A solid Thursday night showdown features two teams trying to make a statement in their respective conferences, with the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Chargers. The Vikings (3-3) are holding steady in the NFC North race, while the Chargers (4-3) look to avoid slipping back to .500. Expect fireworks through the air, as both offenses feature playmakers who can light up the scoreboard.
🔥 Fantasy Starts & Sits
| Player | Team | Start/Sit | Confidence Meter |
| Justin Jefferson | Vikings | ✅ Must Start | 💯🔥🔥🔥 |
| Jordan Addison | Vikings | ✅ Start | 🔥🔥🔥 |
| Jordan Mason | Vikings | ✅ Flex Start | 🔥🔥 |
| T.J. Hockenson | Vikings | ❌ Sit | 💀 |
| Justin Herbert | Chargers | ✅ Must Start | 💯🔥🔥🔥 |
| Quentin Johnston | Chargers | ✅ Start | 🔥🔥🔥 |
| Ladd McConkey | Chargers | ✅ Start | 🔥🔥🔥 |
| Keenan Allen | Chargers | ✅ Flex/WR2 | 💪🔥🔥 |
| Oronde Gadsden II | Chargers | 😴 Sleeper | 💡 |
| Kimani Vidal | Chargers | ❌ Sit | 💀 |
🔥 START ‘EM
Justin Jefferson (WR, MIN) – Still received 10 targets last week while Addison pulled in 12. Expect Jefferson to convert more of those looks into catches and big yardage: he’s a must-start every week, no exceptions.
💪 Jordan Addison (WR, MIN) – Addison continues to impress as a route technician and big-play threat. He’s consistently finding space downfield and is just one touchdown away from a breakout game.
Addison, Smith among quiet fantasy WR1 options – Matthew Berry nbcsports.com
💪 Jordan Mason (RB, MIN) – Has cooled off recently, but the Chargers’ run defense has been vulnerable the past few weeks. On a short week, Mason could see increased touches and a solid stat line: worthy of a flex start.
Justin Herbert (QB, LAC) – Posted 3 TDs last week against a solid Colts defense and looks dialed in. The Vikings’ secondary gives up chunk plays, making Herbert a locked-in QB1 again.
Quentin Johnston (WR, LAC) – Snagged a touchdown on limited looks last week. With more volume likely coming his way, Johnston’s ceiling is climbing fast, a strong WR3 play.
Ladd McConkey (WR, LAC) – Fifteen targets last week tell the story. He’s quickly becoming Herbert’s safety valve and a PPR gem. Expect another 10+ targets in this matchup.
💪 Keenan Allen (WR, LAC) – The veteran keeps producing and remains a model of consistency. Fresh off another big performance with a score, Allen’s a safe WR2 and high-end flex option.
😴 Sleeper: Oronde Gadsden II (WR, LAC) – Has flown under the radar with 3 TDs and 300+ yards this season. Coming off a big game, Gadsden is worth a deep-league look as a sneaky flex.
❌ SIT ‘EM
T.J. Hockenson (TE, MIN) – Tough stretch continues after another missed opportunity last week. Until he finds the end zone again, Hockenson’s a tough start: sit him until further notice.
Kimani Vidal (RB, LAC) – The Vikings’ defense has been tough against the run all year. This matchup is a bad beat for the Chargers’ ground game; avoid Vidal this week.
Wrap Up
Expect both teams to lean on their star quarterbacks and playmakers in what could be a high-scoring affair. The Chargers’ air attack looks unstoppable right now, and Justin Herbert has multiple reliable options at his disposal. The Vikings, led by Jefferson and Addison, will fight to keep pace in a game that could come down to the wire.
