Chargers Blast Vikings 37-10, Ready for Back‑to‑Back Thursday Games

When Justin Herbert, quarterback of Los Angeles Chargers, threw three touchdowns on Thursday night, the scoreboard flashed 37‑10 in favor of the Chargers against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The game, part of Week 8 Thursday Night FootballInglewood, CA, marked the Chargers’ most dominant performance of the season and set the stage for a rare back‑to‑back Thursday night stretch.

• Final score: Chargers 37, Vikings 10
• Herbert: 3 TD passes, 44 rushing yards on 4 carries
• Key contributors: Ladd McConkey (WR), Jonathan Allen (DL), Cameron Dicker (K)
• Injuries: Vikings missing star WR Justin Jefferson

Game Overview: Chargers Take Control from the First Snap

The opening drive saw the Chargers march 62 yards in eight plays, highlighted by a 27‑yard strike to Ladd McConkey that left the Vikings’ secondary scrambling. Herbert’s poise in the pocket earned him a 13‑yard touchdown pass to McConkey, putting the Chargers up 7‑0 within the first five minutes.

After a defensive stand, the Chargers turned the tide again when running back Vidal (full name not disclosed) burst through a gap for a one‑yard rushing touchdown on the seventh consecutive rush of the drive. That sequence epitomized the phrase "flying out of the gate" that the broadcast team used to describe Los Angeles’ early dominance.

Key Plays and Performances

Herbert was the story’s centerpiece, not just for his three passing scores but also for his improvisational 47‑yard scramble late in the first half that set up a short field. The quarterback’s ability to extend plays kept the Vikings’ defense on its heels, a skill the commentators praised as "consistent from his Oregon days."

On the defensive side, Jonathan Allen recorded a crucial sack on a second‑and‑seven early in the third quarter, a play the broadcast described as a "skill‑set masterpiece" that stalled a potential Vikings comeback.

Special teams weren’t left out. Cameron Dicker nailed a 34‑yard field goal just before halftime, extending the lead to 24‑0. His reliable leg added a second field goal in the third quarter, pushing the score to 31‑0 before Minnesota finally found the end zone.

Injuries and Roster Moves: Who Was Missing?

The Vikings entered the contest without their marquee wide‑out Justin Jefferson, who was listed as a game‑day inactive due to a lingering ankle issue. The absence left a gaping hole in Minnesota’s passing attack, forcing the coaching staff to rely on quick short passes that never seemed to stick.

Both squads dealt with a raft of sidelined players slated to return around Nov. 2, 2025. For the Vikings, that list included offensive tackle Brian O'Neill, defensive end Elijah Williams, and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. The Chargers were missing offensive tackle Austin Deculus, tight end Will Dissly, and cornerback Nikko Reed among others.

Coach Strategies and Reactions

After the game, Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn praised his offense’s execution, noting that “the blend of quick passes and power runs kept the Vikings guessing all night.” He also highlighted the importance of “depth on the line” that allowed the unit to stay productive despite Deculus’ absence.

Vikings coach Kenny O’Connell admitted the game plan fell short. “We tried to get the ball moving fast, but the Chargers’ pressure never let us settle,” he said in the post‑game press conference. He also emphasized that the team’s focus will shift to getting Jefferson back to health and tightening up the offensive line before the next matchup.

Implications: Playoff Hopes and Upcoming Schedule

With the win, the Chargers improve to 5‑3, tightening the race for the AFC West title. The momentum could be crucial as they head into a back‑to‑back Thursday night stretch, facing the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins in Weeks 9 and 10. A commentator quipped, “Put a bow on this baby as the Chargers dominate from start to finish,” capturing the optimism around the upcoming challenges.

For Minnesota, the loss drops them to 3‑5, deepening concerns about a playoff berth. The Vikings must win their remaining games and hope for slip‑ups from division rivals to keep the dream alive.

Historical Context: Thursday Night Football and Teams’ Recent Form

Thursday Night Football has become a barometer for a team’s ability to handle short‑turnaround weeks. The Chargers, after a 31‑24 win over the Indianapolis Colts the previous week, now boast two consecutive Thursday victories. The Vikings, on the other hand, suffered a “mini‑meltdown” against the Colts just a week earlier, a phrase the broadcast used to describe their uncharacteristic errors in the fourth quarter.

Both franchises have seen varying success on Thursday nights over the past five seasons. Los Angeles is 8‑2 on the road in Thursday games this decade, whereas Minnesota sits at a modest 3‑7, highlighting a stark contrast in how each team adapts to the compressed schedule.