefferson is due to smash this prop at -105 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. Don't be afraid to sprinkle on his 2+ touchdown scorer prop, either, which is a lucrative +650 odds.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings Pick
- Pick: Justin Jefferson Anytime Touchdown Scorer -105 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
NFL Odds
