2) Wentz, Jefferson face tough challenge
Carson Wentz will be making his fifth start in place of J.J. McCarthy, going 2-2 in the first four. In two victories, Wentz has completed 72.2 percent of his passes, averaged 204.5 pass yards and had a 3-0 TD-INT split. In the two losses, Wentz has averaged 331.5 pass yards but has a completion percentage of only 63.6 with one TD and two picks. Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson have been more productive with Wentz at QB, and Jordan Addison registered a career-high nine catches for 128 yards vs. the Eagles last week. Jefferson should be busy and will be a tough cover for Tarheeb Still and the rest of the L.A. secondary. The Chargers have allowed a 79.8 opponent passer rating in 2025, which is the third-lowest in the NFL, but the Colts lit them up for 38 points, with Daniel Jones registering a 113.4 passer rating on Sunday. Chargers safety Elijah Molden (thumb), who missed Sunday, was limited in Tuesday’s practice. Wentz has been at his best when the run game is humming, and Jordan Mason generally has done a good job. He could even get help from Aaron Jones, who has returned to practice after a stint on injured reserve and was limited Tuesday.
3) Vikings, Chargers each have their share of offensive line issues
Carson Wentz was not a sure thing to start this game because of his left shoulder injury. He’s been sacked 14 times and hit 28 times in his four starts. The Vikings have had five different starting OL combinations in 2025; only the Panthers and Browns (six each) have had more this season. With OT Brian O’Neill (knee) not practicing Tuesday, the Vikings might have a shell group blocking again. They’ve also surrendered an interior pressure rate of 10.4 percent, per Next Gen Stats, which is more than two percent higher than the next-worst team. The Vikings have allowed 11 sacks to interior rushers, also tops; third on that list is the Chargers with eight. The Chargers’ OL has fallen into disrepair since RT-turned-LT Joe Alt hurt his ankle. There’s hope Alt can return Thursday, but he, Trey Pipkins and Jamaree Salyer were limited in Tuesday’s practice, making their statuses uncertain. With the way Brian Flores and Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter operate, it could be a long night for the offensive lines — and the quarterbacks they’re tasked with protecting.
