3 Keys to Vikings Victory Over Chargers

The Minnesota Vikings enter Thursday night’s primetime matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers with a chance to bounce back after a rough loss to the Eagles last Sunday.

This is a pivotal game for Minnesota as they currently sit right at 3-3. The task at hand is not easy as the Chargers (4-3), led by quarterback Justin Herbert are a dangerous football team.

With Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy expected to return soon, Carson Wentz is running out of opportunities to prove he can lead the offense. This could be his last chance to keep his starting role. That motivation could pay off for the Vikings.

Here are three keys to victory that can help the Vikings leave SoFi Stadium with a win.

1. MN Vikings, Carson Wentz Must Protect the Football

Turnovers have been an issue for the Vikings at times this season. They were a major factor in the loss to Philadelphia. Wentz has thrown 4 interceptions this season, which isn’t terrible but he simply cant turn the ball over if the Vikings are to win games.

He definitely can’t throw 2 in a game like he did against the Eagles. Carson Wentz is actually completing 66.9% percent of his passes but his 42.6 QBR is among the lowest in the league.

Carson Wentz throws his second interception of the day

📺FOX pic.twitter.com/DGc7f4S0qM

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 19, 2025

Wentz can focus on ball security by doing the following three things:

• Make quick, decisive throws to avoid expected pressure.
• Limit wild deep shots that could lead to turnovers.
• Utilize short passes to get in a rhythm and keep the offense moving.

The Chargers’ defense will look to put Wentz in the same situations the Eagles did. Protecting the football will be essential for sustaining drives and keeping Herbert off the field.

2. Minnesota Vikings Defense Must Contain Justin Herbert

Justin Herbert is having an impressive 2025 season so far. He is leading the NFL with 1,913 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. His 94.5 passer rating ranks 10th in the league.

After allowing Jalen Hurts to throw for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns last week, the Vikings’ defense must find ways to sack Justin Herbert. They need to make him uncomfortable early and control the tempo.

Herbert is too good of a player if he gets in a rhythm. To be clear I said they must sack Herbert as opposed to just pressures and QB hits. The reasoning is important. This season Herbert has been hit more than any other QB, but still leads the NFL in passing yards. He needs to be sacked in order to be stopped.

No QB in football has taken more punishment than Justin Herbert this season.

🥇 62 QB Hits — Most in the NFL
How much longer can the Chargers let this go on? 👀 pic.twitter.com/SMWYmpEPqa

— LAFB Network (@LAFBNetwork) October 22, 2025

A lot of what needs to happen falls on the shoulders of defensive coordinator Brian Flores. He must dial up creative blitzes and coverage schemes that create sack opportunities and also limit big plays.

3. Vikings Must Establish the Run and Control the Clock

This goes hand in hand with containing Justin Herbert. If the defense does their job, the offense needs to control the pace of the game by running the ball and keeping The Chargers offense off the field. Minnesota must focus on winning the time of possession.

The Vikings have been lead by Jordan Mason at running back this season after an early injury to Aaron Jones. He has done a great job stepping up. However, that One-Two punch might be available tonight as the latest report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network says that Jones has a realistic chance to play against the Chargers.

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

A strong running performance will:

• Keep the Chargers’ high-powered offense off the field.
• Allow Wentz to operate in manageable third-down situations.
• Wear down the opposing defense, opening up play-action opportunities.

If Kevin O’Connell can establish the run early and often, the Vikings will dictate the pace of the game and put themselves in a better situation.

Bottom Line

The Vikings definitely have the tools to defeat the Chargers on Thursday night. By focusing on protecting the football, containing Herbert, and establishing the run, Minnesota can control the game and secure a crucial bounce back victory to avoid a losing record and trailing in a competitive NFC North.