Thursday Night Football tonight: Vikings vs. Chargers preview, picks, and key stats for Week 8

The NFL spotlight swings to Southern California tonight as the Minnesota Vikings visit the Los Angeles Chargers in a Week 8 Thursday Night Football matchup. Kickoff is 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT; 1:15 a.m. BST) at SoFi Stadium, streaming exclusively on Prime Video. Minnesota (3–3) is searching for stability after an up-and-down start, while the Chargers (4–3) look to halt a slide after dropping three of their last four.

Vikings vs. Chargers: where each offense stands

Justin Herbert stats (2025 to date): 1,913 passing yards, 13 TD, 6 INT. Herbert’s volume remains among the league’s best, and the Chargers are leaning on quick-game concepts to counter recent offensive line injuries. Explosive plays now come in bunches off play-action and deep crossers, with a greater red-zone role for the tight ends.

Carson Wentz and the Vikings: Minnesota has toggled between tempo and ball control while their rookie QB rehabs an ankle issue. Wentz has pushed the ball efficiently when protected, and the Vikings’ play-action looks are designed to free the middle of the field for chain-moving throws.

Skill players to watch: Justin Jefferson, Quentin Johnston, Jordan Mason

• Justin Jefferson stats: 34 receptions, 528 yards, 1 TD. Expect heavy targets on early downs and in two-minute situations. The Chargers have mixed coverages; if Minnesota identifies single-high looks, Jefferson’s deep outs and posts become high-leverage calls.

• Quentin Johnston stats: 28 receptions, 407 yards, 5 TD. Johnston has emerged as Herbert’s high-variance weapon—few screens, more intermediate digs and slot fades. If Minnesota’s pass rush forces earlier timing, Johnston’s YAC chances tick up on in-breakers.

• Jordan Mason stats: 84 carries, 380 rushing yards, 4 TD. With Minnesota managing snaps for its backfield, Mason’s north-south style and short-yardage conversion rate have mattered. If the Vikings win early downs, he’ll be the closer in four-minute offense.

Chargers depth chart and injury notes (Week 8)

Los Angeles has managed through shuffles up front, with key tackles working back from absences and others limited during the short week. The ripple effect: more chips and slides, extra tight end help, and a quicker trigger from Herbert. On defense, the Chargers’ interior rotation is thinner, which could invite Minnesota to test inside zone and duo early.

Vikings vs. Chargers prediction

Oddsmakers opened with the Chargers favored by about a field goal. The hinge points:

1. Protection vs. pressure: If the Chargers’ tackles hold up, Herbert’s intermediate game tilts this matchup. If not, Minnesota’s simulated pressures can force hot reads and field goals instead of touchdowns.

2. Explosives vs. discipline: The Vikings can live with long Chargers drives if they cap explosives; conversely, a couple of Jefferson chunk gains can flip game state fast.

3. Red zone outcomes: Both teams have moved the ball; the separation comes inside the 20s.

Pick: Chargers 24, Vikings 23. Slight edge to the home team’s quarterback play in late-down, late-game moments, but it’s razor-thin and turnover-sensitive. Lean Vikings +3 if the number climbs; lean Under if totals inflate on game day due to star power.

“Thursday Night Football tonight on TV”: how and when

• Platform: Prime Video (exclusive in the U.S.).

• Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET / 5:15 p.m. PT / 1:15 a.m. BST (Friday).

• Pregame window: Begins one hour prior to kickoff.

• Note: Local-market simulcasts and international carriage can vary by territory.

Chargers vs. Vikings matchup stats snapshot

Stats reflect regular season through Week 7.

Chargers vs. Vikings predictions: player props to consider

• Justin Herbert over completions: Short week plus protection management favors quick, high-percentage throws.

• Justin Jefferson over longest reception: One or two schemed shots can clear typical longest-catch lines.

• Jordan Mason anytime TD: Vikings have leaned on him in goal-to-go; carries consolidate near the stripe.

• Quentin Johnston to score: Red-zone target share has climbed; fade only if his price shortens too far.

NFL Week 8 predictions (spotlight slate)

• Vikings at Chargers (TNF): Chargers by 1–3 points; tight, one-score script expected.

• Two trending angles: Home teams on TNF with QB continuity; unders when both teams face OL attrition.

Bottom line: For Vikings vs. Chargers, the cleanest path favors the home side—efficient Herbert, controlled explosives allowed, and just enough protection to hit Johnston and the tight ends in scoring range. Minnesota’s upset path runs through Jefferson’s big plays and Mason’s late salting of the clock if they lead. Tonight’s margins are slim; one turnover or special-teams swing likely decides it.