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Two playoff teams from last season meet in a battle to avoid starting 0-3 as the Los Angeles Chargers (0-2) visit the Minnesota Vikings (0-2) Sunday. Kickoff from U.S. Bank Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Chargers vs. Vikings odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
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Chargers at Vikings odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:15 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Chargers -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Vikings -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Chargers +1 (-110) | Vikings -1 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 54 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Chargers at Vikings key injuries
Chargers
- LB Joey Bosa (hamstring) questionable
- RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) out
- DL Christopher Hinton (back) questionable
- LB Eric Kendricks (hamstring) out
- LB Mike Rumph II (hamstring) questionable
Vikings
- C Garrett Bradbury (back) questionable
- LB Marcus Davenport (ankle) out
Chargers at Vikings picks and predictions
Prediction
Vikings 31, Chargers 27
Moneyline
PASS
Your investment is almost the same on the moneyline (-115) as it is vs. the spread (-110). If you’re picking the Vikings, laying 1 point shouldn’t be a deterrent so make a lesser investment vs. the spread and give away the 1 point.
Against the spread
TAKE THE VIKINGS -1 (-110)
The Vikings have lost 2 games by a combined total of 11 points to the Buccaneers and Eagles despite being a -3 in turnover differential in both. Minnesota is a better team that its winless record indicates because the most severe damage done to them is self-inflicted.
The Chargers have shown a unique propensity to just find ways to lose. Their defense got blown up by the Dolphins and they blew a double-digit lead and allowed the Titans to outscore them 20-10 after halftime in a 27-24 overtime loss.
If the Vikings can keep the turnovers even, they have the better roster to get things done, especially with Ekeler sidelined.
Over/Under
OVER 54 POINTS (-110)
No other game in Week 3 has an Over/Under of more than 48.5 points, and this one is a couple of field goals higher. That’s for a reason.
Both offenses like to throw the ball a lot, and neither defense has shown the ability to stop the pass. The Chargers are the only team in the league to allow more than 700 yards passing, and the Vikings defense can’t get off the field (the opponent has had the ball for more than 35 minutes a game).
The Vikings are 1-dimensional with a brutal run game, and the Chargers will be without their most explosive run-game option. This game could easily see 80 passes thrown, and with the receiving weapons both quarterbacks have, that could lead to a lot of points.
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