Thursday Night Football in Week 8 features an exciting showdown as the Vikings take on the Chargers under the lights in Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium.
- For more Thursday Night Football coverage, check out Sean Koerner's Vikings vs Chargers preview for TNF.
For my top Vikings vs Chargers NFL PrizePicks and Underdog plays, I’m highlighting Carson Wentz, Justin Jefferson, and Ladd McConkey.
Carson Wentz
Less Than 1.5 Passing Touchdowns
There is a clear plan of attack against the Chargers' defense, and that is to pound the rock on the ground.
The Chargers rank 28th in yards per rush and 29th in rushing touchdowns allowed per game.
Conversely, Los Angeles has been stout against the passing game, ranking fifth in opponent completion percentage and seventh in yards per pass allowed. This means Minnesota is likely to run the ball more as it makes its way down the field.
So, while Carson Wentz has averaged 6.2 red-zone passing attempts per game this season, that number should go down tonight.
He has stayed below this total in each of his last two games, and the Vikings' scheme tonight should aid this play.
Justin Jefferson
Less Than 81.5 Receiving Yards
Much of what was highlighted above will carry over and impact Minnesota's top wide receiver, Justin Jefferson.
Jefferson has had a very solid campaign, but his expectations for this matchup are a bit too high.
Jefferson has gone below this total in four of six games this season, and I expect the Chargers, who have been tough on opposing wide receivers, to make someone else beat them tonight.
Fade Jefferson with confidence.
Ladd McConkey
More Than 0.5 Touchdowns
After a dreadful start to the season, Ladd McConkey has come on strong over the last three games. Over the previous three weeks, McConkey has seen 31 targets and has hauled in 64 percent of his targets this season.
More importantly, seven of those 31 targets came in the red zone, and subsequently, McConkey found paydirt twice. Tonight, he has a great chance to score against a Minnesota secondary that has struggled against the pass.
The Vikings are 23rd in yards per pass allowed and 22nd in opponent completion percentage allowed. They are also 12th in touchdown allowed to wide receivers this season.
McConkey is second on the Chargers in red-zone targets, and his ascension is apparent. Back him to find the end zone tonight in a great matchup.
