TNF Week 8 Parlay Picks & Player Props: Vikings and Chargers Gear for Playoff Push

Thursday Night Football will deliver us another top-tier NFL battle as the Los Angeles Chargers host the Minnesota Vikings. At 4-3 and 3-3, respectively, these two teams are desperate to come out on top in Week 8 and stay afloat in the playoff race.

According to NFL.com's playoff picture standings, the Chargers are currently the sixth seed in the AFC and would see their playoff chances improve to 66% with a win on Thursday, while they would drop to 48% with a loss. The NFC, on the other hand, is a lot more top-heavy, with the Vikings currently 12th with a 20% chance to make the playoffs. They could improve to 28% with a win or drop to 15% with a loss. Most importantly, they'd improve to 4-3 and would be just one game back in the NFC playoff picture.

With so much on the line, you can guarantee that these two franchises will be fighting tooth and nail until the very end. You can also guarantee that there's a ton of fantastic value on any of your favorite sports betting apps this week, especially if you take advantage of sportsbook promos.

With that being said, let's dive into three of our favorite parlays we've cooked up this week.

Red Zone Woes - Parlay

📊 Parlay Odds: +1960 (via FanDuel) ⭐

• Leg 1: Under 44.5
• Leg 2: Minnesota ML
• Leg 3: Keenan Allen Anytime Touchdown
• Leg 4: Carson Wentz 1+ TDs
• Leg 5: Justin Herbert 1+ TDs

The Vikings and the Chargers are both top-10 in red zone defense and in passing defense. Heck, the Vikings held Saquon Barkley to just 42 yards of total offense; that's otherworldly in itself. Considering the Chargers' leading rusher last week was Justin Herbert, that doesn't look like good news for LA.

The Vikings may have Aaron Jones back on Thursday as he comes off the injured reserve list, though Jordan Mason should maintain his role as the lead back. With less than ideal run games, both teams will probably keep the ball in the air. Minnesota is much more defined on both sides of the ball, which should work out in their favor.

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Herbert Lets It Fly - Parlay

📊 Parlay Odds: +2300 (via Caesars Sportsbook) ⭐

• Leg 1: Over 44.5
• Leg 2: Chargers -3.5
• Leg 3: Keenan Allen Anytime TD
• Leg 4: Oronde Gadsden II Anytime TD
• Leg 5: Justin Herbert 3+ TDs
• Leg 6: Justin Herbert 300+ Passing Yards

The Chargers' passing game is as bipolar as they come. You never know if Justin Herbert is going to look like the best quarterback in the NFL or if he's going to put up a stinker. So far, it's been about 50/50, with Herbert doing his absolute best to keep up with the Indianapolis Colts in last week's 38-24 shootout, with the former sixth overall pick throwing for 420 yards and three touchdowns.

Herbert's connection with Keenan Allen is blossoming once again, while rookie TE Oronde Gadsden II has broken out over the last two weeks, scoring last game and totaling 232 receiving yards. Gadsden could be the key to the Chargers unlocking their offense, especially if the Chargers get Hampton back at full strength and/or trade for a running back in the next couple of weeks.

Until then, expect an air raid from Justin Herbert. He's thrown the ball at least 38 times in four of his last five starts, including a whopping 55 passing attempts last week.

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Kimani Vidal Balls Out Again - Player Prop Parlay

📊 Parlay Odds: +500 (via Caesars Sportsbook) ⭐

• Leg 1: Kimani Vidal 70+ Rushing Yards
• Leg 2: Kimani Vidal 20+ Receiving Yards
• Leg 3: Kimani Vidal Anytime Touchdown

In Week 6, Kimani Vidal was the ninth-ranked fantasy running back in football after he blew up for 138 total yards and a receiving touchdown in the Chargers' 29-27 win over the Miami Dolphins. Last week against the Colts, he was shut down and only had 20 yards on nine carries, mostly due to the game script.

This game should be a lot closer than the Colts game, though Minnesota's rush defense is much better than Miami's, who have the worst rushing defense in the league. We don't know how this is going to go for Vidal, but we would guess this is a much better bet than +500 would suggest.

Featured Image Mandatory Credit: (AP photo / Abbie Parr)