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Vikings vs. Chargers final score, results: Justin Herbert throws three touchdowns as Chargers stomp Vikings 37-10

Jake Mozarsky

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Vikings vs. Chargers final score, results: Justin Herbert throws three touchdowns as Chargers stomp Vikings 37-10 image

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Entering Thursday night, the Los Angeles Chargers lost three out of four games. But, against the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles showed why many considered them a contender.

Against the Vikings, Los Angeles ran for 207 on the ground to the Vikings' 34 and Justin Herbert threw for three touchdowns as the Chargers defeated Minnesota, 37-10. Herbert finished with a stat line of 18-for-25 for 227 yards, three touchdowns and an interception as Los Angeles — who started the season 3-0 — advanced to 5-3 on the season. Herbert threw for at least two touchdowns for the third straight week as the Chargers scored their season-high in points.

The Chargers have both running backs Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris out with injuries, but in their absence, Kimani Vidal emerged as the workhorse back. For the second time in three weeks, Vidal ran for over 100 yards; he finished with 23 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown.

On the other side, Jesse Minter’s Los Angeles defense gave the Vikings offense fits all night. Carson Wentz — who has started in J.J. McCarthy’s absence — finished completing 15-of-27 passes for 144 yards, a touchdown and an interception and the Vikings offense had 164 total. Minnesota’s one touchdown of the night came off the defense’s lone turnover which set up the offense in opponent territory.

AllSportsPeople followed all the action as Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert and co. Advanced to 5-3 and Minnesota to 3-4 on the season. Check out all the highlights below.

STREAM: Watch Vikings vs. Chargers on Amazon Prime

Vikings vs. Chargers score

 

NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule

Who won 'Thursday Night Football' last night?

End of the fourth quarter: Chargers 37, Vikings 10

11:18 p.m.:  The clock hits zeroes, and its Los Angeles with the blowout victory on Thursday night.

Herbert threw for three touchdowns and Vidal ran for over 100 yards as the Chargers offense executed on all units. Los Angeles advances to 5-3 on the season, and the Vikings lose their second straight out of the bye.

11:17 p.m.:  Rookie quarterback Max Brosmer is in for the Vikings final drive.

Wentz finishes the game 15-for-27 for 144 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Chargers 37, Vikings 10

11:12 p.m. FIELD GOAL:  The Chargers milked four minutes off the clock, and it ends with another Dicker field goal. 

The game is pretty much over, and Los Angeles bounced back to advance to 5-3.

11:02 p.m.:  Down 24, the Vikings can't do anything on offense.

On a 4th & 8, Wentz can't find a receiver and the Chargers take back over with 6:19 remaining.

Chargers 34, Vikings 10

10:57 p.m. FIELD GOAL:  With the game almost out of reach, Los Angeles stalls out in the red zone. It settles for a Dicker field goal, and it is 34-10 with just over seven minutes remaining.

10:51 p.m.:  Vidal breaks loose on his first carry of the drive, this one for 13 yards. The running back is now over 100 yards on the night.

10:47 p.m.:  It looked like the Vikings were driving, but on 1st & 10, Wentz overthrows Jefferson right into the hands of R.J. Mickens.

The Chargers defense forces its first turnover of the night.

Chargers 31, Vikings 10

10:42 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:  Herbert has his third touchdown of the night, this time connecting with rookie tight end Tre Harris for a six-yard score.

That was Harris' — who the Chargers drafted with the 55th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft — first NFL touchdown. After the Vikings cut into the lead, the Chargers answer right back.

10:38 p.m.:  On second down, Herbert tosses it back to Vidal, who sees an opening and gets down to the two-yard line.

Vidal has 19 carries for 95 yards tonight.

End of the third quarter: Chargers 24, Vikings 10

10:33 p.m.:  Once again, Herbert's legs come up big on third down.

This time, facing a 3rd & 4 just outside the red zone, he steps up in the pocket and scrambles left for eight yards.

Los Angeles will have a new set of downs to start the fourth quarter.

10:29 p.m.:  Facing a 3rd & 8 and momentum swinging the Vikings' way, Herbert connects with Allen for a huge chain-mover.

The next play, Vidal breaks one loose on the left side for 18 yards and the Chargers are across midfield.

Chargers 24, Vikings 10

10:25 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:  The Vikings score their first touchdown of the night, and it comes after two crucial Chargers mistakes.

First, a too many men on the field penalty takes a Reichard field goal off the board, and the Vikings opt to go for it on fourth down. While Wentz got sacked, a defensive holding on Los Angeles gave Minnesota a new set of downs.

The next play, Wentz lofts one up to Jordan Addison in the back-right of the end zone for a touchdown. Minnesota cuts into the lead.

10:15 p.m.:  Down 21, the Vikings defense comes up huge. In Chargers' territory, Josh Metellus reads Herbert and picks him off. 

Minnesota has the ball deep in the red zone.

10:11 p.m.:  Once again on a critical third down, the Chargers defense gets to Wentz in the backfield.

It's Khalil Mack, who is in his second game back after being on the injured reserve, who brings Wentz down. Los Angeles has the ball back up 24-3.

Chargers 24, Vikings 3

10:03 p.m. FIELD GOAL: The Chargers open the second half with a 4:55 drive, and it ends in a Dicker field goal. 

The kicker is 1-for-2 on the night as Los Angeles takes a 24-3 lead.

9:59 p.m.:  Vidal has been quiet since his touchdown, but he has his first big carry of the second half.

This one he takes up the middle for nine yards to get Los Angeles across midfield. The next play, he catches a Herbert bootleg and takes it 10 yards to keep the chains moving.

Los Angeles is over 100 yards rushing as a team.

9:55 p.m.:  Trailing by 18, the Vikings kick back to the Chargers as the second half is underway.

9:50 p.m.:  At halftime, it's a story of two offenses.

The Chargers outgained Minnesota 266 yards to 96; on third down, the Vikings are 2-for-7 and the Chargers are 5-for-6. 

Halftime: Chargers 21, Vikings 3

9:41 p.m.:.:  The Vikings drove past midfield before having to run a scramble drill to get Reichard and the special teams unit on the field.

With time expiring in the first half, the Vikings got the play off but Reichard's kick comes up short.

9:38 p.m.:  Once again, the Minnesota drive starts with a 10-plus yard completion. Here, Wentz connects with Addison for 14 yards over the middle of the field.

Chargers 21, Vikings 3

9:35 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:  Herbert had some huge completions on the drive, and it ends with one to Ladd McConkey.

From 27 yards out, Herbert lobs it up to McConkey on the right side of the end zone. McConkey comes down with it and it's 21-3 Los Angeles.

9:27 p.m.:  The Chargers and Vikings have been vastly different on third down, and that's been the story of the game.

On a 3rd & 5 in Charger territory, Herbert hits Allen on the left sideline to keep the chains moving.

9:22 p.m.:  On 3rd & 2, Wentz and the Vikings can't get the first down, but more importantly, the quarterback was grabbing his left arm after the play.

The quarterback was limited in practice this week with a shoulder injury.

9:20 p.m.:  Wentz and Jefferson connected for 15 yards on 1st & 20, and with the reception, Jefferson became the fastest player ever to reach 8,000 receiving yards.

9:17 p.m.:  Los Angeles is unable to convert in Minnesota territory and has to settle with a Dicker field goal.

But, the kicker swings it left, his first miss of the year.

9:12 p.m.:  The Chargers offense got to work immediately, with Herbert hitting Gadsden over the middle of the field. The tight end takes it for 40 yards and Los Angeles is down to the Minnesota 35.

A few plays later, Herbert hits Allen for a first down. Los Angeles is right outside the red zone. 

Chargers 14, Vikings 3

9:07 p.m. FIELD GOAL: Minnesota was able to get into opponent territory, but it's only a Will Reichard field goal.

Reichard nails a 35-yarder to get the Vikings on the board.

9:02 p.m.:  The Vikings desperately needed a first down, and it's Jefferson that provides it.

On 3rd & 5, Wentz connects with Jefferson on the left sideline, with the receiver making an acrobatic catch. This one goes for 10 yards.

Chargers 14, Vikings 0

8:56 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:  Two drives, two scores for Los Angeles. 

After Herbert's legs get the Chargers into the red zone, its Kimani Vidal who gets the carry for a three-yard touchdown.

8:55 p.m.:  Herbert doesn't scramble often, but when he does it's more than often a big-play.

This time, he runs to the left down to the Minnesota 13 for 18 yards.

End of the first quarter: Chargers 7, Vikings 0

8:51 p.m.:  At the end of the first quarter, Los Angeles has the lead and the ball in opponent territory.

Herbert and Gadsden were the story of the second half, with the quarterback completing 7-of-8 passes. Gadsden had four receptions for 36 yards.

8:45 p.m.:  The Vikings offense is unable to respond following the Chargers' touchdown. The Los Angeles defensive line gave Carson Wentz trouble on second down, and on a 3rd & 11 get to the quarterback before he could look down field.

Los Angeles has the ball back on its 41-yard line.

Chargers 7, Vikings 0

8:36 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:  The Chargers finish their over 7:30 drive with a score. Once again, it's Gadsden.

On 3rd & goal, Herbert finds Gadsden right over the middle of the field, and Los Angeles takes a 7-0 lead.

8:32 p.m.:  One of Herbert's favorite targets on Sunday's loss to the Colts was tight end Oronde Gadsden II, and the two have connected twice on this opening drive.

The second one was a 13-yard completion over the middle of the field.

8:29 p.m.:  Right after Los Angeles gets bailed out, the offense comes up big on 3rd & 13.

For the first time tonight, Herbert finds Allen, who is alone over the middle of the field to move the chains. It was a gain of 17 yards.

8:28 p.m.:  It looked like a brutal start for the Los Angeles offense, with Herbert aiming for McConkey on the left side and Isaiah Rodgers diving for what looked like a pick-six.

But, after review, it is an incomplete pass.

8:21 p.m.:  The next third down, the Vikings are unable to convert and the first drive of the game ends in a punt.

Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles offense will takeover at the 17 yard line.

8:18 p.m.:  On 3rd & 10, Wentz has his first big completion of the day to Jefferson.

The quarterback got rocked on the throw, but was able to hit Jefferson over the middle of the field.

8:15 p.m.:  The Chargers have kicked off, and Thursday Night Football is underway in Los Angeles.

Carson Wentz and the Vikings offense have the ball first.

8:04 p.m.:  Teams have taken the field, and we are a few minutes away from kickoff.

7:59 p.m.:  On the other side, the Vikings are wearing their all-whites. 

Something tells  

7:52 p.m.:  The Vikings have been without starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy since Week 2 against the Falcons. NFL Network's Rapaport provides information on when he will return.

7:44 p.m.:  The Chargers are on the field in their all-navy uniforms.

This will be the only time this season that Los Angeles is wearing the uniform combination. 

7:23 p.m.:  Here are a few more injury updates, provided by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

7:08 p.m.:  Justin Jefferson is ready for Thursday Night Football.

In 2024 against the Rams — who play in the same building — on Thursday Night Football, Jefferson had nine catches for 115 yards.

7:03 p.m.:  The Vikings also have their star left tackle available tonight, with Christian Darrisaw officially being active.

Darrisaw's surgically repaired knee, which caused him to miss most of last season, caused him to miss some crucial snaps on Sunday against the Eagles.  

6:54 p.m.:  Joe Alt, who is considered one of the best left tackles in the NFL, is back tonight for the first time since Week 4.

Los Angeles has posted its anactives for tonight as well. 

6:51 p.m.:  Minnesota has posted its inactives for tonight. 

6:50 p.m.:  Coming off a 400-plus yard performance on Sunday against the Colts, Justin Herbert looks to get his team back in the win column.

6:46 p.m.:  Here's another look of the Charger uniforms back in the day.

6:17 p.m.:  With eight receptions tonight, Keenan Allen will pass Antonio Gates for the most receptions in Chargers history. 

Allen has some history in the Minnesota-Los Angeles matchup.

5:50 p.m.:  After missing the past four games, Aaron Jones is back for the Vikings.

Jones was on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury, but he is back for tonight's pivotal clash. 

4:58 p.m.:  Tonight, the Chargers will be breaking out their throwback navy uniforms.

This is the first time these "Modern Throwback" uniforms will be on the field, with the the team inducting legendary safety Rodney Harrison into the Chargers Hall of Fame.

MORE: Kimani Vidal stats today

Where to watch Vikings vs. Chargers

Vikings vs. Chargers start time

  • Date: Thursday, October 23
  • Time: 8:15 p.m. ET

Thursday's matchup between the Vikings and Chargers will kick off from Los Angeles at 8:15 p.m. ET to open Week 8.

What channel is Vikings vs. Chargers on today?

The game between the Vikings and Chargers will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. It will not air on local TV unless you are local to Minnesota's or Los Angeles' markets; in the Minnesota market, the game will be on KMSP FOX 9.

    Vikings schedule 2025

    WeekDateOpponent/ResultKickoff time (ET)TV channel
    1Monday, Sept. 8Vikings 27, Bears 248:15 p.m.ESPN/ABC
    2Sunday, Sept. 14Falcons 22, Vikings 68:20 p.m.NBC
    3Sunday, Sept. 21Vikings 48, Bengals 101 p.m.CBS
    4Sunday, Sept. 28Steelers 24, Vikings 219:30 a.m.NFL Network
    5Sunday, Oct. 5Vikings 21, Browns 179:30 a.m.NFL Network
    6BYE———
    7Sunday, Oct. 19Eagles 28, Vikings 221 p.m.Fox
    8Thursday, Oct. 23at Chargers8:15 p.m.Prime
    9Sunday, Nov. 2at Lions1 p.m.Fox
    10Sunday, Nov. 9vs. Ravens1 p.m.Fox
    11Sunday, Nov. 16vs. Bears1 p.m.Fox
    12Sunday, Nov. 23at Packers1 p.m.Fox
    13Sunday, Nov. 30at Seahawks4:05 p.m.Fox
    14Sunday, Dec. 7vs. Commanders1 p.m.Fox
    15Sunday, Dec. 14at Cowboys8:20 p.m.NBC
    16Sunday, Dec. 21at Giants1 p.m.Fox
    17Thursday, Dec. 25vs. Lions4:30 p.m.Netflix
    18TBDvs. PackersTBDTBD

    MORE: Full Carson Wentz teams timeline

    Chargers schedule 2025

    WeekDateOpponent/ResultKickoff time (ET)TV Channel
    1Friday, Sept. 5Chargers 27, Chiefs 218 p.m. ETYouTube, YouTubeTV
    2Monday, Sept. 15Chargers 20, Raiders 910 p.m.ESPN
    3Sunday, Sept. 21Chargers 23, Broncos 204:05 p.m.CBS
    4Sunday, Sept. 28Giants 21, Chargers 181 p.m.CBS
    5Sunday, Oct. 5Commanders 27, Chargers 104:25 p.m.Fox
    6Sunday, Oct. 12Chargers 29, Dolphins 271 p.m.CBS
    7Sunday, Oct. 19Colts 38, Chargers 244:05 p.m.CBS
    8Thursday, Oct. 23vs. Vikings8:15 p.m.Prime Video
    9Sunday, Nov. 2at Titans1 p.m.CBS
    10Sunday, Nov. 9vs. Steelers8:20 p.m.NBC
    11Sunday, Nov. 16at Jaguars1 p.m.CBS
    12BYE------
    13Sunday, Nov. 30vs. Raiders4:25 p.m.CBS
    14Monday, Dec. 8vs. Eagles8:15 p.m.ESPN/ABC
    15Sunday, Dec. 14at Chiefs1 p.m.CBS
    16Sunday, Dec. 21at Cowboys1 p.m.Fox
    17TBDvs. TexansTBDTBD
    18TBDat BroncosTBDTBD

    MORE: Who is Oronde Gadsden II?  

    Senior Editor