Vikings dominate Chargers in Los Angeles

As a result of a dominating day for the Vikings they beat the LA Chargers by a score of 39-10.
Minnesota Vikings 39 Los Angeles Chargers 10
Minnesota:
QB:
K. Cousins 19/25 207 yds 8.3 avg 1 TD 1 INT 96.6 rtg
RB:
M. Boone 13 car 56 yds 4.3 avg 2 TD
D. Cook 9 car 27 yds 3.0 avg
A. Abdullah 5 car 25 yds 5.0 avg
WR:
S. Diggs 4 rec 76 yds 19.0 avg
K. Rudolph 3 rec 48 yds 16.0 avg
A. Thielen 3 rec 27 yds 9.0 avg
I. Smith Jr. 2 rec 8 yds 4.0 avg 1 TD
K:
D. Bailey 4/4 FG (44 long) 3/4 XP
DEF:
I. Odenigbo 1 sack 1 fumble recovery 1 TD
A. Harris 1 INT 
H. Smith 1 INT 1 fumble recovery
M. Hughes 1 INT 
T. Waynes 1 fumble recovery
D. Hunter 1 fumble recovery 1 sack
J. Johnson 1 sack

Game Recap:
This was a HUGE day for the Vikings defense! In the first half both sides of the ball were a little shaky. The offense scored a little bit. But the Vikings defense kickstarted the Vikings winning attitude when Odenigbo forced a Philip Rivers fumble and returned it for a touchdown! That was probably the highlight of the day if not for a huge catch by Stefon Diggs to set up the game sealing touchdown by Mike Boone.
This touchdown was the first of Boone's career, then on the next drive he scored yet again! Congrats to Boone on a great game! 
Overall the Vikings played really well. Definitely some moments to improve upon and they should know that. But I think these Vikings should hold themselves high going into the Green Bay game as they will need all the energy they can muster to beat the division leader. 

Injury Updates
RB Dalvin Cook went out of the game in the middle of the 3rd quarter of today's game with a shoulder injury. He did return to the bench after a short visit in the tent. He never went to the locker room so it did appear the injury was not severe when he was walking around the sideline talking to teammates. Hopefully it was just a precaution by the Vikings staff given the huge game next week.
RB Alexander Mattison was also absent from this weeks game with what appeared to be a leg or foot injury. Hopefully he will return next week.
WR Adam Thielen returned to action this week for the first time since Week 11. He did not reinjure his hamstring and should play next week.

NFC North Update
So the Vikings won today which keeps them in pace to try and catch the division lead from Green Bay, but they still do need help. Word on that later. Green Bay did beat Chicago today which eliminates the Bears from playoff contention despite an impressive resurgence the last few weeks. However this does not mean that Chicago couldn't do some damage to other teams. They play in Minnesota in Week 17 which could be a make or break game for the division crown for the Vikings. 
The Lions lost at home to Tampa Bay, that doesn't really matter though as they were eliminated two weeks ago. 

Playoff Picture
Still some shakeup this week. The Vikings remain at the 6 seed at 10-4. Seattle won this week but San Francisco lost a heartbreaker at home to Atlanta so Seattle takes over the number 1 seed. New Orleans plays tomorrow at home against Indianapolis. 
Dallas won this weekend but so did Philadelphia, the Cowboys still hold the tiebreaker so they are currently the #4 seed with the Eagles still in the hunt. 
With the Vikings win today, and with the Rams losing that puts LA in severe jeopardy of a playoff spot. If the Vikings win next week or the Rams lose that will eliminate LA from playoff contention. 
There are still plenty of shakeups available. While it is unlikely, the Vikings can still claim the division crown if they win out and Green Bay loses their last couple games. Both teams play each other next week, then Minnesota takes on Chicago at home and Green Bay travels to Detroit to finish the regular season.

Up Next
Now the Vikings will return home for the remainder of the season. Next up is a Monday Night Football match with the Green Bay Packers and is huge for playoff positioning! Kickoff is at 7:20 PM CT.

#SKOL