NFL Predictions: Vikings vs. Chargers Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Sunday, 11 September 2011 17:00

It’s time for some more NFL predictions, and this time we’ll preview the game between the Vikings and the Chargers.

The Minnesota Vikings (0-0) and the San Diego Chargers (0-0) are all set for their 4:15 PM ET week 1 NFL clash on Sunday, and we hope that these predictions will help everyone pick a winner.  Our Vikings vs. Chargers NFL preview will include predictions on the score, a quick look at the betting odds, and a rundown of what to expect.

Donovan McNabb is the new starting quarterback for the Vikings and he’s a reliable starter with plenty of experience.  Minnesota will still be a running team as long as Adrian Peterson is healthy, but the McNabb signing should ensure that the running back has a little more room to navigate with defenses unable to load the box with the possibility of the pass.  It won’t be easy against a San Diego defense that allowed the fewest yards in the NFL, but I think the Vikings can mix it up enough to put some points on the board.

The Chargers bring back just about everyone on their explosive offense and this team is once again going to be difficult to stop.  With defensive tackle Kevin Williams (out, suspension) and cornerback Cedric Griffin (questionable, knee) not likely to be available, it will only help out the San Diego offense, but there are some question marks here.  The Chargers are notoriously slow starters and Minnesota still has a pretty solid defense, so it wouldn’t surprise me if San Diego takes a couple quarters to establish a rhythm.

The last meeting in the Vikings vs. Chargers series was back in 2007 when Minnesota grabbed a 35-17 home victory.  The Chargers had covered the point spread in the 3 previous meetings to that game and 5Dimes Sportsbook has the home team at -10 on the point spread.  San Diego has been bet up a bit since opening up at -7, and tracked NFL bettors are split down the middle on which team to back with their money.

Bet on the Vikings vs. Chargers game at 5Dimes Sportsbook and receive a 50% cash bonus for using our link to get started.

Although I think the Vikings are going to be a better team than many are expecting, I just don’t think they match up well here.  San Diego is very good at stopping the run and asking McNabb to carry his new team is too much at this stage.  The loss of Williams on the defensive line will open things up for the Chargers’ offense and I think they are going to pass very well.  Look for 300+ yards from Phillip Rivers as the Chargers win in dominant fashion.

Vikings vs. Chargers Score Predictions:

Vikings 13

Chargers 31