Will Chargers' recent leaky defense allow Vikings to keep things close? - ESPN

Week 8 of the NFL season kicks off with the Minnesota Vikings visiting the Los Angeles Chargers on «Thursday Night Football.»

The Vikings have alternated wins and losses each week this season and are coming off a 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Meanwhile, the Chargers won three straight to open the year but have dropped three of their past four, including last week's 38-24 loss at home to the Indianapolis Colts. After a brief stint as the favorites in the AFC West, the Chargers are now the third choice to win the division (+400), trailing the resurgent Kansas City Chiefs (-135) and Denver Broncos (+225).

The Vikings, who will stick with Carson Wentz as their starter at QB this week, are 3.5-point underdogs Thursday night.

Matt Bowen, Pamela Maldonado, Eric Moody and Seth Walder offer their picks, prop plays and analysis to help you bet the game.

Note: Odds at time of publication. For the latest updates, visit ESPN BET Sportsbook.

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Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Chargers

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Jordan Mason to score Anytime TD (+115)

Maldonado: The Chargers' run defense is collapsing, having allowed seven rushing touchdowns over the past three games and a league-high rate of running back runs resulting in a first down or score. Mason owns all of Minnesota's inside carries, has found the end zone four times in his past four games, and, with over 70% of the backfield touches in three straight weeks, he carries real spike potential for two scores (+750).

Jordan Addison to go OVER 55.5 receiving yards (-115)

Moody: Addison has surpassed this number in two of his three