Chargers vs. Vikings Predictions, Picks & Odds Week 3: Who Snags Their First Win in Minneapolis?

The Los Angeles Chargers andMinnesota Vikings each look for their first win of the season, as we make our top Chargers-Vikings predictions based on the best NFL odds for Week 3.

TheL.A. Chargers lost their first two games by a combined five points. Last week,without running back Austin Ekeler, they led 11-0, but couldn’t hold off the TennesseeTitans, eventually losing in overtime.

TheMinnesota Vikings lost their Week 2 game to the Philadelphia Eagles by only six points but trailed 27-7 early in the third quarter. They average 337 passingyards per game, but just 34.5 yards on the ground.

To accompany your NFL best bets for Week 3, hereis our best Chargers vs. Vikings prediction and NFL picks (odds via our bestNFL betting sites; pick confidence based on a1-to-5-star scale).

Chargers vs.Vikings prediction

Maybethis bet is too easy, but NFL totals are rarely offered any higher than this. This line is six points above anyother total this week and the highest one of the season by 3.5 points.So far, three totals were 50 or higher at kickoff, and the Overis just 1-2. Both Unders were with the Kansas City Chiefs on thefield.

Thegame script plays right into the Vikings' strengths. They boastthe second-most passing yards per game and have so many pass catchers that it’s hard to imagine L.A.'s 32nd-ranked pass defense stopping themoften.

Theonly real concern for this Over is the Chargers running the ball too much. TheVikings allow 166 rushing yards per game, while L.A. is an NFL fifth in offensive rushing YPG. However, it’s more andmore likely Ekeler will miss his second consecutive matchup. If hedoes, then the Chargers' passing attack becomes a priority.

WhetherEkeler plays or not, this has shootout written all over it. Neither of thesedefenses is very good, and the offenses have so many weapons there'll be plenty of matchups to exploit as the game progresses. It’s a highnumber, but not high enough.

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

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Chargers vs.Vikings best odds

FanDuelis the only one of our best sports betting apps offering a total below 54 points. However, the priceit's asking is simply too high. For just a half-point, it’s not worthbetting at FanDuel for -118, when everyone else offers -110 odds.

We recommend Caesars. We like the Vikings to win this gameoutright, and right now it's the only sportsbook offering this as apick 'em. If you’re looking to make an NFL parlay, go there.

Chargers vs.Vikings odds

TheChargers opened as the favorites, but the line shifted so theVikings are now favored. The spread hasn't grown to 2 points or greater foreither side, so it's essentially a pick 'em. If Ekeler is confirmed out forthis game, then the Vikings may be field goal favorites.

Asfor the total, the number opened at 54, and that's where it stayed despite61% of bettors backing the Over. It’s rare to see an NFL total so high, so don’t expect this to rise even with the Over garnering so much attention.

Chargers vs.Vikings game info

• When: Sunday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. ET
• Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
• How to watch: FOX
• Weather: Indoors

Chargers vs. Vikings prediction made Thursday, 9/21/23 at 4:20 p.m. ET

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