The Los Angeles Chargers took care of business on Thursday night, racking up the points in an easy 37-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings. With the win, the Chargers improved to 5-3 on the season and are heading in the right direction again.
The Chargers have overcome a barrage of injuries and are still finding a way to win, the mark of a well-coached team. The team suffered another blow in that department when Derwin James left the game with a sprained ankle, but there is hope that it won't force him off the field for long.
The Chargers were clicking on all cylinders in this game and the Vikings were just not competitive with Carson Wentz in at quarterback. Here were the players who stood out in this one.
Los Angeles Chargers Week 8 winners and losers
Winners
Kimani Vidal, RB
The Chargers were down to their fourth running back, along with a couple of guys from the practice squad in this game, but you wouldn't have been able to tell.
Kimani Vidal came through with his second 100-yard game of the season, proving that he should have made the 53-man roster to start the season. With injuries to Najee Harris, Omarion Hampton and Hassan Haskins, Vidal should continue to be a big part of the offense.
"I just want to prove them right."
Kimani Vidal is taking this opportunity and running with it 🔥 #TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/c0S6EuTF0v
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) October 24, 2025
Joe Alt, LT
The impact of the return of Joe Alt to the Chargers' offense for this game cannot be understated. The offense was markedly better as a whole, standing up in pass protection as the Chargers allowed only two sacks and the holes opened up in the running game were impressive as the team averaged 4.8 yards per carry on the night.
Oronde Gadsden II, TE
There seems to be no doubt that the Chargers uncovered a gem with their rookie tight end as Oronde Gadsden made a big impression for the second game in a row. He caught five passes (four on one possession) for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Despite the injuries the team is dealing with, Justin Herbert has some great options to get the ball to and when he can stand back and fling it around, it's a beautiful thing to watch.
Loser
Quentin Johnston, WR
Where was he? Quentin Johnston was not targeted one time in this game. That could be due to the game script in which the Chargers were able to take their foot off the gas later in the game, but Johnston made zero impact in this one. After a strong start to the season, he has a total of six receptions in his last three games.
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