Los Angeles Chargers at Minnesota Vikings: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 3 game
Editor’s note: Follow all the NFL Week 3 action with USA TODAY Sports’ live coverage.
In this matchup, both teams are seeking their first win of the season.
The Los Angeles Chargers (0-2) charge ahead in Week 3 by traveling to face the Minnesota Vikings (0-2) at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Justin Herbert and Co. have lost two dramatic games, Week 1 within two minutes and Week 2 in overtime. Against the Tennessee Titans, the defense had five sacks and the offense was without star running back Austin Ekeler. He has an ankle injury and there's no timetable for his return.
The Vikings return home after a tough road loss against the Philadelphia Eagles where they had four turnovers. Last year's offensive player of the year Justin Jefferson is the league's leading receiver with 309 yards but has yet to reach the end zone.
Will Los Angeles' defense be able to rattle Minnesota enough to capture their first victory? Or will the Vikings get things together at home?
PROP TALK: These are the best prop bets for NFL games this week
Vikings vs. Chargers odds, moneyline, over/under
The Vikings are favorites to defeat the Chargers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.
Spread: Vikings (-1)
Moneyline: Vikings (-115); Chargers (-105)
Over/under: 54
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NFL Week 3 odds, predictions and picks
49ers vs. Giants | Ravens vs. Colts | Browns vs. Titans | Lions vs. Falcons | Packers vs. Saints | Jaguars vs. Texans | Dolphins vs. Broncos | Vikings vs. Chargers | Jets vs. Patriots | Commanders vs. Bills | Seahawks vs. Panthers | Cardinals vs. Cowboys | Chiefs vs. Bears | Raiders vs. Steelers | Buccaneers vs. Eagles | Bengals vs. Rams
Lorenzo Reyes: Vikings 26, Chargers 23
This is pretty simple: if the Vikings turn the ball over just half of the times they have, they’re likely a 2-0 team. Minnesota’s mistakes are self-enforced while Austin Ekeler’s availability could be problematic for a Charger team that struggled Week 2 without him.
Tyler Dragon: Chargers 25, Vikings 23
The Chargers and Vikings have both underperformed. The Chargers have been the biggest disappointment because they were believed to be an AFC contender entering the season. The Chargers can still turn it around, but they better start this week.
Victoria Hernandez: Chargers 28, Vikings 24
The Chargers will finally pull off a win. It won't be easy, especially on the road and potentially without Austin Ekeler. But the Vikings have been playing sloppy and Los Angeles' defense will be ready to contain them.
Jordan Mendoza: Chargers 33, Vikings 30
It’s going to be big trouble for whichever team ends up 0-3, as they both have been making several mistakes that have cost them games. Both offenses know how to put up points, but this game comes down to whoever has the ball in the final seconds. Los Angeles is able to turn its misfortune around with a win.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles Chargers at Minnesota Vikings: Predictions, picks, odds
