San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings: Week 3 Prediction

Sep 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) talk during a break in the second half against the Detroit Lions at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings won 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

One of the more interesting games to watch in the third week of NFL action takes place between the host Minnesota Vikings and visiting San Diego Chargers. Both are considered sleeper picks for the playoffs, both are 1-1. Which team seizes the momentum in this matchup?

Injuries

Ladarius Green still uncertain with concussion

Antonio Gates is not expected back for a while longer and now San Diego got more bad news at tight end as able #2 man Ladarius Green is looking iffy for the game with a concussion. It’s not yet clear how his progress has been, but he’s practiced in a limited fashion, leaving hope he can go.

Jacoby Jones questionable with bad ankle

In other Chargers news they also might not have Jacoby Jones at wide receiver. The reserve target and return man has been dealing with a tweaked ankle that still hasn’t recovered, leaving him 50/50 to make the trip and play in the game.

Key Matchups

Adrian Peterson vs. Manti Te’o and Darius Butler

Run defense has consistently been the Achilles heel for San Diego the past few years and last week proved that against as Cincinnati ran with ease against them. Now they’ll have to deal with Adrian Peterson. Inside linebackers Manti Te’o and Darius Butler cannot afford breakdowns or missed tackles in this game.

Keenan Allen vs. Xavier Rhodes

After a huge season opener, wide receiver Keenan Allen was largely held in check by the Bengals. He needs to have a good game for the Chargers to function with their problems at tight end. Vikings corner Xavier Rhodes will be a primary matchup. Though normally reliable, quarterbacks have been able to pick on him lately.

Fantasy

Sit: Teddy Bridgewater

After months of high anticipation regarding what he could do for an encore, Teddy Bridgewater has been rather underwhelming through the first two weeks of the season, averaging just 164 yards passing per game. That doesn’t bode well against a rock solid Chargers pass defense led by their star safety Eric Weddle and Pro Bowl corner Brandon Flowers.

Start: Melvin Gordon

The rookie running back showed his first signs of a breakout against Cincinnati with 88 yards on 16 carries. He should be in position for an even bigger day against a Vikings defense that has had some trouble stopping the run, allowing 134 yards per game. Look for Gordon to get plenty of looks on the road.

Prediction: Vikings win 35-32

Really? A shootout with those two defenses? Yeah, it does sound crazy but sometimes that’s just the way it goes. Both teams look geared up for big days running the ball and have two quarterbacks that can take advantage. In the end the home field with aide the Vikings defense enough to force a late Chargers miscue to preserve the win.

Next: Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Week 3 Prediction

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