The Chargers look to ride their recent early season magic back into the win column after getting snuffed out in Cincinnati last week while the Vikings are out to prove they really are a threat in the NFC. The teams collide in an intra-conference matchup Sunday. Though they failed to cover last week, San Diego has been a bettors dream in the first month of the season posting a 9-1-1 ATS record in their last 11 September games.
ODDS
Minnesota opened as a 1-point favorite with the total at 45.5. The line was wagered to -2.5 for the Vikings, who are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games. The Vikes were able to cover as 2.5-point faves last week, but are just 1-5 ATS when laying points.
KEY INJURIES
Ladarius Green – Was limited in practice after sustaining his second concussion in two weeks. He suffered the second head injury against the Bengals last weekend and is in the league’s concussion protocol. He’s filled in nicely at tight end for the suspended Antonio Gates, but his status leaves the Chargers with just two healthy tight ends in David Johnson and John Phillips.
Chris Watt – Didn’t practice due to a groin injury, putting his availability in question. Trevor Robinson would fill in at center if Watt can’t go.
Brandon Fusco – The Vikings’ battered offensive line could be at risk of losing another starter as Fusco will have to be cleared by the league after sustaining a concussion. Undrafted rookie Zac Kerin could see time at Fusco’s left guard spot.
KEY MISMATCH
The Vikings found out what had been forgotten over 16 games – Adrian Peterson is still the team’s meal ticket. After missing all but the first game last season, Peterson returned and looked rusty in this year’s opener, and wasn’t even featured in the Vikings offense. He had 31 yards on 10 carries against the Niners. Last week was a different story. Playing before the hometown fans, Peterson erupted for 134 yards on 29 rushes. But AP was his own worst critic. “I had 130-something yards, and people said, ‘Oh, you looked good,’” he said. “But me, personally, that wasn’t the Adrian Peterson I remember last Sunday.” The Vikings saw the Bengals gouge the Chargers on the ground last week and will ride Peterson, who rushed for an NFL record 296 yards the last time San Diego visited the Twin Cities. Of course that was eight years ago and plenty has changed, but the Chargers run defense has been porous, allowing a stunning 3.87 yards per carry before contact, by far the highest average in the NFL.
KEY STAT
-2 – San Diego’s turnover margin. The Chargers have turned the ball over six times already this season, the second highest total in the NFL. The Vikings have four takeaways and are plus-two in turnover margin.
BETTING ANGLE
He was one of the most successful head coaches in Chargers history, posting a 56-40 record with four playoff appearances in six seasons. Now Norv Turner faces his old team as the offensive coordinator of the Vikings. Turner led San Diego to the AFC Championship Game in 2007, his first season with the club, and three straight postseason trips. But following a 7-9 showing in 2012, his only losing campaign, Turner was let go by Chargers, who hired current coach Mike McCoy to succeed him.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Look for Peterson to get plenty of touches against a suspect Chargers run defense. But that’s not the only reason why. The Vikings are down to starters on the offensive line and could be missing a third depending on the status of Watts. The pass protection has broken down under the makeshift line and Teddy Bridgewater has been scrambling for his life, so throwing the ball is a last option for Turner and his offense. If AP can scamper like he did last week, the Vikings will control the game and likely get a win, but if they can’t, they’re in serious trouble. The Chargers were hurt last week by turnovers and must hold onto the football to have a chance. This has the makings of a close game, but I like the Chargers behind Phillip Rivers to do enough offensively to get his team the upset road win while staying below the total.
San Diego 23, Minnesota 20
The NFL betting lines for this Sunday game were first available at BookMaker Sportsbook. The Vikings were pegged as 1-point chalk while the total opened at 45.5. Live wagering during commercials offers adjusted moneylines, totals and spreads. Log in and start gambling during the game now!
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