Published Oct 20, 10:58pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Oct 20, 10:58pm ET
Grok AI
Updated Oct 20, 11:47pm ET
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| Los Angeles Chargers | -3 (-110) |
| Minnesota Vikings | +3 (-110) |
A quarterback controversy was brewing in Minnesota when veteran backup Carson Wentz was playing reasonably well and, most importantly, winning.
In Week 7 against the Eagles, however, Wentz struggled against his former team. He did throw for 313 yards, but was intercepted twice. In brief, if he wanted to leave head coach Kevin O'Connell with little choice but to ride the hot, winning hand, he didn't do it.
The Eagles intercept Carson Wentz AGAIN 👀🍿
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 19, 2025
pic.twitter.com/xcdXUUWZsU
McCarthy was active on Sunday, but he was the emergency third QB. The likelihood is that Wentz will start against the Chargers and McCarthy will be given the 10-day break to be ready for Week 9 against NFC North rival Detroit.
Wentz is dealing with a shoulder issue.
The loss to the Eagles is a microcosm of Minnesota's 2025 season. They came close, but faltered at the end. If they are going to go anywhere this season, it will need to be with McCarthy under center, sink or swim. They have a solid rushing attack with Jordan Mason, a legitimate superstar wide receiver in Justin Jefferson, and a top-tier tight end in T.J. Hockenson. The QB needs to get the ball downfield for them to win.
Their defense did a good job containing Saquon Barkley, holding him to 44 yards on 18 carries. Jalen Hurts threw for 326 yards and 3 TDs.
The Vikings are in the lower half of the league against the run, allowing 117 yards per game. Despite Hurts' success, they are 7th against the pass. They're 26th in takeaway differential at -4. They've struggled on offense because of shaky QB play, an issue that is unlikely to change anytime soon.
After a 3-0 start including impressive wins over the Chiefs and Broncos, the Chargers have lost 3 of their last 4 with the sole victory coming against the plummeting Dolphins. And they nearly lost that one too, with only a late drive engineered by Justin Herbert saving them.
In Week 7, they became the latest victim of the surging Colts, losing 38-24. The score is misleading. Indianapolis led 31-10 early in the 3rd quarter. LA scored two TDs in the last 21 minutes to make it appear closer than it really was.
They picked off Justin Herbert twice, including one in the end zone.
Justin Herbert picked off in the red zone! 😳
— Aggregate Sports (@AggregateSports) October 19, 2025
Colts defense stands tall, momentum staying all Indy’s way 💪💙#Colts #NFL #ForTheShoe #Football pic.twitter.com/qVmZAhK8HQ
In addition to losing to the Colts, they lost to the Giants and Commanders -- games in which they were favored. They are not playing like a Jim Harbaugh team. Their rushing attack has been spotty and they're turning the ball over, ranked 23rd in the NFL with a -3 takeaway differential.
Herbert is leading the league in passing yards, but he's also leading the league in attempts. He seems to have regressed and has twice the number of inteceptions he had for all of 2024.
LA has significant injuries. They are without All-Pro pass rusher Khalil Mack. Offensive lineman Joe Alt has an ankle injury.
They have not been able to stop the rush, ranked 19th in rushing yards allowed per game. While they are having trouble scoring and Herbert is throwing so many picks, they're going to have a hard time winning.
And to make matters worse for them, the Broncos pulled off a miraculous win over the Giants, and the Chiefs look like they're back to being Super Bowl contenders. They have dropped to 3rd place in the tough AFC West.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| J.J. McCarthy, MIN | INJURED |
| Carson Wentz, MIN | INJURED |
| Zavier Scott, MIN | INJURED |
| Andrew Van Ginkel, MIN | INJURED |
| Brian O'Neill, MIN | INJURED |
| C.J. Ham, MIN | INJURED |
| Elijah Modlen, LAC | INJURED |
| Troy Dye, LAC | INJURED |
| Otto Ogbonnia, LAC | INJURED |
| Hassan Haskins, LAC | INJURED |
| Joe Alt, LAC | INJURED |
For the Vikings-Chargers NFL Week 8 meeting, both teams desperately need a victory. Minnesota's QB situation is a mess with Wentz failing to exploit the opening to take over as the starter potentially and McCarthy still hurt. The Chargers have lost 3 of 4.
Both teams are beaten up and desperate, but this will come down to which team needs it more and the QB play. With the questions and injuries the Vikings have to both QBs, the Chargers should win the game and cover the 3-point spread at home.
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Pick
Los Angeles Chargers -3
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