The Los Angeles Chargers had a convincing 37-10 win against the Minnesota Vikings in a one-sided affair. LA started the season looking like contenders, but were sitting on a 1-3 record in their last four games. The Vikings, on the other hand, might’ve just ruined any chance at the playoff hopes as they now sit at 3-4, dead last in the competitive NFC North. Here were my key takeaways from Thursday Night Football at SoFi Stadium.

Vikings lose 4th consecutive TNF away game

The Vikings might have something against TNF away games. Their record is 7-11 on Thursdays on the road, and they’ve conceded 30 or more points in each of their last four games, losing every single one of them. Weirdly enough, they’ve only won one game in the last ten TNF away games.

Chargers OL delivers while Vikings OL fails

Carson Wentz spent most of the night running for his life. He was sacked five times, hit nine more, and even had another sack wiped out because of a penalty. That ironically helped Minnesota set up its only touchdown of the night. Missing three starting linemen didn’t exactly help the cause either. That brings Wentz’s season sack total to 19, and honestly, those interceptions he keeps throwing? Not shocking when you’re getting hit from everywhere.

Meanwhile, the Chargers’ offensive line looked like the complete opposite, as Justin Herbert had plenty of time to do his work, throwing for 227 yards while only taking two sacks the entire game. The Vikings’ defense barely laid a hand on him.

Vikings’ defense continues to disappoint

The Vikings’ defense continued to disappoint, conceding 37 points to an offense that had not scored more than 30 points this season. They gave up 419 yards and only accounted for 164. After letting a struggling Jalen Hurts rack up more than 300 yards, this is another low for the Vikings this season.

Minnesota allowed the Chargers to convert nine of 13 third downs, including a third-and-13 early on, right after what looked like a momentum-swinging interception by Rodgers got overturned. It was all downhill from there.

“Nothing much to say. We got out-played. We got out-coached. There are no excuses. Injuries, short week, whatever. It is not in any way, shape, or form our standard of what we want to put on the field,” HC Kevin O’Connell said.

Carson Wentz struggles to get the offense going

He caught fire after he threw two picks last week, and he didn’t make his case either tonight. The Vikings’ QB accounted for just 144 yards, a touchdown, and threw another interception. He looked shaky the entire night. Sure, the O-line didn’t give him a fighting chance, but Wentz looked hesitant and off-balance all night.

It didn’t help that he was clearly bothered by that left shoulder injury. But, well, JJ McCarthy is likely to return next week against the Lions. But unless this offensive line somehow figures things out, it won’t matter who’s under center.

Justin Herbert dazzles and leads the Chargers to a win

On the other side, Justin Herbert was in total control. He went 18-for-25 with 227 yards, three touchdowns, and a single interception, finishing with a 122.8 passer rating. He even added 62 rushing yards on seven carries, picking up chunk plays whenever he needed to.

Just last week against the Colts, he threw for 420 yards and three touchdowns despite getting hit 15 times and sacked three times. The difference tonight? His line kept him clean. Give Herbert time, and he looks like an MVP candidate again.

The Chargers fixed their running game as Kimani Vidal steps up

The Chargers, on the flip side, might’ve fixed their biggest weakness from last week’s loss against the Colts: the running game. They racked up just 54 yards on 16 carries. But tonight was a different story, and it’s all thanks to running back Kimani Vidal.

With Vidal breaking tackles and Herbert dealing through the air, the Chargers converted nine of 13 third downs and didn’t punt once. Protecting Justin Herbert and keeping the run game alive is the answer to keeping the title hopes alive. This Chargers team is capable of going all the way.