Vikings-Chargers Week 3 Predictions: Which Team Will Avoid 0-3?

This Vikings-Chargers matchup on Sunday is as close to a must-win game as you can get in mid-September.

Both teams have started 0-2, with a combined point differential of minus-14 in their four losses. These are two 2022 playoff squads with plenty of talent who just haven't been able to get it done in the first couple weeks for various reasons. The winner of this game will feel like they're back on the right track heading into Week 4. The loser will drop to 0-3, which is almost always a death sentence in the NFL.

From ESPN's Bill Barnwell:

Since 2002, 99 teams have started 0-3. Just one of those teams (the 2018 Texans) has made it to the playoffs. The NFL now has a 14-team bracket, which would have added a second team (the 2013 Steelers) to the mix, but you get the idea. Starting 0-2 is bad. Starting 0-3 is all but unsurvivable.

If the Vikings lose this game, they're staring down a possible 2-5 start, given that two of their four games in Weeks 4-7 are against the Chiefs and 49ers. Kevin O'Connell's team has to find a way to take care of the football, exploit the Chargers' defensive struggles, and emerge victorious at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Vegas has the Vikings as 1-point favorites in this one, making it basically a toss-up. So who gets the job done on Sunday? Let's start with my prediction and then dive into some picks from national analysts.

Will's pick: Chargers 34, Vikings 31

2023 record: 1-1

Although the Vikings are at home, I can't quite shake the feeling that the football gods will continue to make Minnesota's 2023 season everything its 2022 season wasn't. O'Connell's offense should be able to put up points against the Chargers' leaky defense, but LA figures to do the same against a Brian Flores defense that is still finding its way this year. Justin Herbert has elite arm talent and a talented stable of pass-catchers, led by Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Even without Austin Ekeler, this is an explosive offense with Kellen Moore calling the shots. Ultimately, this game feels destined to come down to the final play. In 2023, the Vikings have been finding themselves on the wrong end of close contests.

National predictions

NFL.com: 4 of 5 pickers take the Vikings

Consider this my low-confidence pick of the week. Neither team has done anything to earn credibility in the early going, but the Vikings are at home and will have had nine days to prepare for the Chargers after losing last Thursday night. Minnesota has lost six fumbles this season, the most by any team through two games in 20 years, while the Bolts are the first team in league history to start 0-2 despite scoring 50+ points and having zero giveaways in their first two games. Maybe the Vikings play a little cleaner while the Chargers do the opposite? Flip a coin. — Dan Parr

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Vikings 32, Chargers 30

This is a game featuring two 0-2 teams in dire need of a victory. The Chargers are playing consecutive road games, while the Vikings will be playing on 10 days rest. That, coupled with the inability of the Chargers to stop anybody, will give the Vikings their first victory. Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson go nuts.

Ben Goessling, Minneapolis Star Tribune: Vikings 34, Chargers 31

The fact both teams are trying to avoid an 0-3 start will bring an extra level of intensity to this one. That might be especially true for the Vikings, who have lost two consecutive games at home, including last season's playoff matchup with the Giants, and their offense should have opportunities to attack the NFL's 32nd-ranked defense if they can protect Kirk Cousins against Bosa and Mack. Ekeler's absence takes away a key component of the Chargers' offense as well. At home, the Vikings will find an edge to win a close one, in a game where the over-under of 54 points could be easily eclipsed.

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Vikings 31, Chargers 28

This is a battle of two desperate 0-2 teams that made the postseason in 2022. The Vikings had a long week after the Thursday Night Football loss to the Eagles. The Chargers lost an overtime heart-breaker to the Titans. Los Angeles' losses are by a combined total of five points, and the Vikings are no stranger to one-score games. A small upset here puts more heat on Chargers coach Brandon Staley.

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Vikings 38, Chargers 34

The Chargers like to blow close games late. The Vikings like to pull out close games late. Their respective pass-happy, high-scoring thriller styles have put both teams at 0-2 as the defenses have been liabilities and the offenses can't always do enough in the end to compensate. Justin Herbert vs. Kirk Cousins will be full of fireworks, and based on the history and makeup of former Sean McVay ace assistants Brandon Staley and Kevin O'Connell, advantage Minnesota.

Bleacher Report Staff: Chargers 38, Vikings 35

Mike Florio, PFT: Vikings 35, Chargers 31

Chris Simms, PFT: Chargers 30, Vikings 28

Seth Walder, ESPN: Chargers 33, Vikings 28

Eric Moody, ESPN: Vikings 34, Chargers 31

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