Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 3 opponent: Vikings

The Chargers will travel to face the Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 10:00 a.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 3 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

Prolific passing offense

The Chargers, who are dead last in passing defense, are in for quite the challenge facing a Vikings team that’s one of the best through the air. With Kirk Cousins under center, Minnesota ranks No. 2 through the first two weeks of the season, averaging 337 yards per game. Cousins is tied for the most passing touchdowns (6). Minnesota has the second-most explosive pass plays (17), per Pro Football Focus.

Best of the best

It only took three years for Justin Jefferson to establish himself as the league’s best wide receiver. Jefferson has yet to find the end zone, but he leads the NFL in receiving yards with 309 on 20 catches. He is in elite company as one of two players in NFL history with over 5,000 career receiving yards before turning age 25. The other player? Former Viking WR Randy Moss.

Off to a great start

The Vikings selected Jordan Addison with their first-round pick and so far, he has been very promising. Addison, the former USC product, has been a downfield weapon for Cousins and has seven catches for 133 yards, with an average of 19 yards per reception and two scores.

Turnover problem

The Vikings have had no issue putting up points on the scoreboard, but there have been a handful of wasted opportunities. Minnesota leads the league in giveaways (7). Six of them resulted from fumbling and the other one was an interception.

Uneven defense

It’s only been two weeks, so it’s not fair to make an accurate judgment, but the numbers show a Vikings defense that’s been solid against the pass and poor against the run. The Eagles gashed Minnesota for 259 yards on the ground just last week. But the pass defense has made great strides under new defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Flores’ aggressiveness at blitzing the quarterback has played a significant factor.

Look out for…

Edge defender Danielle Hunter. Hunter leads the NFL with four sacks and nine quarterback pressures.