It was a sloppy day on the road as the San Diego Chargers lost 24-19 in Cincinnati despite solid games from quarterback Philip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon. Over at Minnesota, the Vikings welcomed Adrian Peterson back to TCF Bank Stadium as he led his team to a 26-16 victory over the Detroit Lions. Can the Vikings give their fans an encore, or will the Chargers spoil the party?
If you’re down for some high-stakes football games, check out our complete previews for Week 3’s hot divisional matchups in the Redskins vs. Giants and Bengals vs. Ravens right after this.
[sc:Football ]San Diego Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings Preview
Where: TCF Bank Stadium, Minnesota
When: Sunday, September 27, 1:00 PM ET
Line: San Diego Chargers (+2.5) at Minnesota Vikings (-2.5); total: 44.5 – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the San Diego Chargers
Philip Rivers became the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdown passes (255) after throwing two TDs in a road loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chargers’ franchise quarterback will need to be at his best as San Diego takes on another tough road game at Minnesota in Week 3.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Rivers has been excellent in putting the ball in the hands of his receivers. He’s completed 56 of 69 passes (81 percent) for 645 yards and four touchdowns through two games in 2015. But regularly airing it out also has Rivers making costly turnovers; he has thrown three interceptions thus far. He’ll have a chance to pick up significant yardage against a Minnesota pass defense which allowed 286 yards in its home opener against Detroit Sunday.
A balanced receiving corps has helped Rivers in the passing game. Keenan Allen had 15 catches for 166 yards to lead all San Diego receivers in Week 1. Malcom Floyd then led the receiving corps with 55 yards and a score in the Week 2 loss to the Bengals. Stevie Johnson should not be forgotten as well; he’s the only receiver with two San Diego receiving touchdowns thus far this year.
Having a handful of capable receivers should help offset the loss of Rivers’ favorite target, tight end Antonio Gates, who’s still suspended for two more games.
Week 2 also showed what rookie running back Melvin Gordon could do in the NFL. Gordon rushed for 88 yards on 16 carries against the Bengals’ stout rushing defense, including three runs of 20-plus yards. While the offensive line has done Gordon some good, it hasn’t been of much help in protecting Rivers. The quarterback took four sacks against the Bengals.
An inability to stop the run could hurt the Chargers’ chances as well. San Diego has allowed 200 yards rushing on 31 carries (6.5 yards per carry) through the first two games of the season — not a good sign heading into the match against the Vikings’ star running back, Adrian Peterson.
The Chargers have lost three of their last five games against NFC North teams, going 1-4 against the spread.
Betting on the Minnesota Vikings
It was “a great day for football” as per Adrian Peterson, who played his first game in Minnesota since December 1, 2013. Peterson rushed for 134 yards on 29 carries as he gave the Vikings the spark they needed to rebound from a horrendous 20-3 loss in Week 1 of the regular season against the 49ers with a 26-16 victory over the Lions this past Sunday. He also caught two passes for 58 yards as he helped pace the receiving corps.
Having Peterson at his best helped relieve some of the pressure on quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who went 14 for 18 for 153 yards and a touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Rudolph against Detroit, and was sacked only once during the game. Bridgewater also showed that he can make plays with his legs, scrambling for 21 yards and a one-yard touchdown.
Bridgewater’s passing skills may be in full display in the upcoming matchup with San Diego. The Chargers have been generous through the air, allowing five passing touchdowns through the first two games of the season.
Minnesota’s defense still needs some work to do, though. While the Vikings limited Detroit to 16 points in Week 2, they still allowed 323 total yards. But forcing the Lions into committing turnovers ended up being the most crucial aspect of the D in getting the victory. Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn and free safety Harrison Smith each forced a fumble against the Lions in Week 2, while defensive end Justin Trattou picked off Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford as well.
The defense has a favorable matchup against a turnover-prone Chargers team. San Diego already has three turnovers through the first two games of the season.
The Vikings have won four straight home games, going 3-1 against the spread.
Writer’s Prediction
The Chargers offensive line shows much improvement against the Vikings, allowing Rivers to be comfortable in the pocket. San Diego (+2.5) wins and covers on the road.
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