Who is the toughest opponent on the Vikings’ 2019 schedule?

4. Los Angeles Chargers

2018 Record: 12-4

The Chargers are coming off of a great season. In their second year under head coach Anthony Lynn, Los Angeles made the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

Their offense and their defense were both among the NFL’s best last season and a lot of their top playmakers are set to return for 2019.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon despite the fact that he’s 37-years-old. Rivers did throw for 4,308 yards and 32 touchdowns last year, but he does only have one victory over the Vikings in three career matchups.

Even if Minnesota is able to contain Los Angeles’ veteran quarterback in their showdown next season, they will also have to try and slow down Chargers running back Melvin Gordon. After a rough start to his career, Gordon is now one of the top backs in the league and he’s coming off a year in which he finished with 14 total touchdowns in 12 games.

When Minnesota’s offense takes the field, they will be going up against a Los Angeles defense that ended 2018 ranked among the NFL’s top 10 in passing yards allowed and rushing yards allowed. Oh and the Chargers have a pair of pass rushers in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram that will likely give the Vikings’ offensive line trouble all day long.

Luckily for this matchup, the game will be played in Los Angeles where the stadium has been known to be at least half full of the opposing team’s fan base. If not for the terrible home field “advantage”, then an argument could certainly be made for the Chargers being Minnesota’s toughest 2019 opponent.