A game against a 5-8 team in a 25,000-seat stadium packed with Vikings fans won't be as easy as it sounds; the Chargers are talented and reached the divisional playoffs last year. If the Vikings win the turnover battle and avoid the West Coast doldrums, they will keep their NFC North title hopes intact.
THREE BIG STORY LINES
Concerned about the Chargers
The Chargers have outscored their opponents by 38 points this season, and they held the Packers to 184 yards in a home victory over Green Bay last month. Their fourth-ranked defense, Mike Zimmer said, has "three tremendous players" in DEs Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram and DB Derwin James.
Looking for a win out west
The Vikings' loss in Seattle two weeks ago dropped them to 1-4 on the West Coast under Zimmer, and 1-6 when playing in time zones west of their own. They will try to record a West Coast victory for the first time since 2015.
Respect for Rivers
This could be the last time the Vikings face Philip Rivers, who is playing his 16th season and has thrown 15 interceptions this season. Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said Rivers "is our starting quarterback," amid questions he might be benched for Tyrod Taylor. Vikings QB Kirk Cousins — long an admirer of Rivers — said he looks at the eight-time Pro Bowl pick as a model for pocket passers.
TWO KEY MATCHUPS
Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes vs. Chargers receiver Mike Williams