Chargers deliver the thunder in dominating win over Vikings

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings – Game Recap

Los Angeles Chargers 37

Minnesota Vikings 10

Game Overview

The Chargers delivered a dominating 37-10 victory over the Vikings on Thursday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
This win was especially meaningful for Los Angeles — coming off a blowout loss only 5 days earlier, they needed a rebound.

Key Stats & Highlights

• The Chargers tallied 419 total yards of offense, including a season-high 207 rushing yards.
• Quarterback Justin Herbert: 18 of 25 passing, 227 yards, 3 touchdown passes, and also rushed for 62 yards.
• Running back Kimani Vidal: 117 rushing yards and a touchdown.
• The defense held the Vikings to just 164 total yards; Minnesota tallied only 34 rushing yards.
• The Chargers did not punt at all during the entire game! — something they hadn’t done since 2021.
• On third downs, the Vikings converted only 3 of 11 attempts.

What Went Right for the Chargers

1. Balanced and physical offense: While the passing game got the headlines, the running game truly set the tone. With over 200 rushing yards, the Chargers were able to control the pace.
2. Herbert’s rebound: After a rough outing a few days earlier, Herbert was sharp and efficient. He managed the game well, avoided big mistakes, and added value with his legs.
3. Defense turned up: The Chargers’ defense came up big — especially with the run game. Even without All-Pro safety Derwin James Jr. (who exited early with injury), they stifled Minnesota’s offense.
4. Sustained drives & control: With 29 first downs to 12 for the Vikings, the Chargers controlled the clock and game flow. Possession time and limiting mistakes were key.

What Went Wrong for the Vikings

• Injuries and absence of consistency at quarterback: Starter Carson Wentz played (with a shoulder issue) and was under constant pressure — sacked five times.
• Lack of identity on offense: The Vikings managed only 12 first downs, and the running game was virtually non-existent.
• Slow start and penalties: Minnesota dug themselves into a 14-0 hole early. Their defense, expected to be a strength, did not show up.

Injuries to Monitor

• As mentioned, Derwin James Jr. left the game with an ankle injury for the Chargers.
• The Vikings had multiple offensive line issues and quarterback concerns.

Implications

• The strong performance gives Los Angeles momentum as they move into a mini bye week, an opportunity to heal and build on this impressive win..
• For Minnesota, their poor 3-4 record after this loss creates more pressure for the Vikings as their playoff odds are now notably lower.

LACI’s Final Thoughts

This game was clearly a statement win for the Chargers. With Alt and Mack back, plus the All Pro performance by RB Vidal, the Chargers addressed many of their recent shortcomings — from offensive stagnation to defensive lapses. It was great to see the Chargers put together one of their more complete outings of the season. Now the Chargers get to rest with the “mini-bye”, so If they can build off this, the Bolts will continue to be a serious threat in the AFC.

For the Vikings, the banged up QB is not good optics. This ugly loss highlights that depth, consistency, and game-prep remain major issues. They’ll need to regroup quickly.

The depression reaches new heights every single week. 💔
pic.twitter.com/COLdODtp7Y

— #1 FIN Fan 🐬 (@EliteMarino) October 24, 2025

Walk-off with RB Kimani Vidal, who rushed for 117 yards and a TD — his second 100-yard game in three weeks. Bolts didn’t punt and win big, 37-10.@SportsCentralLA | @CBSLosAngeles pic.twitter.com/9VQkVIH3mb

— Chris Hayre (@chrishayre) October 24, 2025

that's sixxxx

📺 | @nflonprime pic.twitter.com/Xg78o6SQWK

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 24, 2025