A cross-conference battle kicks off NFL Week 8 as the Los Angeles Chargers host the Minnesota Vikings on 'Thursday Night Football' at 8:15 p.m. ET. NFL player props figure to center on the passing games,

The NFL has handed down a punishment to a Minnesota Vikings player following their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7.

The Chargers have depleted their draft capital. Currently Los Angeles has only five selections in the 2026 NFL draft. They traded a seventh-round pick for defensive back Elijah Molden to the Tennessee Titans in 2024 and just sent the Ravens their fifth-round pick in the Oweh trade.

Minnesota finished 14-3 last season. The Vikings already have four losses this season after Thursday's listless performance in Los Angeles.

One of the main themes of the Minnesota Vikings' season is the absence of starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle), but that hasn't been their only key injury. Both he and veteran running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) have missed the last four games, the latter of which has allowed new signee Jordan Mason to take most of the carries.

The New York Jets were aggressive in picking up an additional linebacker that the Minnesota Vikings initially drafted.

J.J. McCarthy is in position to return as the Minnesota Vikings’ starter next week in Detroit against the Lions. McCarthy has missed five games with a high ankle sprain. Coach Kevin O’Connell said Friday morning that he “feels positive” about where McCarthy is from a health standpoint.

The Vikings still have Jefferson locked up through 2028, but contracts don’t mean much if a player wants out. Minnesota already lost Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones in free agency, both of whom are thriving elsewhere. Now rookie J.J. McCarthy could be the next hope. Reports suggest he might start next Sunday against the Detroit Lions.