Vikings vs Chargers Today -- Here's What You Need To Know

There is very little margin for error if the Minnesota Vikings (9-4) not only want to win the NFC North, but just make the playoffs. With three games left, and the Rams on the their heels, the Vikings need to take care of their own business. Run the table and they're in the playoffs. And it all starts with the Los Angeles Chargers (5-8) today.

But don't be fooled by the Chargers record. This is a good team. The Melvin Gordon holdout to start the season led to the emergence of Austin Ekeler, who has 11 TD's this year. Phillips Rivers and Keenan Allen have always been a dangerous combo. This Chargers team also has a very good pass defense.

Vikings fans got some good news this weekend. Adam Thielen is off the injured list and will play today. That should help Cousins and open up the offense more. Let's keep our fingers crossed that he doesn't re-aggravate that hamstring.

The Vikings are 3-4 on the road and the Chargers are 2-4 at home

Here's how each team matches up:

Vikings Offensive Ranks: #11 Total Offense, #4 Rushing, #14 Passing
Chargers Offensive Ranks: #10 Total Offense, #22 Rushing, #5 Passing
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vikings Defensive Ranks: #14 Total Defense, #11 Rushing, #16 Passing
Chargers Defensive Ranks: #4 Total Defense, #17 Rushing, #4 Passing
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points per game: Vikings 339 / Chargers 289
Points allowed per game: Vikings 249 / Chargers 251

Last 5 games (Vikings)
12/8: Lions 7 - Vikings 20
12/2: Seahawks 37 - Vikings 30
11/17: Broncos 23 - Vikings 27
11/10: Vikings 28 - Cowboys 24
11/2: Vikings 23 - Chiefs 26

Last 5 games (Chargers)
11/28: Chargers 45 - Jaguars 10
11/24: Chargers 20 - Broncos 23
11/17: Chiefs 24 - Chargers 17
11/7: Chargers 24 - Raiders 26
11/3: Packers 11 - Chargers 26