The Los Angeles Chargers take on the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday at 2:05 p.m. PT.
Here are a few Vikings players who the Bolts must hone in on to increase their chances of coming out victorious in Week 10.
RB Dalvin Cook
Despite facing a civil lawsuit from an ex-girlfriend accusing him of assault, battery and false imprisonment, Cook is still expected to play. The stats might not justify it, but the Chargers’ run defense has slowly improved since Justin Jones’ return. However, there’s no denying that Cook is the most superior back in that timespan. Even though he only has two touchdowns on the season, Cook has a knack for churning yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. With his explosiveness and elusiveness, one bad angle, one slow read could end up being costly.
WRs Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson
Expect Minnesota to resort to its ground game often. But given that the Chargers could be without Michael Davis and/or Asante Samuel Jr. again, Kirk Cousins will likely look to take advantage of a thin cornerback room. Thielen has 45 receptions for 477 yards and seven touchdowns this season, while Jefferson has 46 catches for 632 yards and four scores. Both are capable of getting open and making plays at any given moment with their speed and crafty route-running.
EDGE Everson Griffen
Danielle Hunter, who had 31 quarterback pressures and six sacks, would have been included. However, he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 8 and will miss the remainder of the season. Despite the Vikings’ loss, Griffen’s partner in crime has been wreaking havoc. Griffen has 30 pressures and five sacks in 364 snaps this season. While the Chargers’ protection plan was better last weekend against the Eagles, Griffen is more than capable of doing damage.
S Xavier Woods
Not only could Justin Herbert potentially be in the face of pressure, but he will also have someone in Minnesota’s secondary seeking to eliminate his pass-catching targets and looking to turn the ball over. The addition of Woods has paid dividends for the Vikings, as he has been a role that caters to his strengths, giving him the ability to play closer to the line instead of as a deep safety as he played with the Cowboys. As a result, Woods has a sack, two interceptions, and allows a passer rating of just 31.4.