How the LA Chargers can go 4-0 in November and boost their playoff standings

How Chargers can win vs. Vikings in Week 10

Let's say the Chargers beat the Eagles soundly. Their next opponent is the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota is 3-4 and facing the Baltimore Ravens this week. Barring an upset, the Vikings will fall to 3-5 and have dropped two straight games. Then they'll have to travel halfway across the country to take on the Bolts on the road. This should be another statement win for LA.

The problem with the Vikings is that they tend to suffer from the same affliction as the Chargers and often find themselves in close games decided by a last second score, no matter the strength of their opponent. The good news for LA is that Minnesota usually winds up on the losing end. All four of their losses this season have been by one score or less. As long as the Bolts can hang in the game, the odds are in their favor to get the final say.

Defensively, the Chargers need to get to the quarterback. Minnesota has one of the better receiving groups in the league, and once the ball is aired out to Justin Jefferson or Adam Thielen, it's usually too late. LA has to put pressure on Kirk Cousins to slow down this game. Cousins is a pocket passer and has notoriously struggled to make big plays under pressure. He rarely relies on his feet to put up yards, so it shouldn't be a terrible task to force him into some mistakes in this game.

On offense, the answer is the same as it was against Philly. Minnesota just let up over 100 receiving yards to both Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb, all with Cooper Rush under center for the Cowboys. No shade to Rush, but if he can have those numbers against the Vikings secondary, then Herbert is poised for a career game. Assuming the Chargers can clean up their drops and the coaching staff can elevate their play calling to fit Herbert's strengths, they are taking down Minnesota en route to an 2-0 start in November.