Chargers at Vikings: Preview and prediction

The San Diego Chargers are visiting the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon, with both teams aiming for a 2-1 mark on the young National Football League season. Minnesota and San Diego were both popular picks to reach the postseason this year with both led by offensive superstars.

San Diego has quarterback Philip Rivers, who has been nothing short of brilliant to this point. Rivers has completed more than 80 percent of his passes in the first two weeks, while throwing for 644 yards and four touchdowns. Rivers is doing all of this without future Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates, who is suspended for the first four games due to performance enhancing drugs. Rivers has instead been leaning on Steve Johnson and Keenan Allen, who have combined for 28 catches, 309 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Minnesota is hoping to see the proverbial next step taken by quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The second-year man out of the University of Louisville has been accurate but underwhelming at times. Bridgewater has thrown for 384 yards with a touchdown and interception, albeit while completing 74 percent of his passes. Bridgewater has a potent rushing attack to help his cause with Adrian Peterson back in deed and name, running for 165 yards on 4.2 yards per carry.

This game will come down to whether the Chargers can slow Peterson down. The Vikings were able to repeatedly gash the Detroit Lions last week, something San Diego must avoid. The problem for the Chargers is outside of defensive end Corey Liuget, the front seven is subpar. If the defense can rise up and simply contain Peterson, San Diego should win. Can it get the job done?

Pick: Minnesota 23, San Diego 21