Vikings-Chargers Live Score Updates: NFL Week 3

Today's battle between the Vikings and Chargers, in some ways, is like having a playoff game in Week 3. These two 0-2 teams are desperately hoping to avoid an 0-3 start, which has historically been an almost impossible hole to climb out of and reach the postseason.

These are two talented teams who made the playoffs a year ago. The Vikings have a minus-6 turnover differential in two games and are still just minus-9 in point differential, thanks to an explosive passing game led by Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson. The Chargers' point differential is even smaller at minus-5, with two tough defeats by three points or less. Justin Herbert leads a potential passing attack, with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams as his top two targets.

Given the quality of these teams' passing games and the struggles of their defenses, this has shootout written all over it. This game has easily the highest Vegas total of the week. It may take 30 points or more to get the win in this one.

The Vikings will be without Garrett Bradbury and Marcus Davenport once again, but they do get back star left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Rookies Jaquelin Roy and Andre Carter II are inactive for the first time, as is veteran guard Dalton Risner (who won't start). Cam Akers is inactive.

The Chargers are without Austin Ekeler and Eric Kendricks. They also made cornerback J.C. Jackson a healthy scratch.

Follow along below for live updates throughout the afternoon.

Final Score: Chargers 28, Vikings 24

Read the recap here.

Live Updates

Fourth Quarter

0:00 — The game ends on a tip drill Kirk Cousins interception in the end zone. A chaotic finish results in the Vikings falling to 0-3. Justin Jefferson left the game with an injury late in the contest.

1:51 — The Chargers went for it on 4th and 1 from their own 24 and didn't get it.

2:53 — The Vikings had 1st and goal from the 3 again and couldn't score on four tries. Turnover on downs.

Chargers 28, Vikings 24

8:05 — It's been that kind of season for the Vikings. Akayleb Evans had a possible interception go right through his hands and bounce into Joshua Palmer's hands for a go-ahead Chargers touchdown.

Vikings 24, Chargers 21

11:20 — Justin Jefferson just hit paydirt for the first time this season. He caught a crossing route and got loose for a 52-yard touchdown to give the Vikings the lead back. This game is getting fun.

Third Quarter

0:53 — Danielle Hunter got to Justin Herbert on fourth down for a strip and a resulting sack, his fifth of the year. The Chargers were forced to punt.

Chargers 21, Vikings 17

3:01 — The Vikings needed that in the worst way. On fourth and 6, Kirk Cousins hit K.J. Osborn in stride for a 36-yard touchdown to make it a four-point game again.

Chargers 21, Vikings 10

5:53 — The Chargers are cooking. Kellen Moore just dialed up a double pass and Keenan Allen hit Mike Williams for a 49-yard touchdown. Allen had two receivers wide open on the trick play. He also has 12 receptions on the day.

10:50 — A break for the Vikings: Cameron Dicker's 53-yard field goal attempt goes wide left. It's still a four-point game.

12:23 — Justin Herbert just made an absurd throw on a deep ball to Mike Williams, who made a crazy diving catch. The Vikings challenged but the play stood as a catch, so they lose a timeout.

13:40 — The Vikings were forced to punt it away on their opening series of the second half. They need their defense to come up with some answers against Justin Herbert.

Second Quarter

0:00 — The Vikings ran out of time to get any points before the break.

Chargers 14, Vikings 10

0:47 — Donald Parham has his second touchdown reception of the game. The 6'8" tight end snagged a rifle from Herbert on fourth and goal.

Vikings 10, Chargers 7

2:08 — The Vikings had 1st and goal at the Chargers' 3 and had to settle for a short field goal. They take their first lead, but not by as much as they would've liked. They also got lucky to be bailed out by a forward progress call on what would've been another Alexander Mattison fumble.

6:02 — For the first time all season, the Vikings have recovered a fumble. Jordan Hicks punched the ball out of Joshua Palmer's grasp and secured his own forced fumble. That's a huge takeaway.

Chargers 7, Vikings 7

7:27 — Josh Oliver just caught his first touchdown with the Vikings and the third of his career. That was a big-time response from Minnesota's offense. Consecutive gains of 21 and 34 yards for Justin Jefferson got the Vikings in position to score.

10:13 — The Vikings get a much-needed stop on third down to get their offense back on the field. Justin Herbert and the Chargers had converted four of their first five third down opportunities.

First Quarter

0:00 — Kirk Cousins just got sacked on third down, which will force a Vikings punt to open the second quarter. That first quarter didn't go well for Minnesota. Byron Murphy Jr. is questionable to return with a hip injury and Alexander Mattison also got a little shaken up on a play.

Chargers 7, Vikings 0

2:51 — The Chargers capitalize on the takeaway and get on the board first with a Justin Herbert touchdown pass to Donald Parham. Keenan Allen already has five catches for 53 yards.

8:32 — My goodness. The Vikings just fumbled again. T.J. Hockenson had the ball ripped out of his hands by Alohi Gilman in the red zone as he was fighting for extra yardage. Minnesota started the series with five Alexander Mattison runs for 31 yards.