Minnesota Vikings: Ranking non-divisional games in 2019

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 10: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks throws an interception late in the second quarter while trying to avoid a sack by the Minnesota Vikings defense at CenturyLink Field on December 10, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 27: Andrew Sendejo #34 of the Minnesota Vikings trips up Melvin Gordon #28 of the San Diego Chargers in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

2. Week 15 at Los Angeles Chargers

Some may be shocked by this choice. The Los Angeles Chargers come in a spot higher than the Chiefs on this list. This game comes later in the season. In fact, it is Minnesota’s final game outside of the division. The Chargers and Chiefs are both incredible opponents, but the Chargers matchup is a bit more exciting from a pure football standpoint.

The Vikings and Chargers are built almost identically. They both have elite pass rushes and a plethora of defensive backs. Their wide receivers are top-notch with a high-profile running back to complement them. But both teams struggle with their offensive lines. The Chargers have an advantage at quarterback with Philip Rivers running the show. Rivers is arguably a Hall of Famer once his time comes.

This meeting is the one I’m most excited about. The Chargers secondary will be the strongest threat to the Vikings passing attack all year. Casey Hayward Jr., Desmond King and Trevor Williams make up one of the best cornerback trios in the league. Derwin James was an All-Pro safety as a rookie in 2018. Nasir Adderley was selected in the second round of April’s draft. The depth on the back end is outstanding for Los Angeles.

The Vikings will have to get creative in order to move the ball through the air. Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are perhaps the best receiving duo in the league. Both are excellent route runners with strong hands. This matchup will be one for the ages.

The Vikings won the last meeting with the Chargers in 2015. However, they haven’t won as the visiting side since 1981.

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