
Thursday Night Football opens Week 8 with two teams looking to steady themselves in primetime. The Minnesota Vikings enter at 3-3 while the Los Angeles Chargers sit at 4-3 after a humbling loss to Indianapolis. Quarterback Carson Wentz will start again for Minnesota with J.J. McCarthy still sidelined by an ankle injury. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will look to rebound after throwing for 420 yards in defeat last week. The Chargers are slight home favorites in a game projected to feature plenty of passing and scoring.
Here are four bets that stand out ahead of kickoff.
Wentz’s aggressive tendencies fit well with Jordan Addison’s ability to separate quickly and win downfield. The Chargers’ defense just allowed three passing touchdowns to Indianapolis. With defenses tilted toward stopping Jefferson, Addison remains the primary secondary scoring option.
The Chargers have surrendered at least two passing touchdowns in four of their past five games and sit near the bottom of the league in completion percentage. Addison’s burst and timing with Wentz create a realistic path to cashing this prop at +195 odds. Expect Minnesota to feature him on quick hitters and red-zone slants where his route precision can shine.
Minnesota’s offense is built to throw, and head coach Kevin O’Connell continues to emphasize early-down passing to set tempo. Wentz topped 300 yards last week despite inconsistent protection and now faces a Chargers defense that has given up five passing touchdowns in the last three games. Los Angeles has been particularly weak against play-action and layered route concepts, areas where Wentz has historically found success when given time to throw.
With Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson healthy and red-zone opportunities likely, Wentz should have multiple chances to find the end zone. At -110 odds, the over on 1.5 passing touchdowns offers a balanced mix of value and probability in a matchup that favors aerial production.
Justin Jefferson remains the centerpiece of Minnesota’s offense regardless of quarterback. He saw double-digit targets against Philadelphia and continues to dominate on intermediate routes, the exact range where the Chargers have struggled. Los Angeles has allowed over 90 receiving yards to at least one opposing wideout in five of seven games this season and ranks 29th in passing yards allowed per game. Jefferson’s separation skills and yards-after-catch ability make him a consistent over candidate.
Minnesota’s passing scheme thrives when Jefferson gets early touches. Expect quick outs, slants, and deep posts designed to isolate him against single coverage. The Chargers have allowed chunk plays through the air and will likely struggle again with communication on the back end. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is struggling to call a defense that can stop the run or limit downfield completions.
Jefferson has gone over 80 yards three times this season. He totaled 79 yards last week on just five catches and 75 in a blowout Week 3 win versus the Bengals.
Herbert continues to carry the Chargers’ offense despite multiple injuries to the offensive line. He attempted 51 passes last week against the Colts and has gone over 34 attempts in five of seven games this season. Minnesota’s defense under defensive coordinator Brian Flores blitzes at one of the highest rates in the league, often forcing opposing quarterbacks to get the ball out quickly. That defensive approach naturally inflates attempt totals, and Herbert is one of the best in the league at handling pressure with timing and precision.
The Chargers cannot depend on their running game with their line depth depleted, so Herbert will once again need to move the offense through the air. His connection with Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey has become the focal point of Los Angeles’ short passing game, which should produce a high number of completions and attempts. Whether the Chargers play from behind or protect a lead, Herbert’s volume remains secure.
Thursday Night Football sets up as a high-volume passing matchup at SoFi Stadium. Both teams are motivated to bounce back from losses and possess quarterbacks who thrive when pushing the ball downfield.

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