In a battle two offenses with very different run-pass ratios, the Chargers (+3) are gearing up to welcome the Minnesota Vikings (-3) to Los Angeles. Kickoff for this showdown is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET and CBS will broadcast the action.
Betting Preview: Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles is a live dog and is currently getting 3 points in this game. The Vikings are also receiving -150 moneyline odds while the Chargers are +130. Vegas has determined the over/under (O/U) to be 45.5 points. There should be some solid live betting scenarios while this game is taking place.
The game’s total has moved lower after opening at 46. The original line of 3 has not budged.
The Vikings have gained 3.0 units so far in 2019 and are 6-7 against the spread (ATS). The team’s posted an O/U record of 7-6.
The Chargers have lost 5.8 units for moneyline bettors this season. They’re 5-7-1 ATS and own an O/U record of 5-8.
The Vikings are 9-4 straight up (SU) in 2019 while the Chargers are 5-8 SU.
The Vikings are coming off a resounding 20-7 win over Detroit in Week 14. The defense did its part in the win, keeping the Lions to just 205 passing yards and 70 yards on the ground. Bo Scarbrough had a productive day for the Lions in that one with 65 rushing yards on 19 attempts. On the offense, Kirk Cousins completed 24-of-30 passes for 242 yards and one touchdown. Dalvin Cook (just 62 rushing yards on 18 attempts, one TD) and Alexander Mattison (46 yards on 14 carries) led the ground attack in the win while Stefon Diggs (six receptions, 92 yards) and Irv Smith Jr. (three catches, 21 yards) manned the receiving duties.
Los Angeles just earned a 45-10 win over Jacksonville a week ago. The defense held its ground in the victory, holding the Jaguars to just 171 passing yards and 88 yards on the ground. DJ Chark Jr. had a productive outing in the defeat, recording 75 yards on nine catches for Jacksonville. As a group, the Bolts collectively completed 19-of-27 passes for 340 yards and four touchdowns. Philip Rivers went 16-for-22 for 314 yards and three touchdowns while Tyrod Taylor was three-of-five for 26 yards and one touchdown. Melvin Gordon III (55 yards on 12 rush attempts, one TD) and Austin Ekeler (101 yards on eight carries) handled the ground game in the win while Keenan Allen (five receptions, 83 yards) and Gordon III (five catches, 29 yards) led the receiving attack.
Minnesota has run the ball on 50.6 percent of its offensive possessions this year while Los Angeles has a rush percentage of 39.3 percent. The Vikings have produced 135.8 rush yards per game and have 16 touchdowns via handoffs this year. The Bolts are averaging 97.2 rushing yards per game and have nine total rush TDs.
The Vikes offense has averaged 251.8 yards through the air overall and has 24 passing scores so far. The Bolts have put up 290.8 pass yards per game and have 21 total pass TDs.
Defensively, Minnesota has allowed 101.8 rush yards and 259.2 pass yards per game. The Los Angeles defense has given up 209.4 yards per game to opposing passers and 108.2 yards per game to opposing runners. The Vikes are allowing an adjusted net yards per pass attempt (ANY/A) of just 5.60 to opponents, while the Bolts have given up a 6.11 ANY/A.
Rivers has managed to complete 284-of-438 passes for 3,483 yards, 18 TDs and 14 INTs for Los Angeles. His adjusted net yards per pass attempt stands at 6.65 for the season and 10.96 across his last two games. In the other huddle, Cousins has amassed 2,998 passing yards on the year, and has connected on 250-of-350 attempts with 22 passing touchdowns and only three interceptions. Cousins has an 8.41 ANY/A, including 7.61 over the last two outings.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Chargers Free NFL Tip
SU Winner: Vikings, ATS Winner: Vikings, O/U: Under
Betting Notes
- The Minnesota defense has 38 sacks on the year while Los Angeles has just 27.
- The Los Angeles offense has lost seven fumbles in 2019 while Minnesota has let 11 get away.
- The Vikings offense has registered eight pass plays of 40 or more yards, while the Chargers have put up 11 such plays.
- The Minnesota defense has allowed seven pass plays of 40 yards or more, while Los Angeles has given up two such plays.
- The Minnesota offense has created 13 rushing plays of 20+ yards, while Los Angeles has created six such runs.
- The Vikings defense has allowed four rushing plays of 20 yards or more, while the Chargers have given up eight such runs.
- Minnesota has won four of its last five games SU, with a December 2nd defeat to Seattle representing the only loss over that span.
- As a team, Minnesota has averaged 3.3 yards per carry across its past three games and 3.7 over its last two.
- Los Angeles has averaged 5.2 yards per carry over its last three contests and 5.3 over its last two.
