TNF bets: Chargers look to rebound vs. Wentz-led Vikings
The Chargers welcome the Vikings to SoFi Stadium to open Week 8 festivities Thursday night. Los Angeles is just over a field-goal favorite at home in a matchup where both teams are looking to avoid their second straight loss.
We have our pick, favorite player props, and touchdown scorer bets to hopefully get you off to a winning start for Week 8.
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π Pick: Chargers (-3.5)
With more and more tape available on Carson Wentz as a Viking, he's beginning to regress to the turnover-prone quarterback that's bounced around the league the last few years. Wentz was sacked twice and threw two interceptions against the Eagles last week, increasing his season total to 14 sacks and four interceptions in four starts.
The Chargers proved they can still score by putting up 24 points against a strong Colts defense. Meanwhile, Jim Harbaugh's defense will have an easier time handling Wentz compared to a revitalized Daniel Jones and the Colts' offense.
Joe Alt is trending toward playing, providing a huge boost for a struggling Chargers offensive line. His return will help Justin Herbert operate efficiently, and Herbert should be able to put up enough points on the Vikings to cover 3.5 points at home over a far inferior quarterback.
π Bet: Over 5.5 receptions
Justin Jefferson has earned 32 targets over his last three games, catching seven or more passes in two of them. The Vikings are making a point of targeting their top receiver, and that should continue with Wentz under center.
π Bet: Over 4.5 receptions
Gadsden has emerged as the best tight end on the Chargers' roster and has earned his quarterback's trust. In the past two games, Herbert has targeted the fifth-round rookie 17 times, which Gadsden has turned into 14 catches for 232 yards. There's no reason to expect Herbert to move away from the production Gadsden is supplying.
π Bet: Over 19.5 rushing yards
Herbert has been running much more this year, surpassing 19.5 rushing yards in five of seven contests. His offensive line is still beat-up, so he'll likely need to scramble more often than he'd like. The Chargers' lack of rushing attack also means Herbert will drop back to pass more often, increasing the chances he's forced to take off and run.
NFL news editor Brenden Deeg will provide touchdown scorer props all season long.
Bet: Anytime TD (+165)
We're going right back to Allen after he hit for us in Week 7. Minnesota's defense just got torched by A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith and now has a short turnaround against a veteran wideout who's been awesome since returning to the Chargers. Allen leads the team in targets (65), receptions (44), and receiving yards (435) while scoring four touchdowns. His +165 number is great value considering his production this season.
Bet: Anytime TD (+440)
We'll take a swing on Minnesota in this game. Even with Jordan Addison returning to the lineup, Nailor has remained a key part of the offense. The 26-year-old wideout has played over 74% of the Vikings' offensive snaps and leads the team in red-zone targets this season.
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