Thursday Night Football tonight: Vikings vs. Chargers start time, TV/streaming details, and what to watch

Bassyonni

ago 5 hours

Thursday Night Football tonight

Week 8’s prime-time spotlight belongs to Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Chargers, a cross-conference matchup that offers playoff-race implications on both sides. Here’s everything you need for tonight—kickoff times, how to watch on TV or stream, and the key storylines shaping the game.

Vikings vs. Chargers start time and schedule

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET / 5:15 p.m. PT / 1:15 a.m. BST (Fri)
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

Expect a quick-tempo opening: both offenses favor early scripted drives, and the venue’s controlled conditions typically boost passing efficiency.

How to watch Thursday Night Football on TV and online

In the United States, Thursday’s game is carried nationally on the league’s dedicated Thursday night streaming platform. Viewers in the home markets (Minneapolis–St. Paul and Los Angeles) also receive a local over-the-air telecast. Radio coverage is available in each market through team flagship stations.

Canada: Available via the national NFL streaming service and on major sports networks with Thursday night rights.
UK/Ireland: Carried on pay-TV sports channels that hold weekly NFL prime-time packages, with streaming through the corresponding apps.

Tip: If you’re unsure which channel/app you get, check your cable/satellite guide or your team’s official “How to Watch” page for market-specific listings.

What’s at stake tonight

Minnesota (3–3): A streaky start has the Vikings looking for their first back-to-back wins since September. Red-zone execution and turnover margin are the swing factors; when they stay even or better, the offense sustains drives and the run game has room to breathe.
Los Angeles (4–3): After a 3–0 launch followed by a wobble, the Chargers need a steady performance to keep pace in a crowded AFC wild-card chase. Third-down defense and late-game play-calling have been under the microscope.

Expected lineups and injury notes

Vikings offense: Carson Wentz is expected to start at quarterback while J.J. McCarthy manages an ankle issue. Keep an eye on the WR room—Jordan Addison has emerged as a volume target when defenses roll coverage elsewhere. Pass protection against edge pressure is the key matchup.
Chargers offense: Justin Herbert leads a vertical attack that leans on quick rhythm throws and intermediate crossers. If the run game stays on schedule early, play-action shots open up downfield.
Defensive watch: Minnesota’s disguised pressures vs. Herbert’s pre-snap answers; Los Angeles’ pass rush vs. a Vikings line that has been up-and-down against stunt games.
(Statuses are “expected” and can change near kickoff.)

Three swing matchups to decide Vikings–Chargers

Explosive plays (20+ yards): The Chargers thrive when they hit two or more chunk gains per half; the Vikings have limited explosives in their wins.
Red zone efficiency: Field goals vs. touchdowns will likely decide it. Minnesota’s condensed-field play-calling has improved; Los Angeles counters with tight-window throws to seam routes.
Pass rush vs. pocket movement: If Wentz is kept clean on early downs, Minnesota can lean into layered concepts; if Herbert gets time, Los Angeles’ deep dig and post routes come alive.

Betting and analytics flavor (info-only)

Neutral-field models rate this as a near coin flip with a slight edge to the home team due to travel and short-week prep. Turnovers have outsized leverage here: either side going +1 in takeaways has historically swung win probability by double digits in similar profiles.

Viewing checklist for tonight

Before kickoff: Verify your app login or local channel; pre-game coverage typically starts about 75 minutes early.
During the game: Watch third-down distances—if either team consistently faces 3rd-and-7+, expect punt-heavy stretches.
Halftime pivot: Track adjustment battles—blitz pickup for Minnesota, early-down run fits for Los Angeles.

Quick FAQ

Is Thursday Night Football on cable? Nationally, it’s a streaming-first package in the U.S.; cable/satellite viewers in the home markets get a local broadcast simulcast.
Can I watch without a subscription? Home-market viewers can watch on free, over-the-air TV. Others typically need the Thursday-night streaming access included with eligible subscriptions or trials.
What time is kickoff in my city? 8:15 p.m. ET; convert to your local time zone (5:15 p.m. PT, 1:15 a.m. BST).

Set your screens and snacks—Vikings vs. Chargers has the look of a tight, fourth-quarter game where one red-zone decision or takeaway could swing the night.