Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Chargers Predictions, Odds, Picks

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

7 minute read

Nov. 14, 2021

Dan Dobish
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

The Minnesota Vikings (3-5) hit to road to meet the Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California for a Week 10 AFC-NFC battle. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET, and the game can be viewed on FOX.

Score Prediction

Chargers 34, Vikings 30

Best Bets

Chargers -2.5

Over

Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Chargers Predictions

The Vikings are coming off a disappointing 34-31 overtime loss on the road against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9. While Minnesota grabbed the cover as 7.5-point underdogs, it was another disappointing, close game loss. Yes, the Vikings have five losses in eight games overall, but each of the losses are by one score, including two in overtime.

That’s the way the Chargers used to lose games, as recently as last season under Anthony Lynn. He is gone, and so are the near-misses. Well, the Chargers did lose 27-24 at home to the New England Patriots in their last appearance at SoFi in Week 8, reminding some of years past. But they rebounded with a 27- 24 win in Philadelphia last week, a bounce-back we haven’t seen from this team in recent campaigns. The good news for the Vikings is that they are relatively healthy, outside of LB Anthony Barr being out for Week 10, and CB Bashaud Breeland listed as questionable.

The Chargers aren’t as fortunate in the health department, as stud LB Joey Bosa is questionable with an ankle, while WR Keenan Allen is questionable with a knee, and RB Justin Jackson is doubtful with a quad ailment. On the defensive side of the ball, the good news is CB Asante Samuel Jr. cleared the protocol and is off the injury report, but fellow secondary mate S Nasir Adderley is questionable with an ankle.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Chargers Betting Odds

More Odds | Futures Odds

Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Chargers Betting Resources

• Matchup: NFC North vs. AFC West
• Date: Sunday, November 14, 2021
• Venue: SoFi Stadium
• Location: Inglewood, California
• TV-Time: FOX - 4:05 p.m. ET

• Weather Report
• Injury Report
• Super Bowl 56 Betting

Minnesota Vikings Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 3-5
• ATS: 4-4
• O/U: 4-4
• ATS - Home: 1-3
• ATS - Away: 3-1

As mentioned, Minnesota covered last time out, but it hasn’t covered in consecutive games since Sept. 19-26, Weeks 2 and 3. Win or lose, you’re going to get a close game. Not only are their five losses by one score, but two of the three wins by the Vikings are by one score, too. Minnesota’s average margin of victory is 7.0 PPG, while its average margin in a loss is 3.6 PPG.

The Vikings offense has been fairly prolific, going for 385.1 total yards and 124.9 rushing yards per game, ranking ninth in the NFL in both categories. Minnesota is also 10th in passing yards per game, ranking 10th in the league. However, they have managed just 24.3 PPG, checking in 17th. The Vikings have managed just 3.5 yards per play on 74 offensive snaps inside the red zone, and they rank in the bottom third in the NFL in red-zone efficiency at No. 23.

Minnesota is 4-11 ATS in the past 15 games overall dating back to last season, although it is 7-3 ATS in the past 10 as an underdog, and 5-2 ATS in the past seven as a road ‘dog. It’s all about the OVER lately, going 6-0 in the past six on the road.

Los Angeles Chargers Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 5-3
• ATS: 5-3
• O/U: 3-5
• ATS - Home: 2-2
• ATS - Away: 3-1

Los Angeles has managed 282.4 passing yards per game, ranking fifth in the NFL, as QB Justin Herbertlooks like a star in the making. And LAC has managed 384.9 total yards per game to rank 10th. But the run game has been mediocre, posting just 102.5 yards per game to rank 22nd and the offense has 24.9 PPG to rank 14th. Like Minnesota, red-zone efficiency has been an issue for the Bolts, ranking 25th in the NFL.

On defense, the Chargers have been gouged for 161.6 yards per game, which is dead-last in the NFL. As such, the prop for Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (OVER 91.5 rushing yards) is worth a small-unit play. The Chargers allow 25.1 PPG, ranking 23 rd in the NFL, so this one could be a high-scoring affair.

The Chargers have cashed in nine of the past 12 games overall, while going 6-2 ATS in the previous eight as a favorite. The UNDER has hit in five of the past seven at home for the Bolts, while going 15-6 in the past 21 as a home favorite.

The Chargers have covered the spread in five of their last six games when facing the NFC. (AP)

Inside the Stats - Minnesota Vikings

• Record: 3-5
• Division Standing: 2nd - NFC North
• Points Scored: 194
• Points Allowed: 191
• PS/G: 24.3 (17th)
• PA/G: 23.9 (17th)

Inside the Stats - Los Angeles Chargers

• Record: 5-3
• Division Standing: 1st - AFC West
• Points Scored: 199
• Points Allowed: 201
• PS/G: 24.9 (14th)
• PA/G: 25.1 (23rd)

Key Players to Watch

• MIN: Kirk Cousins - QB (206/302, 2,140 yards, 16 TD, 2 INT)
• MIN: Adam Thielen - WR (45 catches, 477 yards, 7 TD)
• LAC: Justin Herbert - QB (211/319, 2,350 yards, 18 TD, 6 INT)
• LAC: Mike Williams - WR (37 catches, 575 yards, 6 TD)

Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Chargers Betting Conclusion

I think both of these teams have done some nice things, but they also had some glaring weaknesses, particularly in red-zone offense and in certain defensive categories. That makes it difficult to project a score, but I tend to lean to the OVER. Both teams have explosive offenses, and they’re more than capable of reaching the end zone from outside of the red zone with big-time downfield threats, particularly at wideout.

And I like RB Austin Ekeler, as he isn’t just a good runner, but he also has great hands out of the backfield, too. Ekeler could see an uptick in touches with Jackson sidelined, too. This is going to be another close game, and I think the Vikings suffered another excruciating, close loss, as the Chargers snag their sixth win of the season to keep pace in the AFC West.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Chargers Betting Trends

• Minnesota has lost six straight games after going into overtime the game prior.
• Los Angeles has covered the spread in five of its last six games when facing the NFC.
• Minnesota has gone OVER the point total in six straight road games.
• Minnesota has covered the spread in three straight games when facing Los Angeles.

Where to place a bet this NFL Season?

• Use our exclusive BetMGM Bonus Code VIBONUS1500 to unlock BetMGM’s welcome offer for new sportsbook users!
• Compare the latest NFL Odds from the best sportsbooks before placing a bet on this week's games.
• Check out the North Carolina Sportsbooks just before they launch legal online sports betting.

VegasInsider Staff

More from VegasInsider Staff