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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 23: Ladd McConkey #15 of the Los Angeles Chargers scores a 27 yard touchdown against Jeff Okudah #8 of the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on October 23, 2025 in Inglewood, Calif ((Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vikings fell to 3-4 on the season after a 37-10 loss to the L.A. Chargers on Thursday Night Football at SoFi Stadium.
They’ve lost two straight games out of the bye week, and there was nothing controversial about Thursday’s game. The Vikings were out-played in every imaginable way, between a shaky offensive line and a defense that played arguably its worst game of the season.
The big play
How it happened:
Things unraveled for the Vikings on their first defensive drive. Isaiah Rodgers appeared to have an interception returned for a touchdown, but it was overturned after a review showed the ball hit the ground. The drive ended with Justin Herbert hitting Oronde Gadsden for an 8-yard touchdown to give the Chargers an early 7-0.
It was just the start of the Vikings’ issues.
Rough night for the defense
Why you should care:
There’s no sugar-coating it, the Vikings’ defense under Brian Flores has struggled this season. They were atrocious Thursday night, aside from a Josh Metellus interception. The Chargers, with the return of offensive lineman Joe Alt, ran for 210 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per carry.
Kimani Vidal had 23 carries for 117 yards and touchdown. Herbert threw for 227 yards, and touchdowns to Ladd McConkey, Gadsden and Tre Harris. Herbert’s touchdown to McConkey gave the Chargers a 21-3 lead at the half.
He hit Harris from six yards out to give the Chargers a 31-10 lead with 12:42 to play, effectively putting the game away.
Carson Wentz’s struggles continue
Dig deeper:
Playing through an injured non-throwing shoulder, Carson Wentz continued to struggle in his fifth start with the Vikings. He finished 15-of-27 for 144 yards, one touchdown to Jordan Addison and an interception. He was sacked five times before Max Brosmer replaced him in the final two minutes.
Lions next
What's next:
The Vikings have a mini bye this weekend, and travel to Detroit next Sunday. The hope is J.J. McCarthy’s ankle is healthy enough to play. But if the offensive line and defense continues to struggle, it may not matter.
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