- by Zander Quillington
- on 24 Oct, 2025
Chargers dominate Vikings in a bruising Thursday night contest that left Minnesota staring at a 3‑4 record and Los Angeles perched at 5‑2. The showdown unfolded on October 23, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, as part of the NFL’s Week 8 Thursday Night Football schedule.
Game Overview
From the opening kickoff, the Los Angeles Chargers seized the tempo. Justin Herbert, the Chargers’ quarterback, completed 23 of 35 attempts for 287 yards, tossing three touchdown passes and posting a 108.7 passer rating. By contrast, the Minnesota Vikings managed just 203 total yards and a single score late in the third quarter.
The first half ended with the Chargers up 24‑0, thanks to a 12‑yard strike to a wideout at the two‑minute warning and a 34‑yard field goal from Cameron Dicker. The Vikings’ only touchdown came when backup quarterback Sam Darnold found the end zone with 4:36 left in the third period.
Key Performances
- Justin Herbert – 287 yards, 3 TDs, 0 interceptions.
- Jonathan Allen – recorded a sack on a second‑and‑seven play that halted a promising Vikings drive.
- Cameron Dicker – 34‑yard field goal that extended the lead to 27‑10.
- Vikings defense – forced two turnovers, including an interception by Darnold that nearly became a pick‑six.
Harsh words from the Vikings’ sideline echoed after the interception. "If that pick‑six had stood, we’d have a completely different momentum," said former analyst Tatum Everett during the Between The Lines post‑game podcast.
Injuries and Roster Moves
Both clubs were missing a handful of starters. The Vikings listed five key players inactive, among them offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (knee), defensive end Elijah Williams (coach’s decision), and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (neck). All are slated to return on November 2, 2025.
The Chargers also shuffled their depth chart. Offensive tackle Austin Deculus (ankle) and tight end Will Dissly (coach’s call) missed the contest, as did cornerback Nikko Reed and receiver KeAndre Lambert‑Smith. Each is also expected back by early November.
Coaches' Reactions
In the locker room, Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers’ head coach, said, "We put a bow on this one. Next week we face the Ravens, then the Dolphins – still Thursday night, still our house."
Vikings’ head coach Kevin O'Connell was less optimistic, noting, "We’ll bounce back next week. We need to fix the details that slipped away in this short week."
Implications for the Rest of the Season
With the win, the Chargers improve to 5‑2, cementing themselves as a top‑seed contender in the AFC West. Their balanced attack—over 400 total yards versus the Vikings’ 203—suggests they can handle both the running and passing game against stout defenses.
The Vikings, now 3‑4, face a crucial test against the Green Bay Packers on November 2. A victory would push them back to .500 and keep playoff hopes alive, but they must shore up protection for Darnold and find a way to generate a consistent ground game.
Looking ahead, the Chargers’ back‑to‑back Thursday Night Football outings against the Baltimore Ravens (October 30) and the Miami Dolphins (November 6) could either cement a playoff berth or expose lingering defensive lapses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect the Vikings' playoff chances?
Dropping to 3‑4 puts Minnesota below the typical division‑leader threshold. They’ll need to win at least five of their remaining nine games and hope for a tiebreaker advantage over the Packers and Bears to stay in the NFC North race.
What were the key statistical differences between the two teams?
The Chargers outgained the Vikings 412‑203 total yards, converted on 70% of third‑down attempts, and held the Vikings to just 10 points while scoring 37 themselves. Turnover margin favored LA 2‑0.
When does the Chargers' next Thursday Night Football game take place?
The Chargers return to the prime‑time slot on October 30, 2025, when they travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens, followed by a home game against the Miami Dolphins on November 6.
Which Vikings players are expected back from injury soon?
Offensive tackle Brian O’Neill, defensive end Elijah Williams, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, fullback C.J. Ham, and linebacker Chaz Chambliss are all projected to return by November 2, 2025, potentially bolstering both the offensive line and defensive front.
What did Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh say about the team's performance?
Harbaugh praised the unit’s execution, stating, "We put a bow on this one. The offense fired on all cylinders and the defense gave us the stops we needed. Next up, the Ravens and Dolphins; we’re ready for the challenge."