Chargers Unleash Stunning Comeback, Leave Vikings Reeling in Dominating Showdown

Justin Herbert lit up the field with three touchdown passes, steering the Los Angeles Chargers back on track with a commanding 37-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. After a rough patch that saw the Chargers drop three of four games—including a tough loss to the league-leading Indianapolis Colts—they rediscovered their rhythm at SoFi Stadium. Scoring four touchdowns paired with three field goals, they not only secured a win but dealt the Vikings their second consecutive defeat since their London triumph against the Cleveland Browns. Herbert, currently the NFL’s passing king, took to the field with determination, eager to fix past errors and add to his impressive stats. The Vikings, meanwhile, continue to wrestle with inconsistency, especially with Carson Wentz struggling to fill in for the injured JJ McCarthy, who’s hopeful to return soon. This game was more than just a tally of points; it’s a story of resilience, strategy, and the raw emotion that fuels football’s relentless drama. LEARN MORE

Kimani Vidal celebrates a touchdown for the Los Angeles Chargers against the Minnesota Vikings

Ben Collins

BBC Sport journalist

1 hour ago

6 Comments

Justin Herbert threw three touchdown passes as the Los Angeles Chargers returned to winning ways with a 37-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

The Chargers suffered their third defeat in four on Sunday to the Indianapolis Colts, who lead the way as the only team with a 6-1 record heading into week eight of the NFL season.

But they bounced back to go 5-3 with a comfortable win at SoFi Stadium, scoring four touchdowns and three field goals to hand the Vikings their second straight loss since beating the Cleveland Browns in London.

“It was a big win for us, a big opportunity to go correct some more mistakes,” said Herbert, who came into week eight as the NFL’s passing leader and added 227 yards to his tally.

The hosts got into the end zone on each of their opening two drives, with Herbert making an eight-yard touchdown pass to Oronde Gadsden II before Kimani Vidal, who finished with 117 rushing yards, punched in his first NFL touchdown from three yards.

Herbert then launched a 27-yard pass to the corner for Ladd McConkey to help make it 21-3 at half-time, but the Chargers quarterback gave up his only interception midway through the third quarter.

The Vikings took advantage, with Carson Wentz finding Jordan Addison at the back of the end zone to make it 24-10, but the hosts emphasised their dominance with a Tre’ Harris touchdown and two field goals in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings are now 3-4 and Wentz struggled on his fifth start in place of the injured JJ McCarthy, throwing for 144 yards, one touchdown and one interception while being sacked five times.

McCarthy has been out with a high ankle sprain suffered in week two but head coach Kevin O’Connell hopes the second-year quarterback can return next week, when the Vikings face a tough game at divisional rivals the Detroit Lions.

“If JJ is healthy, JJ will play,” said O’Connell. “I believe we’re right around the corner from seeing him be healthy, have a week of preparation and go compete.”